Navigating the supermarket aisles for the perfect toilet paper can feel like a quest for the ultimate balance of softness, strength, and value. With an array of choices from two-ply to three-ply, double length to triple, and a variety of materials like recycled or bamboo, it’s no wonder shoppers are often left bewildered.
Australians, on average, use about 10kg of toilet paper each year. That’s a significant investment in a product that, if chosen poorly, can lead to plumbing disasters or an uncomfortable experience.
To save you from such a fate and help you make an informed choice, consumer advocacy group CHOICE delved into the latest toilet paper review—so you can find the best option for your needs without any unpleasant surprises.
Testing the tissue: How to find the best toilet paper
To determine the cream of the crop in toilet paper, experts put 30 popular brands through rigorous testing. They evaluated each brand on four critical factors:
- Softness: Is it gentle on the skin?
- Separation: Does it tear off the roll with ease?
- Strength: Can it withstand use without tearing?
- Sewer-friendliness: Will it dissolve properly and not clog your pipes?
These factors culminate in an overall CHOICE Expert Rating. To earn a recommendation, a toilet paper must achieve at least a 70 per cent overall score and not dip below 65 per cent in any individual test.
The best toilet papers, as recommended by experts
After the rigorous testing, here are the toilet paper contenders that earned CHOICE’s recommendation:
- Sorbent 4 ply Thick and Soft: With a CHOICE Expert Rating of 82 per cent and a softness score of 90 per cent, this option, priced at 59c per 100 sheets, reigned supreme.
- Quilton Toilet Tissue 3 Ply Softness White: Scoring a 76 per cent overall rating and 80 per cent for softness, this is another recommended brand that balances comfort and price. It cost 60c per 100 sheets.
- Kleenex Luxury Quilts Air Cushion Softness: With a 74 per cent CHOICE Expert Rating and a softness score of 70 per cent, this brand offers a plush experience for 57c per 100 sheets.
- Quilton Toilet Tissue with Coconut Oil: Also scoring 74 per cent overall and 80 per cent for softness, this unique option, priced at 54c per 100 sheets, adds a touch of luxury to your bathroom routine.
Expert and budget-approved toilet papers
While premium toilet papers offer top-notch quality, they can be pricey, ranging from 54 to 60 cents per 100 sheets. However, for those watching their budgets, there are still commendable options that won’t break the bank.
Coles So Soft & Strong 3 ply White, for instance, offers a balance of softness and strength at a more affordable price point of 23c per 100 sheets.
Other budget buys include Vevelle White Toilet Tissue 2 ply, Delsey Toilet Tissue 1000 sheets, Black & Gold Toilet Tissue 2 Ply and Coles Simply 2 Ply Embossed White Toilet Tissue. While these may not have aced every test, they still provide a satisfactory experience without the fear of unexpected breakage mid-wipe.
Eco-friendly options that scored high in softness
For the environmentally conscious, the quest for soft yet sustainable toilet paper is paramount. While some eco-friendly options have a reputation for being less than luxurious, there are a few that stand out:
- Quilton Toilet Tissue with Ecoply 3 Ply: This product strikes a balance between being gentle on the environment and your skin, scoring 80 per cent for softness.
- Naturale 100% Recycled 3 Ply Softness: With a softness score of 70 per cent and a 49 per cent disintegration score, this option is kind to both your skin and the planet, at 30c per 100 sheets.
The least recommended toilet paper brands
Not all toilet papers are created equal, and some can be downright detrimental to your plumbing. Products like iCare Luxury Eco Toilet Tissue 3 Ply and No Issues 100% Bamboo Toilet Paper may feel soft but scored 0 per cent on the disintegration test, posing a risk to your pipes.
Meanwhile, Kleenex Toilet Tissue Complete Clean with CleanRipple may cost cheaper at 31c per 100 sheets, but it also has a 0 per cent disintegration score.
Saving on the staple: How to shop smarter
With the cost of living on the rise, finding ways to save on everyday essentials like toilet paper is essential. To ensure you’re getting the best deal, always check the unit price and consider buying in bulk if you have the storage space.
At YourLifeChoices, we’re committed to providing Australians over 50 with the information they need to make informed decisions. Whether it’s choosing the right toilet paper or navigating other aspects of daily life, we’re here to help.
Share your thoughts about this toilet paper review in the comments below. You can also share your personal toilet paper recommendations.
Also read: Lab-tested by CHOICE: Stain removers that deliver results!
IMO most toilet paper is wasted as many people use far more than is necessary when wiping.
Far more hygenic to wash yourself clean as in most of Asia than wipe with paper anyway.