Consumer watchdog Choice has released the results of a comprehensive test of 42 toilet paper varieties, finding that the most expensive option is also the best. Quilton's 4 Ply Softness Gold topped the list with a score of 78%, costing $0.69 per 100 sheets. The second-place product, Quilton Shea Butter in Gold 4 Ply, scored 77% at the same price.
However, value seekers can find high-quality options for less. Woolworths' exclusive brand Vevelle Luxury Soft Double Length scored 77% at just $0.29 per 100 sheets. The tests evaluated softness, sheet separation, durability, and disintegration time.
Eco-friendly options generally scored lower on softness, according to Choice project manager Chris Barnes. Despite this, Naturale 100% Recycled 3 Ply Softness achieved an 80% softness score and 75% overall, priced at $0.28 per 100 sheets. Yarn'n 100% Recycled Deadly Dunny Paper, which supports Indigenous education, scored 70% for softness and 74% overall at $0.43 per 100 sheets.
Who Gives A Crap's products ranked lowest among eco-friendly options. Its 100% Recycled Classic Soft scored 71% overall, while its Bamboo Extra Soft received just 68% overall and a softness score of 55%.
Disintegration performance proved critical. Kleenex Complete Clean and its double-length version scored only 5% for disintegration, taking five-and-a-half minutes to break apart in tests. Their overall score was 53%. A Kimberly-Clark spokesperson defended the products, citing rigorous testing.
Barnes noted that higher ply counts don't guarantee quality. Vevelle 2 Ply scored 77% at $0.19 per 100 sheets, outperforming Sorbent's 4 Ply Thick & Soft, which scored 75% at $0.59 per 100 sheets.
