A loyal Marks & Spencer shopper has revealed how a recent visit to the high street giant left her utterly taken aback by the cost of a single item, leading her to question its true value.
The Eye-Watering Price Discovery
Sophie Harris, a Senior Lifestyle Reporter, visited her local M&S last week with her usual mindset. While she acknowledges the retailer's reputation for higher prices, she often finds the quality, especially in fresh produce, justifies the cost. However, during this trip, one product's price tag stopped her in her tracks.
The item in question was from M&S's "only...ingredients" collection, a line designed for health-conscious consumers seeking transparency. The range clearly states how many components are in each product, promoting simplicity and avoiding ultra-processed ingredients. It covers items from meats and yoghurts to condiments and, crucially, crisps.
A Crisp Aisle Shock
The specific product was a 125g bag of "Only 3 Ingredients Avocado Oil Crisps with Mediterranean Sea Salt". According to its description, these potato snacks are cooked in avocado oil and sprinkled with sea salt from Alicante's salt flats.
Despite the appealing promise of minimal ingredients, the cost was anything but minimal. The bag was priced at a staggering £3.90. For context, Harris noted that a larger 150g bag of Walkers Ready Salted crisps at Sainsbury's costs just £1.50. The longer ingredient list in mainstream crisps likely contributes to their lower production cost and retail price.
The Taste Test Verdict
Intrigued to see if the premium crisps could justify their hefty price tag, Harris decided to conduct a taste test. She approached it with an open mind.
To her surprise, she found the crisps delightful. They offered a perfect crunch, a wonderful texture, and an ideal level of saltiness. The flavour was so moreish that she kept reaching for more, and she noted that a single bag lasted a reasonable time when shared.
Despite the positive sensory experience, the question of value remained. While Harris appreciated knowing exactly what she was eating—just potatoes, avocado oil, and sea salt—she struggled to see the product as worth nearly £4. She concluded that she might buy them again, but only as an occasional treat or if they were on special offer, a prospect she doubts will happen.
The experience highlights the ongoing debate for UK shoppers: how much of a premium are we willing to pay for perceived health benefits and ingredient transparency? For this M&S regular, the line was drawn at a £3.90 bag of crisps.
