This week Value 4 Money looks at Hummus

The Real Olive Company

€3.25 /€13.25 per kilo

Highs: This has a pleasingly creamy texture and looks home-made, which it probably is. There is a strong hint of what tastes like a good olive oil in the mix and those fearful of an overpowering garlic hit need not worry as this is the most neutral tasting of the hummus tried.

Lows: One man's neutral, however, is another man's bland. This is potentially great but this particular batch lacked oomph. The limited availability is also a problem - the company has stalls at the Temple Bar Saturday market and the English Market in Cork. But by far the biggest problem is the price.

Verdict: Good but expensive

Star rating: ***

Marks & Spencer

€1.99/€7.04 per kilo

Highs: Marks & Spencer can take much of the credit for introducing hummus to the Irish market and it remains the yardstick for many people. It still tastes pretty good and has the strongest lemony kick - and you can taste the chickpeas and garlic. It uses extra virgin olive oil and is the cheapest tested.

Lows: It tastes a little processed. The consistency is remarkably constant and there is no chance of you being able to pass this off as something you hastily threw together to accompany the crudities ahead of your posh dinner party. It also looks quite anaemic.

Verdict: Little to complain about

Star rating: ****

Tesco

€1.95/€7.74 per kilo

Highs: This is not unlike its M&S counterpart in taste, texture and appearance and after a first taste you could be forgiven for thinking they came from the same place. This does, however, have a slightly creamier texture. The garlic is a little less pronounced and the chickpea flavour seems to have disappeared almost entirely.

Lows: This has a more processed taste than its principal rival. Another downside is that it is made entirely with vegetable oil with not so much as a lone olive in sight. While almost as good as the M&S variety, it ends up tasting just a little bland.

Verdict: No cause for complaint

Star rating: ***

Avoca

€3.25/€11.83 per kilo

Highs: With the strongest chickpea flavour, this actually tastes good for you as well as tasting pretty good. It has a nice rough texture and gets the complex balance of flavours almost spot on. It has a lovely nutty aftertaste and the garlic, while not overpowering, is always present. This is excellent and some people will find it entirely addictive.

Lows: Which, given the price, might be something of a worry. Although not the most expensive hummus tried, it is pricey enough to make you think twice before wolfing down an entire tub while watching a Sunday movie.

Verdict: Excellent

Star rating: *****

***** Excellent
****   Great
***     Fine
**       Below par
*         Awful