Toilet roll can often be a contentious topic, with some favouring softness and others prioritising thickness. However, prices have skyrocketed in recent years, particularly for market leaders like Andrex. Supermarkets across the nation, from Aldi to Sainsbury’s, have now launched their own brands to challenge these industry giants. Quilted, super soft, luxury, budget-friendly, and even aloe vera-infused — there’s something to suit everyone’s preference.
With such a vast array of options, selecting the perfect one can be quite a puzzle. To spare you the guesswork, we’ve trialled everyday toilet papers from all major supermarkets to determine which offer the best quality and value for money. To ensure a fair comparison, I purchased a four-pack of standard loo rolls from each supermarket, folded two sheets from each roll together and squirted them each with an equal amount of water. I also assessed how easily they tore under pressure.
Andrex
Andrex has always been my go-to brand as it gets the job done rather effectively, but at £2.95 for four rolls, I’m not convinced the price is justified.
The toilet paper boasts a distinctive 3D wave texture, which enhances its durability against tearing. However, the thickness leaves something to be desired; it’s soft, but at two-ply, it falls short when compared to other brands.
Rating: 7/10
Aldi
The budget-friendly supermarket Aldi presents its own range of toilet rolls, from soft to premium softness. Unfortunately, only the “luxury” softer range was available for review.
Mirroring Andrex’s wave pattern, this £1.39 roll doesn’t quite match up in quality, struggling with water absorption and tearing more easily. Nonetheless, its affordability makes it a tempting choice.
Rating: 6/10
Lidl
Priced identically to Aldi’s offering, Lidl’s Floralys toilet roll disappoints further. Despite its sturdy and thick constitution, the paper is harsh and abrasive.
Contrary to its “luxury soft” claim, Lidl’s product does not deliver on comfort.
Rating: 4/10
Asda
At £1.38, Asda’s toilet paper represents good value for money, feeling robust without succumbing to tears. It’s gentle to the touch and performs well in water absorption tests. A solid pick for those looking to trim their grocery expenses.
Rating: 8/10
Tesco
Tesco’s loo roll stands up to moisture without splitting and has an absorbency on par with Andrex, though it’s not as soft. Priced competitively with Aldi and Lidl, Tesco’s version surpasses both, making it a top-notch choice for those seeking value.
Rating: 6.5/10
Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s own-brand loo roll, priced at £1.90, felt plush and thicker than Andrex, albeit not as silky. It showed an average display in the water test, succumbing to a bit of pressure when drenched.
A nod to sustainability, it was the sole contender wrapped in paper packaging, making it a top eco-friendly pick.
Rating: 8/10
Morrisons
The Morrisons’ bog roll boasted a velvety and gentle touch. However, it didn’t hold up well in the water tests, disintegrating swiftly upon contact with moisture. At £1.75, it’s hard to justify the cost for such performance.
Rating: 6/10
Waitrose
Waitrose’s toilet tissue was cushy with an elegant embossing, yet the two-ply sheets were on the petite side and prone to tearing.
Despite decent absorbency, one might expect more from a £2 packet from this posh supermarket.
Rating: 7.5/10
M&S
Marks & Spencer is my go-to for culinary treats, offering dependable quality and the occasional exotic find. Yet, I’ve steered clear of their household goods, wary of a heftier price tag.
Confronted with an array of toilet paper options, I encountered Spring Meadow with its “delicate” floral design and Shining Stars adorned with celestial bodies. I settled on the super soft variety, boasting triple-layered sheets.
Priced at 50p per roll, this option was sumptuously soft and impressively robust, thanks to its triple layers.
Eco-conscious consumers will appreciate that it’s crafted with at least 15% recycled content, marrying comfort with environmental consideration.
Rating: 9/10
Verdict
Following this experiment, I can confidently declare that I’ve switched loyalties from Andrex to M&S’ toilet paper. It’s not just softer than Andrex, but also boasts a thicker texture.
Although £2 might seem steep for toilet paper, you won’t be sacrificing quality by making the switch from Andrex. For those keeping a close eye on their pennies, I’d suggest going for Asda’s £1.38 toilet paper.