Overview

• Over several weeks, the author bought grapes, blueberries, bananas and tomatoes from Sainsbury's, Tesco, Lidl and M&S for side-by-side comparison.
• M&S produce consistently stayed fresh the longest in the author's experience, reducing waste despite slightly higher prices.
• Tesco quality was described as inconsistent, with mould-prone strawberries and ordinary grapes lacking crispness, though blueberries and tomatoes were praised.
• Lidl offered strong value with juicy grapes and sweet blueberries, but its bananas ripened a few days sooner than those from M&S.
• Sainsbury's showed isolated issues such as mouldy strawberries and squishy grapes on opening, while bananas, blueberries and tomatoes generally kept well.