Following the news that the tropical fizzy drink Lilt will be discontinued as we know it, shoppers have been on the lookout for beverages with a similar flavour profile to satisfy their sweet tooth.
I think I’ve managed to find one that’s nearly identical AND a third of the price.
It was reported on Monday that the citrusy soft drink would no longer be found on our supermarket shelves, but instead, will be undergoing a rebrand as a new Fanta flavour, joining fan favourites like Lemon and Fruit Twist in the brand owned by Coca Cola.
But worry not. Those who just can’t live without the pineapple and grapefruit flavoured carbonated drink can find solace in the aisles of Aldi.
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In the budget German supermarket - known for their range of brand inspired products, coined ‘dupes’ - there’s a two litre bottle of fizzy drink called Tropical Blast, and it retails at just 59p.
Meanwhile, in Sainsbury’s, Lilt - one of only a dozen bottles left on the shelves - was priced up at £2, meaning customers could save £1.41 by making the switch. But only if they really do taste the same, right?
I picked up both bottles of the zero sugar, supposedly low calorie drinks, and side by side, they do bear some resemblance to one another, from a light blue background, to the pineapple and grapefruit flavour listed on the front of the bottle.
I’ve never tried Lilt before, and so at least I wouldn’t be blinded by brand bias in this comparison. I have no loyalties in Lilt or its rivals, so it would all come down to that all important fizz and flavour.
Pouring the drinks into identical glasses, Lilt seems to look a little lighter than Aldi’s Tropical Blast, almost like a weak orange juice, where Aldi’s seemed more vibrant. Checking the ingredients list on the back, they’re near identical, each with five per cent fruit juice in the mixture.
My first ever sip of Lilt was pleasant enough, quite smooth, fruity but quite light, it’s very pineapple-forward which makes you feel like you should be sat somewhere much warmer than Manchester.
However, when I took a swig of the Aldi alternative, I was blown away. The cheaper drink is more carbonated than the Lilt version, feeling fizzier in the mouth, but also, it packs a bit more punch in flavour too, the grapefruit offering a slightly bitter, but not unpleasant aftertaste.
The fact that Aldi’s take on the tropical tipple is less than a third of the cost of Lilt, it’s a no brainer when it comes to which one to enjoy on a hot summer day. They may not taste exactly the same - but in my opinion, Aldi’s tastes even better.
If you are a Lilt loyalist, though, VP of commercial development Martin Attock at Coca-Cola has assured customers that ‘absolutely nothing has changed’ in the Fanta rebrand.
He added: "It's still bursting with tangy tropical flavours. It's just got itself a new name."
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