How different CAN noodles be?

MSVC 203: Consumerism



On the left: Batchelors Super Noodles: 47p
On the right: Tesco Value Instant Noodles: 7p

We were asked to purchase two of what are essentially the same product, but to buy one from a budget range and one from the more expensive range, then compare and analyse the two. For this project I chose to compare Tesco Value Chicken Flavoured Instant Noodles, which cost 7p a packet, to Batchelors Super Noodles, which are sold in Tesco at 47pence a packet.

The Tesco Value noodles come in the very recognisable Tesco Value packaging, which has a red, white and blue colour scheme and minimal frills. The description of the product is the main focus of the packaging, with a picture of the product in the background and the Tesco Value logo in the top left-hand corner. The Tesco Value logo is the same on all products, making it easy to notice from item to item. Also on the front of the packaging is an indication of the cooking times (which are mere minutes), which would appeal to people looking for a food product which can be cooked and eaten quickly.

The packaging of the Bachelors Super Noodles is very different to that of the Tesco Value Noodles. The main colour scheme is blue, making it recognisable to those looking for this particular brand, with the brand logo on the front just above the words 'Super Noodles', which are written in white with a shiny gold trim. The flavour of the noodles is written at the bottom on a gold background, and behind a picture of the noodles in the centre of the packaging is a gold star. The packaging for these noodles is much more attractive than that of the Tesco Value noodles. Also written on the front is "No artificial colours or preservatives", which may also help to create social differences between customers who would buy one brand of noodles as opposed to another. The 'Super Noodles' are more expensive and come with no artificial colours or preservatives, suggesting that the people with more money, who can afford to buy the more expensive noodles, are more likely to be concerned about the quality of the product, whereas those who buy Tesco Value are more concerned with price.

We also decided to conduct a taste test on the products, to see if there was any discernable difference in the taste. The noodles were cooked and presented to our (blindfolded) test subject, who was unaware of which noodles were which.



From the taste test we discovered that the noodles in bowl B had a richer flavour, were less slimy and overall the better noodle, whilst the noodles in bowl A were slimy and had a much duller flavour. The subject guessed that the noodles in bowl B were more expensive.
In fact, bowl B were the Tesco Value noodles. Bowl A were the more expensive noodles.