Online compost ratings can swing from rave to rage. Here’s why the stars don’t always tell the full story.

1) Different expectations, different uses

One gardener uses Multipurpose Compost for seedlings, another fills containers or raised beds. Each expects different things:

• Fine texture and gentle nutrient levels for seeds
• Structure and water-holding for tubs and borders

When those expectations clash, the same bag can earn both 1★ and 5★.

2) Batch and weather effects

Peat-free mixes are naturally variable. Moisture content changes during storage, transport, and even shelf display. A dry, open bag can re-wet unevenly; a damp batch may compact in transit. Performance shifts further with weather — cold or hot spells alter how compost behaves.

3) Review bias

Most public platforms collect customer-service experiences, not structured comparisons. People are far more likely to post when something goes wrong than when it works fine. That’s why Trustpilot and retailer reviews can differ so sharply.

4) Retail vs. brand reviews

• Retailer pages show verified buyers and moderate for language or duplicates.
• Brand portals mix product, delivery, and complaint traffic — scores there nearly always skew lower.

5) Why MPC scores look different

Our MPC Balanced Scorecard V7 doesn’t rely on opinions. It measures and compares composts for:

• Composition – texture, consistency, moisture behaviour
• Ease of use – how it handles in pots and beds
• Sustainability – renewable content, transport footprint

The result is a weighted score expressed on a 0–10 scale, optionally shown as an internal star visual for familiarity.

MPC stars are part of our internal Balanced Scorecard system — they are not customer reviews.

6) Tips for reading compost reviews

• Look for recurring themes, not isolated complaints.
• Check when the review was posted — formulations change yearly.
• Compare several sources, including independent trials.
• Consider your own use case: potting mix, border improver, mulch, etc.

Summary

Compost reviews vary because both the material and the reviewers vary. Batch differences, use-case expectations, and platform bias all play a role. Our MPC Scorecard brings context and consistency, helping you make sense of a noisy market.