This week Conor Pope looks at Salsas

Marks & Spencer Tomato Salsa

€1.50 for 170 grams (8.82 a kilo)

Highs: This salsa has a rich, fresh tomato taste. It also looks great, a liberal scattering of coriander leaves adding to both the flavour and the aesthetic appeal of the dip. The onions come with a surprisingly pleasing crunch to them too.

Lows: Despite the jalapeño peppers it lacks any kick, to the point that it could pass for a plain old tomato salad. The size of the portion leaves something to be desired too: you'd need to buy several to get you thorough more than a couple of minutes of a football game.

Verdict: Excellent and fresh tasting.

Star rating: ****

Dunnes Stores Tomato Salsa Dip

€1.59 for 170 grams (€9.35 a kilo)

Highs: Like the other salsas tried, this is full of readily discernible tomatoes and onions that have a decent crunch. It doesn't look excessively processed, and the flecks of herbs and spices promise much.

Lows: Which is why the lack of taste comes as such a surprise. Although it appears to have everything in place, the result is nothing if not bland. There's no kick at all. It is also the most expensive of the salsas tried.

Verdict: A bit of a letdown.

Star rating: ***

Pringles Dips Fiery Salsa

€2.39 for 300 grams (€7.97 a kilo)

Highs: If you're inclined to demand the hottest curry on the menu, this could be for you. It proudly proclaims its fieriness on the jar - and it's not wide of the mark. Its kick will have all but the most ardent chilli lovers weeping silently onto their Pringles.

Lows: The only downside to the chilli flavour is that it takes over, leaving the other ingredients struggling - and failing - to get a look in. It also looks pretty grim, and its gloopy consistency makes it next to impossible to attach to a tortilla chip.

Verdict: If you like it hot . . .

Star rating: ***

Doritos Hot Salsa Dippas Dip

€2.47 for 375 grams (6.59 a kilo)

Highs: This comes closest to getting the balance of flavours right. The chillies are in the mix but don't beat the other ingredients senseless. It tastes fresh, and the onions and tomatoes have a more robust texture than those in the other salsas tested.

Lows: The fact that the ingredients retain their texture is miraculous, as processing has made the dip look worryingly like tomato sauce. Of more concern is the salt content: this has nearly twice the level of some of the other salsas tried.

Verdict: Blows the cobwebs away.

Star rating: ****

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