I tried the M&S strawberry and cream sandwich and have one recommendation
I tried the M&S strawberry and cream sandwich and have one recommendation
Marks & Spencer's new strawberries and cream sandwich is perhaps its most unusual yet, combining ingredients you wouldn't normally see in a sarnie
M&S' new sandwich is inspired by a popular Japanese dessert
(Image: Billy Labrum/Reach PLC )
Marks & Spencer's latest sandwich offering might just be one of its most unique concoctions to date. It's safe to say that the sweetened sandwich had some mixed reviews.
The packet only includes half a round of sandwich, and offers strawberries in a filling made of creme fraiche and sweetened full-fat soft cheese. The bread is a kid of sweetened brioche rather than normal sandwich loaf. And it turns out that some people are absolutely in love with it, while others thing the superstore has lost its mind.
M&S says its Red Diamond Strawberry & Creme Sandwich is inspired by a Japanese fruit sando, a type of sweetened sandwich that has become popular in Japan.
Express reporter Brian Dillon decided to give it a go himself and although he loved the first few bites, he felt very differently by the end and recommends anyone wanting to experience a Japanese fruit sando should head to a proper Japanese cafe or bakery instead.
He writes: "I decided to try it and I enjoyed the first few bites - but I felt quite different by the end.
"The supermarket's limited edition Red Diamond Strawberry & Creme Sandwich has hit shelves across the country ahead of Wimbledon, and shoppers might be surprised to find it amongst other lunchtime staples.
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"M&S describes it as a "game-changing" treat inspired by Japanese desserts. I first looked for it in the dessert fridge but it was nowhere to be found. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here
"Once I headed to get my usual lunch sandwich, there it was amongst the chicken Caesar wraps and prawn mayo sandwiches. I was apprehensive.
"A dessert sandwich isn't something I dream about. When it came to the first bite, what struck me was how rich it was. The sandwich consists of strawberries, crème fraîche and sweetened full-fat soft cheese. The first bite was immensely sweet, and it was delightful.
Express reporter Brian Dillon trying the new, limited edition sandwich
(Image: Billy Labrum/Reach PLC )
"As for the bread, it was an experience on its own. A brioche-style bun provided the spongey vessel necessary for such a delectable dessert sandwich.
"The bread was certainly interesting. The brioche-style bun was spongy, the only kind of bread you could have used for a dessert like this.
"While the first bite was scrumptious, it got less enjoyable the more I ate it. As you can imagine, thick slices of brioche-style bread with a generous helping of cream proved to be a lot to digest. I was very full afterwards, despite how small this treat actually looks. By the end, it was quite sickly.
"Kudos go to M&S for the fresh strawberries inside.
"At £2.80, I wasn't expecting the fruit to be this plump. In fact, all of the ingredients were delightful, and each tasted like high-quality M&S stuff. But when all of it is put together into a sandwich, it becomes too much quite quickly.
"I'm glad to have had it and I would recommend trying it yourself, even if you want to eat it in a couple of goes. But would I buy it again? There are things in life I'm happy to experience just once. My advice: share it to avoid an uncomfortably full tummy.
"The sandwich is a limited edition, so it is available for a short time. I think you should get your hands on it while you can.
"The dessert is inspired by Japanese Sandos, which are sweet sandwiches, so it's a great introduction to a new dessert that is gaining some traction in the UK.
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"However, I reckon it might be best to go to a Japanese café or bakery to try the real deal rather than your local M&S!"
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