When I popped into my local M&S last week, I was left feeling quite stunned when I saw the price of one particular item, and I’ve come to the conclusion it’s not worth the money.
I usually shop at M&S but the price of 1 item left me speechless(Image: Nigel Harris via Getty Images)
Despite the common perception that M&S will leave your wallet weeping, I often find that its quality outstrips rivals, particularly in fresh produce.
While keeping a tight grip on the purse strings is always the aim, the occasional indulgence inevitably finds its way into my basket. During a recent trip to my local M&S, one particular price tag caught me off guard.
As health-conscious Brits increasingly scrutinise what’s lurking in their grub, M&S has rolled out its “only…ingredients” collection – a transparent range showcasing exactly how many components go into each product.
The line champions simplicity, wellness and steers clear of ultra-processed nasties, spanning everything from meat and yoghurts to condiments and crisps, with most items sensibly priced, reports the Express.
But then came the crisp aisle revelation – the Only 3 Ingredients Avocado Oil Crisps with Mediterranean Sea Salt, packaged in a sleek 125g bag that caught the eye.
According to the online blurb: “Our Avocado Oil Crisps with Mediterranean Sea Salt are crafted with just three ingredients. These potato snacks are crisped to perfection in the avocado oil and sprinkled with fine sea salt from the salt flats of Alicante.”
The crisps were nearly £4 a bag(Image: Sophie Harris)
At a staggering £3.90 per bag, I was taken aback by the cost of these seemingly ordinary crisps, especially when compared to a 150g bag of Walkers Ready Salted from Sainsbury’s, which comes in at a more reasonable £1.50.
Upon closer inspection, it became clear that Walkers’ crisps contain a longer ingredient list, likely making them cheaper to mass-produce.
Intrigued by whether these high-end crisps could justify their hefty price tag, I decided to give them a go.
I approached the taste test without any preconceived notions and was pleasantly surprised by their delightful flavour. They boasted a wonderful texture, the perfect crunch, and just the right amount of saltiness.
Despite my initial reservations about the price, I found myself repeatedly reaching for more, and surprisingly, one bag lasted quite some time when shared amongst my household.
However, do I believe they’re worth nearly £4? I’m not convinced. While it’s reassuring to know exactly what you’re eating, I struggle to justify the cost.
I would certainly consider purchasing them again, but only as an occasional treat or if they were on sale – though I doubt that will ever happen.
Dining and Cooking