M&S Named UK's Favourite for Picky Bits
Marks and Spencer has officially been named the UK's top supermarket for picky bits, according to fresh research from YouGov. The poll found that 44% of Britons selected M&S Food as their preferred choice for grazing platters and snack spreads, placing it well ahead of competitors such as Tesco and Iceland. The findings come as the retailer celebrated National Picky Bits Day on June 27, with singer Diana Vickers and podcast co-host Chiara 'Ki' Hunter helping revive the beloved Picky Bits song in a new campaign.
Picky Tea Trend on the Rise
The timing of the research proves ideal, as picky teas continue to surge in popularity throughout the UK. According to M&S, 43% of its customers report enjoying a picky tea at least once weekly, replacing traditional evening meals with an assortment of dips, deli items, pastries, and sharing nibbles. With football season, garden get-togethers, and warm weather entertaining now in full swing, M&S reports that appetite for grazing-style fare has reached unprecedented levels.
Star Dips and New Offerings
Among this summer's standout offerings is the new Topped Chicken Tikka Dip (£3.75), which reimagines the retailer's beloved chicken tikka flavours as a creamy yoghurt-based dip crowned with marinated chicken, coriander, and pickled red onions. It is accompanied by the Topped Mezze Dip (£3.75), brimming with roasted aubergine, tomatoes, labneh, and Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-influenced showstopper. Dips are becoming especially fashionable this year as consumers adopt the trend for 'snackification', transforming sharing platters into complete meals.
M&S has broadened its selection further, with offerings including the Creamy Greek Style Dip (£2.50), packed with feta, olives, tomatoes, and herbs, alongside vibrant Flip & Dip pots (£3) in Creamy Basil and Creamy Red Pepper varieties that are designed to be inverted onto a plate for effortless entertaining.
Grazing Board Favourites
For those assembling a comprehensive grazing board, there are numerous other impressive additions. The Mini Fuet sausages (£4) have already shifted more than 132,000 packs since launch, while the Turkish Grilled Pepperoncini (£4) deliver a smoky, fiery punch. The Dinky Cheese & Onion Pains au Fromage (£4) provide buttery pastry stuffed with cheese and onion filling, and the Chorizo & Cheese Tortilla (£4) introduces genuine Spanish flavours to any spread. No nibbles selection would be complete without something to scoop up all those dips, and M&S's Ultimate Dipper Tortillas (£1.25) have been specifically crafted for that purpose, with their extra-large shape rendering them perfect for loaded dips and sharing platters.
Shopper Reviews and Feedback
The dips have been garnering rave reviews from shoppers. One buyer of the Topped Chicken Tikka Dip said: 'Really enjoyed this dip with plenty of flavour to it. Also good in a wrap with added chicken and lettuce.' Another wrote: 'The best dip I have tasted from M&S, I just couldn't stop eating it.' A third person commented: 'Wow, this tastes amazing, lovely tikka flavour and huge pieces of chicken throughout. So good with crackers.' However, not everyone was entirely convinced, as one shopper noted: 'This dip is nice, good texture, my only criticism is it could do with a bit more chicken on it.'
Alternatives at Other Supermarkets
For those who remain devoted to Tesco, there are equally appealing nibbles to select from, including Tesco Walnuts (200g) for £2.75, Propercorn Sweet & Salty Popcorn (6 x 14g) for £2.10, and Go Ahead Forest Fruit Crispy Fruit Slices Snack Bars Multipack (4 x 43.6g) for £1.25. Iceland also stocks a range of alternatives, such as a multipack of Walkers Prawn Cocktail Crisps for £2.15 or an Iceland Classic Dip Selection (400g) for £2.60.
