The Great Toothpaste Challenge - The Results

What We Tested

First let me state there was absolutely nothing scientific about this test. Nor do we have any vested interest in one brand over another. While all the major players have different flavours, all were not available at the time of our test. So we tested two flavours of Tom's, Desert Essence and Jason's. Tubes were lined up in the bathroom and a score sheet lay beside them. We made no attempt to hide brand names or restrict use.

All participants used the toothpastes for two weeks. The only requirement was everytime a toothpaste was selected, it was rated. If one toothpaste was favoured over another that too was noted. The listing below provides the name of the toothpaste and an indication of what their manufacturer looks like in a business context. All toothpastes we tested had no fluoride, artificial sweeteners or preservatives.

The total score was averaged using a 1 - 5 point system (five being highest) in the following categories: Taste, Foaming Action, Appearance, Refreshing or lasting freshness.

The winner was Dabur. Taste, foaming action, lasting freshness all won over the rest. The only thing we had to get use to was the green colour of the toothpaste. Jason's PowerSmile came a close second. Desert Essence had good scores for Wintergreen but Oil of Ginger was a tough sell for most of us.

The most common complaint? Price. I must admit I was shocked when I picked up the toothpaste paying almost $40.00 for eight tubes. The other complaint was the type of tube used particularly for Nature's Gate. That having been said everyone who tried the challenge said they would not go back to regular toothpaste.

Tom's Natural Toothpaste Price $4.99

Tom's of Maine carries toothpaste with and without fluoride. They claim not to use any artifical ingredients, preservatives, dyes or sweeteners. This is a family run operation established in Maine in the 70s. They manufacture a wide range of products. A big bonus is they use recycled packaging.

Flavour: Natural Homeopathic Whitening
Flavour: Antiplaque & Whitening Gel

Taste Foam Appearance Refreshing Repeat Use Score
3 3 3 4 3 16
3 3 4 3 4 17
           
Dabur Herbal Tooth Paste with Neem Price: $3.69

Dabur India Limited has been around for over 100 years and manufactures a wide variety of products in health care, many developed from Ayruvedic formulations. They also manufacture and distribute personal care products and food.
Taste Foam Appearance Refreshing Repeat Use Score
5 5 3 5 5 23
           
Desert Essence Price: $4.99

Located in the US Desert Essence was the first to introduce Tea Tree Oil to the US . Their line includes personal care , spa and active sport products sold primarily in health food stores. They have been in the nutritional supplement industry for over 35 years.

Flavour: Essential Oil of Ginger

Flavour: Wintergreen

Taste Foam Appearance Refreshing Repeat Use Score
1 3 3 1 1 9
3 3 4 4 3 17
           
Jason's Toothpaste Price: $5.50

In business since 1959, Jason's also carries over 200 personal care products containing "the finest food-grade, natural, organic and nutritional ingredients that deliver topical benefits to the hair and skin". Their parent company is the Hain Celestial Group which produce Rice Dream soy milk and other all natural food products. Traded on NASDAQ.

Flavour: Nutrismile

Flavour: PowerSmile
Taste Foam Appearance Refreshing Repeat Use Score
3 4 4 3 3 17
5 4 4 5 4 22
           
Natures Gate with Bamboo Powder Price: $3.59
In business for 27 years this company carries personal care products based upon botanical remedies. It is also affliated with WorldPantry.com an online food distribution service.
Taste Foam Appearance Refreshing Repeat Use Score
4 3 4 3 3 17

 

 

 

 


 

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