The Top 10: Inverse Price-Quality Ratios

Sometimes, cheaper means better

A matter of taste: plain and simple Maccy D’s cheeseburger or a Borough Market skyscraper (AFP/Getty)

I observed that cheaper mince pies are nicer than more expensive ones (the ones from the Co-op are really good), and asked if there was anything else that follows an inverse price-quality ratio. I didn’t realise it would make a Top 10.

1. Most junk food. “Give me McDonald’s over a fancy burger any day,” said Marie Le Conte. “Supermarket sugared donuts with jam in the middle, versus any £4 Borough Market monstrosity,” added Molly.

2. Tea. “Builder’s tea from a truckers’ caff is better than Fortnum and Mason fancy stuff with a slice of lemon bobbing around in it,” said Ed Round. Oliver Bradley, Jonathan E and John Wallace agreed.

3. Chocolate. “Cadbury’s trumps all other fancy expensive brands”: popular view from Kwasimotto, Constance CraigSmith, Damian Thompson, Arnie Booth, Anne McElvoy and Juanita Fogarty.

4. Crisps. “Cheap crisps nicer than posh crisps,” said Henry Dimbleby. Paul A Davies, Ken Donald and Phil Hornby agreed.

5. Water. Nominated by Political Nerd and Mikel.

6. Perfume. “The Lidl stuff is far better than most of the airport brands,” said Rand Enoch.

7. Razors. “Those seven-bladed ones (or whatever) are a waste of money,” said John Peters.

8. Software. Thanks to Trevor Vallender. As a devotee of Google Docs and Twitter, I think this is true of most consumer products.

9. Toasters. I agree with Andrea Law about this; I once returned a beautiful looking expensive one to John Lewis because it turned out to be a bread warmer rather than a toaster.

10. Modern art. Not at all controversial from Laurence Knight.

Honourable mention for Denise Findlay, who nominated Tesco Value chocolate digestives and cereals. “In fact most Tesco Value is better than the expensive options. My theory is that there is a secret socialist in Tesco deciding what’s value and what’s not.”

Several nominations were received for sausages and sausage rolls, which were not accepted. I’m going humourless and disapproving about animal welfare.

Next week: Underappreciated innovations, such as shipping containers.

Coming soon: Songs with months in the title.

Your suggestions please, and ideas for future Top 10s, to me on Twitter, or by email to top10@independent.co.uk