We put some of Aldi's dupes to the test, comparing the Aldi equivalents to seven branded products I usually buy. A couple of things missed the mark, but some were genuinely better than the original. Here's how we got on... Aldi Everyday Essential beans vs Heinz

Aldi’s ever-growing Lacura range continues to draw inspiration from the likes of big name brands like Liz Earle, Bobbi Brown and Benefit, making similar products that perform ‘just as well’ for a fraction of the cost. Aldi's beans looked almost identical to Heinz, but the flavour of the sauce was very different (Image: Emily Collis/BirminghamLive) In the video Sacha can be seen testing out the Aldi dupes and originals on both sides of her face to show off the difference. The products included were Bobbi Brown’s Face Base moisturising primer, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation, NARS’ Radiant Creamy Concealer, and NARS’ Orgasm Blush.Margaret martin said: “Just as good as Liz Earle which I have been using for years on my very sensitive skin at a fraction of the cost.” There’s a reason why L’Oreal has been a presence on beauty shelves for over a century – it delivers hardworking skincare, haircare and makeup with celebrity and expert endorsement, all at high street prices. Of course, it does feel a little unethical not to champion brands that come up with innovative products that stand out in the vast beauty marketplace – but a dupe doesn’t necessarily limit the success of the original. “If you have a strong, established brand, you are likely to be able to rely more easily on your reputation when it comes to protecting your intellectual property,” says Mireille Turner, a London based corporate lawyer and executive director at the British Beauty Council. “Unfortunately this general position arguably works against emerging businesses who perhaps have less well known brands.” Maija added: “Obsessed with this highlighter. Have had so many compliments since I started using it. It lasts really well and definitely makes your face glow! It’s just as good as the benefit one just without the price tag!”

I compared them on a slice of toast and they both spread easily onto the bread. The taste was where the two differed - but only slightly. With the cost of living crisis continuing to put a strain on families' budgets, it's not surprising that more and more shoppers are looking for affordable alternatives to some of the pricier big name brands. I used one on each half of my face, using a cotton pad to swipe it onto my skin. They smelled pretty much identical and looked to be the same consistency on the pad. One said: “Fantastic product, I have used Elemis pro collagen marine cream since it came onto the market and nothing was as good until I started using this.”The Bramwells also contained over a third fewer calories and significantly less sugar and salt. Win win. Aldi's Lacura Healthy Glow Toner vs PIXI Glow Tonic The chocolate frog had that iconic Cadbury taste - rich and creamy - and Aldi's was surprisingly similar, but with a hint of cheap Christmas chocolate. I've tasted Dairyfine chocolate before, but this was different, as if Aldi had tried to recreate Cadbury's signature flavour. Holding up the Lacura Cashmere Glow Luminous Foundation, she captioned the video: “Aldi dupes for Giorgio Armani luminous silk and Bobbi Brown vitamin enriched face base!”

I could have easily mistaken the taste of Aldi's Bramwells Tomato Ketchup for Heinz (Image: Emily Collis/BirminghamLive) I tried both with a few chips just to be sure, but to my surprise, they tasted almost identical, too. Heinz's was possibly a little sweeter, but if I hadn't already known they were different, I don't think I'd have noticed. So do dupes work? With the Colin and Cuthbert caterpillar cakes, there’s not much between them, but when it comes to beauty, the chemistry of ingredients is more complicated and it’s much more hit and miss.

Taking viewers through each stage step by step, Sacha gave her thoughts on each of the individual products. She said: “I’m gunna start off with the dup for the Bobbi Brown Vitamin enriched base. Oh my god they literally smell the same… Oh, they feel exactly the same.” Supermarket giant Aldi is well-known for its array of dupes. From a dupe of the popular Ninja Dual Air Fryer, to items that are very similar to brands like Marks and Spencer (you know what we're referring to), Aldi seems to have it all. Olaplex’s shampoo and conditioner have been so scientifically scrutinised and formulated, that it's been dubbed a game-changer for coloured hair. Not only does the shampoo clean, but it also acts as a treatment, rebuilding damaged strands’ molecular structure. Aldi said: “Add to your makeup collection with this Lacura Highlighter. Achieve your chosen look with this delicate and sweet highlighter. Define, pop and contour your way to looking your absolute best.” Following the news that Smashbox cosmetics will no longer be available in the UK from September, fans have been scrambling to find an alternative that performs just as well. Enter Aldi.