When the clock strikes midnight on August 31st, the only thing many of us can think about is Christmas. Of course, we have to look forward to the spooky season first, but it doesn’t hurt to look ahead to the best time of the year.
And one supermarket has already jumped on the bandwagon in preparing for the Christmas period. The retailer has unveiled an incredible range of food and drink for 2024, and fashion, beauty and shopping editor Rachel Pugh has been trying it all out.
Are you a big fan of M&S food? Then check out Rachel’s top 10 picks.
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This year Marks and Spencer has added over 450 items to its Christmas range. There is literally something for everyone, whether you are a big meat eater, vegan, gluten free or just plain picky. There is also plenty to keep the kids entertained and their bellies full.
Earlier this week I was lucky enough to try everything that is on sale in the food halls of Marks and Spencer for Christmas 2024. And when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING.
I ate and drank so much at the MandS Christmas food and drink showcase that I thought I was going to be thrown out of the food hall. I can safely say that there really wasn’t anything I didn’t like and I was definitely spoiled for choice. But I’ve narrowed it down to ten of the best.
Here are my top ten items from Marks and Spencer’s Christmas food and drink range for 2024:
1. Champagne Delacourt Rose Medium Dry, £26
Anyone who knows me knows that Rose Champagne is my all-time favorite drink, so it’s no surprise that it’s ranked first in these ratings.
I normally have MandS Rose Prosecco in my house so I was really excited to try a more luxurious champagne. I wasn’t sure if it would be worth the £26 price tag but let me tell you it is SO worth it. Slightly sweet but not overpowering, I could have drunk it all night long. This is one item I will be buying again and again over the Christmas and New Year period.
2. Turkey Feast Lasagne, £10 (in stores from 10 December)
Okay, if you think turkey and lasagna don’t belong in the same sentence, you’re not alone. When I was first introduced to this idea, I was naturally skeptical. But my goodness, it’s good. So good, in fact, that my plus one said “it’s better than regular lasagna”—a huge compliment.
Inspired by MandS’ famous Turkey Feast Sandwich, the lasagne combines roasted British turkey, pork, sage and onion stuffing, cranberry chutney and bacon. I never thought lasagne would be my first choice when trying out Christmas meals, but I promise you, it’s epic. Try it and you’ll never look at lasagne the same way again.
3. Baking Burrata (price and launch date not yet known)
Apparently this Christmas is going to have an Italian flavour, as we see another Mediterranean dish in third place. I generally prefer these types of dishes to the more traditional British ones, so this was a big hit with me. It’s creamy, spicy and addictive. The perfect alternative to a camembert if you’re looking for a change from a classic. Unfortunately, if you’re vegetarian, you won’t be able to eat this one, as it contains pork.
4. Cocktail Party Pack, £19.50 (in stores 9 October)
M&S cocktail tins are a firm favourite in my circle of friends. Not only are they convenient, they’re delicious and definitely pack a punch. For Christmas 2024, MandS have put all their most popular flavours into one party pack, which will no doubt be music to the ears of many shoppers, as it was to me.
I have a feeling this is going to be a huge hit this Christmas so don’t wait too long.
5. Hot Honey Brie Brulee, £7 (in stores 27 November)
More cheese is coming — this time in the form of a very creamy brie, drizzled with English Provender warm honey and sprinkled with brown cane sugar. It’s as delicious as it is Instagrammable, and I couldn’t resist dipping crusty bread into the gooey mess. Warm honey really takes an otherwise plain brie to the next level, so if you don’t mind a little sweetness and tang, give it a try. Apologies to your January waistline.
6. 12 Halloumi in Blankets with Warm Honey, £5.50 (in stores from 16 October)
Oh look, more cheese, quelle surprise. These bad boys combine a traditional version with something a little different, and they are absolutely beautiful. It’s the perfect hybrid of a charcuterie board – meat, cheese, and dip – all in one bite. I could probably eat the entire 12-pack in one go, so if you’re planning on buying them to share with friends or family, I recommend stocking up.
7. Santa Popping Down the Chimney Dessert Collection, £25 (in stores 1st December)
I’m not a big fan of traditional Christmas desserts, especially when they’re chock full of mince. But this dessert alternative has won my heart. An undeniable showstopper, it may look too good to eat, but it tastes too good not to.
Made with an exclusive roof shaped mould, filled with a dark and milk chocolate mousse and dripping butterscotch caramel sauce on a white chocolate and toasted popcorn crisp base. All topped with white chocolate mousse and the cutest edible decorations.
8. Christmas Colin the Caterpillar (price and release date not yet known)
It would be a crying shame to tell you about Marks and Spencer’s 2024 Christmas range without mentioning Colin, so here he is. If you’re a fan of the little guy, I’ve got good news for you, because Christmas Colin is the chocolateiest one yet.
It’s especially good news if you live in a household where there’s a fight over the face of solid chocolate (poor Colin), because the Christmas caterpillar is adorned with a large sleigh – made entirely of solid chocolate. Mini Colins are also making a return – this year covered in festively coloured snowflakes.
9. Double Wrapped Pigs in Blankets (price and release date TBA)
While the double packaging of these pigs in blankets might seem to be the biggest selling point, for me it was the quality of the sausage itself that really impressed. Pigs in blankets can often be a little dry, but these were juicy and bursting with flavour.
They tasted deliciously spicy and would make a brilliant party snack, or a side dish for Christmas dinner. The double-wrapped dry bacon also means it’s less likely to fall out of the oven or air fryer – so they’re practical, hurrah!
10. King Prawn and Lobster Thermador Gratin (price and release date not yet known)
If you are a boujee on a budget person like me, this is the dish for you. It is creamy and luxurious, but much cheaper than buying it at a fancy restaurant.
Shoppers will soon be able to visit MandS online at the Christmas Food To Order site – and many of the festive items will also be available in store. MandS are yet to confirm the exact date, but we will keep you updated.