When it comes to finding the best supermarket vine tomatoes in the UK, our taste test reveals that flavor and sugar content vary widely. From brick-red to intense maroon, the tomatoes in this test varied greatly, with the most flavourful ones often also being the richest in tone. We measured the sugar content using a Brix refractometer, and the tomatoes’ sweetness also varied hugely, from a sometimes bland and watery Brix score of four to a satisfyingly sweet seven.
How We Tested the Best Supermarket Vine Tomatoes
We evaluated each tomato on overall flavor, sweetness, acidity, aroma, and umami profile. The sweetness of the best examples is well balanced, with a refreshing acidity, a fresh and potent tomato leaf aroma, and a complex umami profile that provides an explosion of flavour in the mouth. We also awarded points for value for money, provenance, transparency and growing methods – though, disappointingly, an organic certification did not necessarily equal the flavour we’ve come to expect.
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Key Testing Criteria
- Brix score (sugar content measured via refractometer)
- Flavor complexity (balance of sweetness, acidity, umami)
- Value for money (price per 100g)
- Provenance and transparency (UK-grown vs. imported)
- Growing methods (organic or conventional)
Top Picks: Best Supermarket Vine Tomatoes
Our winner is the Morrisons the Best Viola Cocktail tomatoes, priced at £2.15 for 300g (72p/100g). These medium-size, wonderfully deep maroon-coloured tomatoes are grown by Isle of Wight Tomatoes. Proof that delicious tomatoes can be grown in the UK. They are quite sweet with a Brix score of seven, low acidity, and incredible, rounded umami flavour.
For a budget-friendly option, the Ocado organic tomatoes on the vine at £2.25 for 400g (56p/100g) deliver a classic sandwich tomato experience. These large, round, deep scarlet-red Ronvine tomatoes are grown in Essex with Soil Association organic certification. They offer a strong green-tomato vine aroma, fresh stalks, and a firm, fleshy texture with subtle sweetness (Brix score of four).
Comparison Table: Top Supermarket Vine Tomatoes
| Product | Price | Brix Score | Flavor Rating | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morrisons the Best Viola Cocktail | £2.15 / 300g | 7 | ★★★★☆ | Isle of Wight, UK |
| Ocado organic tomatoes on the vine | £2.25 / 400g | 4 | ★★★★☆ | Essex, UK |
Tips for Choosing the Best Vine Tomatoes
Because tomatoes are a seasonal crop, flavour and availability will change over the summer. Depending on when you buy them, you may find different varieties in shops from those tested here. Even ripe-looking tomatoes will benefit from being left on the countertop for a few days, so they ripen further and improve in flavour. Never keep them in the fridge, because that adversely affects their texture and taste.
FAQ
What is the best supermarket vine tomato in the UK?
The Morrisons the Best Viola Cocktail tomatoes are the top pick, offering a Brix score of 7 and exceptional umami flavour.
How do you measure tomato sweetness?
Sweetness is measured using a Brix refractometer, which indicates the percentage of sucrose in the juice by mass.
Should you refrigerate vine tomatoes?
No, never refrigerate vine tomatoes as it adversely affects their texture and taste. Keep them on the countertop to ripen further.
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