Strawberry jam is a delicious topping on toast, baked goods and sweet treats, with a vast array of options available, ranging from well-known brands to supermarket own-label varieties. Selecting the tastiest option while also getting the best value for money can be hard work.

Hartley's is widely stocked across supermarkets, yet comes with a higher price tag than many own-brand alternatives. I decided to pit a selection of strawberry jams from various supermarkets against one another to determine whether they could rival the big brand - or even surpass it. I chose jams from Lidl, Aldi, Asda and M&S to compare against Hartley's, and the results were rather surprising.

Lidl's jam was the worst in terms of flavour. On opening the jar, it also failed to deliver the sweet, fruity aroma typically associated with strawberry jam. Its noticeably paler colour set it apart from the rest, earning it last place in my rankings.

Rating: 3/10

Asda's strawberry jam boasted a far more vibrant flavour and colour than Lidl's offering. The taste was considerably better - pleasantly sweet and well-suited to spreading on toast. My only issue was that the consistency felt somewhat too thick for my preference, though I would certainly buy it again.

Rating: 7/10

The branded option had a notably jelly-like consistency and a dense texture. It delivered the sweet strawberry flavour one would expect, though for me, the texture ultimately let it down.

Rating: 7/10

Aldi's jam boasted a deep red colour and an inviting, sweet aroma. The jam does contain seeds, though I have no particular preference either way. I found it was considerably less thick than Asda and Hartley's, boasting a better texture. The taste delivered what you'd expect from strawberry jam, without being excessively sugary or sharp.

Rating: 9/10

The M&S jam felt like an indulgence, yet it still costs significantly less than the branded alternative. It had an ideal texture for me, spreading effortlessly while being bursting with flavour. This jam contains seeds and offers a homemade quality. For me, it was a clear winner.

Rating: 10/10