Why we prioritise testing new products over mindless preaching

Whether it’s the latest fitness, beauty or food launch that piques your interest, we will do our utmost to find out whether it’s worth parting with your hard-earned cash

Above anything, Britons uphold the sanctity of tradition. This is why we have a monarch as the head of state, gather for roast dinners covered in a deluge of thick gravy on Sundays, and are globally known for avoiding queue-jumping, apologising profusely, and trying to solve a problem with a fresh brew. Tradition gives us a sense of belonging, unity, and security. If there’s one thing we fear, it’s challenge to the status quo.

That’s why journalists come in handy.

Every day, the Lifestyle desk receives hundreds of emails about new product launches and initiatives dreamed up by companies promising to, more often than not, improve the lifestyles of consumers. CBD-infused bath bombs, Pringles made of rice and microneedling facial tools are just some of the goods that have sprung up in the retail market in recent months. As readers ourselves, we know how confusing it can be to separate the wheat from the chaff and ascertain what products are worth investing in, both financially and emotionally.

As a result, rather than simply informing readers of these launches, it is imperative that journalists test what they preach. After all, it is our job to convey a fair and reliable account of information, investigate thoroughly, fact check and champion transparency. Inspired by the words of a well-known cleaning product slogan, “we do the hard work so you don’t have to”.

That’s why this week I headed down to a Sainsbury’s Local which is trialling the UK’s first till-free service, to find out if it hinders or helps shoppers. After hearing about the launch, we wanted to find out for our readers how simple the service would be to use.

From signing up to a Nectar card and downloading the Smartshop app to use the service, to heading down to the supermarket, scanning and purchasing products, and writing up my experience, I – and the entire team – felt it was our job to find out whether the service is a practical and worthwhile initiative for the wider public.

In recent months, the Lifestyle desk has undertaken the arduous (and admittedly delicious) task of testing the hugely popular vegan sausage roll, Marmite Peanut Butter (we loved it) and Creme Egg-flavoured mayonnaise (yes, it’s a thing). One member of the team even went so far as to undergo a vampire facial.

It is this thirst for investigation that is at the heart of our IndyBest section, where we write unbiased product reviews following rigorous testing of everything from mattresses and fitness trackers to power suits and sports bras. Regardless of price or brand, you can be assured that we will only recommend products that we would buy ourselves.

During my own career as a journalist, I’ve gone to extreme lengths to test out theories and products, be it a skin supplement promising to rejuvenate a consumer’s skin, or trying out a standing desk in a bid to boost health and productivity. As an intern, I once had the task of placing condoms over items around the office (including a fire extinguisher) after a viral story emerged about a woman putting a condom over her leg to prove no man is “too big”. No story is too challenging, flippant or undeserving of thorough investigation.

Whether it’s the latest fitness, beauty or food launch that piques your interest, we will do our utmost to find out whether it’s worth spending your hard-earned cash and time on. And if that means having to eat several sausage rolls on our lunch breaks, that’s a sacrifice we’re willing to make.

Yours,

Katie O’Malley​

Assistant lifestyle editor