'I tried M&S drink that tastes like ice cream but one thing disappointed me'
I have to admit that I'm one of those people who can't get enough of matcha - and when I am wearing green, you best believe I am getting one to purely match my vibe. But, I have to admit that pure matcha can taste a bit like grass (we all tried a strand of grass while playing as a kid, right?), but mixing it with your favourite milk and/or delicious, flavoured sugar syrup makes all the difference in making it more like a milkshake.
As someone who loves a cuppa, I have found it a great alternative that allows me to enjoy a lovely drink without getting a coffee.
Recently, fans of the green beverage have been going wild for M&S' new matcha options. M&S cafes across the country offer an original Matcha Latte and a Vanilla Matcha Latte, both priced at £4, as well as the viral Raspberry and White Chocolate Matcha Latte.
The Iced Raspberry and White Chocolate Matcha Latte has been dubbed "worth the hype" by customers who are encouraging others to give it a go. This sweet and creamy matcha blend, infused with notes of raspberry and white chocolate, is priced at £4.25. Fans simply can't resist it.
After spending far too long lounging and scrolling on TikTok watching people sip on these drinks, I had to see if the Raspberry and White Chocolate Matcha Latte was worth the hype.
I visited an M&S café in Leeds city centre recently to pick up the delight. Standing in the queue it appeared that I was the only one ordering this beverage as the regulars ordered their teas and coffees.
Presentation and making process
I watched the drink being made and was disappointed by the lack of freshness. The premade matcha was mixed with water and then kept in a container in the fridge.
Competitors like Blank Street – where there are queues down the street for their famous matcha drinks – make each drink fresh. So this drink was not fresh enough for me.
Firstly, I was the only one in the queue to order this drink, so surely they would have time to make it fresh in front of me.
And secondly, I wouldn't want my espresso sitting there for hours before a coffee order, I would want it brewed in front of me.
Considering the price, along with the standard from competitors, I think this element needs to be change. It felt like the staff had not been properly trained in making matcha drinks so they just premade the ingredients for ease.
Nonetheless, the drink was made at a speedy pace, the staff member making it was lovely, and the drink looked fine presentation wise.
The colour of the drink looked good, although quite light in comparison to promotional pictures of the drink, so you may want to add an extra shot of matcha if you prefer it stronger.
Taste test
Now, time for the taste test. I gave it a good stir and took a big gulp as my mouth watered. The drink was lovely and creamy, and tasted much like an ice cream on a hot day with raspberry sauce on top.
While I drank it in the M&S café, I could imagine someone enjoying it in the garden on a hot day, with a paddling pool out and barbecue on. The delicious flavour left me excited to go back in for more.
I would say it is on the sweet side – so if that is not your thing, I would stick to the regular matcha. And as previously pointed out, the paler colour means the matcha taste is not super powerful.
However, those who want to enjoy the matcha benefits without the earthy green aftertaste, or try it for the first time, this could be perfection for you.
Final summary
I enjoyed the new M&S matcha drink, it is fun and fruity and reminds me of summer. However, I don't think it compares to matchas I have tried at the likes of Starbucks, Black Sheep or Blank Street, which feel significantly higher quality.
The most disappointing detail was the beverage not being made to order. While it's nice on a hot day, I would't go to M&S specifically to get one.
However, I would pick one up if I visited the café. So it's definitely worth a try if you are in the supermarket already!
Rating: 6/10.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
You need laser-sharp vision to find 5 hidden microphones in baffling brainteaser
Put your visual skills to the ultimate test with this devilishly difficult brainteaser where you need to find five 'sneaky' hidden microphones in just 10 seconds or less Discover whether you have eagle-eyed vision with this festival-theme brainteaser that's leaving most Brits scratching their heads. Solving cryptic riddles and challenging puzzles is one of life's best boredom busters. But, research has suggested they're so much more than that - and can actually positively impact your central nervous system. This isn't enough to transform you into a modern-day genius, but could improve your attention span and concentration levels. However, the brainteaser below is deceptively difficult, and may also lead to bursts of fury when you inevitably fail. Seriously, you'll need some pretty impressive visual skills and rapid reactions to solve this within the time limit. READ MORE: Only 1 in 3 can work out which hat contains the cat in baffling brainteaser Created by Best New Bingo Sites, the image above shows a bustling festival scene filled with singers, musicians and dancers. It'll be a familiar sight for the swathes of Brits heading to the likes of Kendal Calling, Boomtown, and Leeds Festival this summer. But amongst the party are five sneaky microphones hiding in plain sight. You'll need to spot all of them in just 10 seconds or less to prove you have laser-sharp vision. Feeling stuck? We're not going to give away any clues (that would make it far too easy) but zooming in on the picture may help you find the mics quicker. Still struggling, or think you've cracked it in the nick of time? Scroll down to the bottom of the article to reveal the answer... Want to avoid the doom and gloom? Get the latest positive news sent straight to your inbox with our Bright Stuff Newsletter If that mind-boggling brainteaser was no match for a smarty pants like yourself, fear not. This viral puzzle is much trickier, and can only be solved by those with a sky-high IQ. Reckon you're brave enough to take it on? The image above shows a goat munching on some foliage in the countryside - but there is one thing missing: his owner. That's right, hidden within the black-and-white picture is actually a woman, and you have got to find her in just five seconds to prove you have perfect vision. Again, we're not giving away any clues for this one - but if you're feeling completely stumped, ignore the five-second rule and take all the time you need to crack it. You can check your answer here - but no cheating! Up for another mental workout? Check out our full collection of tricky brainteasers, baffling riddles, and mind-boggling puzzles here - or, learn more about your hidden personality traits with these fascinating optical illusions.
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Millionaire family who blow £40k per holiday muck out sheep on Lancashire camping trip, in Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday
A MILLIONAIRE couple, who have £2500 a week in disposable income were left horrified when they had to muck out alpacas as a "fun" activity on Channel 5's Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday. After giving the Leaf family a glimpse into their lives by taking them to a hotel in Malta that cost more per night than their monthly rent, the Dissont family were whisked off to rural Lancashire for a budget break. 3 The Dissont family were less than impressed by the glamping break Credit: Channel 5 3 They couldn't believe how little the Leaf's spent on their holiday Credit: Channel 5 3 Andre was not impressed when he had to muck out the sheep Credit: Channel 5 Health and Aesthetics clinic owners Sam and Andre, who earn up to £80,000 a month, blow up to £40,000 on a single break, so they were less than impressed by the Leaf's glamping holiday, with Andre describing the glamping pods as akin to a "sewage silo." "It's smaller than some of the bathrooms in the hotel's we've stayed in", said Sam, who is used to five star luxury. "I've never been on a holiday where I could touch all four walls at the same time", Andre admitted. The couple and their 14-year-old daughter were immediately unsure whether they would be able to hack the trip. "There's no holiday feel to it, it's just endurance", said Andre, after having to lug his suitcase across a muddy field. The posh family, from Cheshire, who blew £155 on a guided tour in Malta, were shocked to find that the same cost was their entire spending budget for the four-day Lancashire trip. "That is so tight", Andre fumed. "We spend that much money just on getting to the airport." The holiday doesn't get off to a great start, with Sam moaning about the cold temperatures and the fact they're "stuck in a field", with nowhere to go. The couple were horrified by the communal bathroom, and couldn't believe that they had to cook food for themselves. Inside 'real-life Love Island' where super-rich 'drop £3k a day' and kinky clubs sweep up boozy Brits booted out from Ibiza "When it comes to a holiday, I want to be catered for", Andre said. Sam completely refused to use the shared shower and decided to fast rather than eat a breakfast of eggs on toast. Activities on the trip included volunteering with alpacas and paddle boarding, which Andre described as "holiday hell." And although the family did enjoy cuddling the animals, they were less than impressed when it came to mucking them out. Top Hacks for Holidaying with Kids IF you've got plans to go on holiday with your little ones this summer, here's some advice to take on board. Plan Ahead: Book accommodations with family-friendly amenities. Research kid-friendly attractions and activities. Make travel arrangements that accommodate your children's schedules. Pack Smart: Create a packing checklist to ensure you don't forget essentials. Pack a mix of familiar and new toys to keep kids entertained. Bring snacks, extra clothes, and emergency supplies in your carry-on. Travel Comfort: Use neck pillows and blankets for a more comfortable journey. Download movies, games, and music on tablets or phones. Schedule travel during nap times or overnight to maximise sleep. Stay Organized: Use packing cubes to keep clothes and items sorted. Keep important documents, like passports and tickets, in a dedicated folder. Utilise apps for itinerary management and navigation. Engage and Entertain: Plan interactive activities like scavenger hunts or travel journals. Explore local parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly museums. Involve kids in trip planning to get them excited and engaged. Maintain Routine: Stick to regular meal and sleep times as much as possible. Bring along comfort items, like favorite blankets or stuffed animals. Allow for downtime to avoid overstimulation. Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust plans based on your children's needs and moods. Embrace the unexpected and make the most of impromptu moments. Keep a positive attitude to set the tone for a fun and memorable trip. These hacks can help make your holiday with kids smoother, more enjoyable, and will ensure that you return home with wonderful memories! "I work hard anyway, I don't need to do that when I'm on holiday", Andre fumed. The Dissont's couldn't wait to get home to their huge mansion, after admitting that their perspective on budget holidays hadn't changed. However, daughter Kasia said she enjoyed the £900 Lancashire break just as much as the £16,000 Malta getaway. The rich family showed their generous side though, by offering to pay for the Bolton-based Leafs to go on holiday to Greece. "You totally deserve it", they told the "selfless" family. In floods of tears, the grateful family said the gift was "incredible".
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I tested all the supermarket cinnamon swirls – the tasty winner was £1.20 cheaper than M&S
My winners are impossible not to wolf down in one go THE BUN WOT WON IT I tested all the supermarket cinnamon swirls – the tasty winner was £1.20 cheaper than M&S CINNAMON buns are rolling in the sweet taste of more success. Waitrose recently reported a surge of 381 per cent in online searches for them. Advertisement 9 Laura Stott has tested all the supermarket cinnamon swirls Credit: Damien McFadden But if you don't want to pay over the odds for costly versions to go with your coffee in a shop, which supermarket's version is best to enjoy at home? Laura Stott tucked into a selection and gives her verdict. Danish Cinnamon Whirl x 2 , Sainsbury's bakery, £1.75 9 Sainsbury's offering seemed small compared to the others Credit: Damien McFadden SMELLING exactly as sweet and spiced as you want, sadly they are more like the Danish pastry part of their title than a traditional big bouncy bun. What you get is thinner and flatter puff pastry spirals with a brown sugar filling woven through. Advertisement read more on taste test THE LOW DOWN I tested best supermarket low alcohol booze - winning wine was like a pudding More cinnamon flavour would be welcome but what's there is evenly dispersed and the pastry is rich and buttery. Despite these positives, they seemed small compared to the others I tried and it is noticeable that they have no icing on top. Also very messy to eat as when you bite into it, the wheel shape quickly starts to unravel meaning your cake falls apart. Not very satisfying. Advertisement Rating: 2/5 'You can spend just 1p in Lidl & get free food' savvy shopper says as she nabs a bakery treat without paying every time' The Cake Shop Cinnamon Buns x2, Morrisons, £2.39 9 Morrisons' bun has way too much icing Credit: Damien McFadden VERY sweet and smothered with soft cheese icing. In fact, they are drizzled with so much topping, you can barely identify anything else. Advertisement I like icing on top but this was too much for me. It was so abundant it had dripped all over the whole pastry as well as all over the packet. Not only did it make these exceedingly messy to eat but you could barely taste the cinnamon spice that should have been the star of the show. The bits of the cake I could taste were nice enough and they are a good size, raised in the middle with a very generous serving. Advertisement But it was hard to get beyond the thick and gunky topping. Not cheap either, for supermarket own buns, these were noticeably pricey compared to others. Rating: 2/5 Cinnamon Buns x 2, Tesco, £1.80 9 The Tesco buns are generous in size with lots of height and volume Credit: Damien McFadden Advertisement VERY tasty buns from Tesco that are full of flavour. I thought they were just as enjoyable as anything you could buy from a fancy bakery. They are generous in size with lots of height and volume and covered in cream cheese icing. When you bite in they are soft, tasty and plump. Advertisement There is also a visible amount of brown sugary cinnamon running throughout and plenty of topping – but it is not so much that the treats become sickly. They are very sweet but they look lovely and smell delicious. They are a great price, too. Impossible not to wolf down in one go. Perfect with a cup of coffee in the sunshine for the cafe experience without the inflated cost. Advertisement Rating: 5/5 Cinnamon Buns x 2 Asda, £1.74 9 These are well balanced with a nice amount of icing Credit: Damien McFadden A LOVELY dark golden hue gives them that fresh bakery appeal that should start to make your mouth water. And when you tuck in, these are tasty, rich and generous with a generous portion of warming cinnamon filling, giving you a nice sugary hug for the ultimate comforting pick-me-up. Advertisement Well balanced with a nice amount of icing which is plentiful enough to ensure the buns are sticky and gooey – and there was quite a lot of the icing still stuck to the packaging! I'd happily buy these again if I fancied something sweet. Very well priced too, these won't blow the budget. Rating: 4/5 Advertisement Cinn-a-yum Buns x 6 M&S/ £3 9 These are smaller individually than others but they are designed to be bite-sized Credit: Damien McFadden I LIKED the tear-and-share style of these iced buns. They are smaller individually than others but they are designed to be bite-sized, it's not that you've been offered a stingy treat. The petite size makes them ideal for parties, or if you just want something sweet without indulging in a huge cake. Advertisement The cinnamon gives a good hit of flavour and sweetness with the demerara sugar. But they were rather dry and not as sticky and gooey as I like. The icing wasn't great either, it felt like a bit of an afterthought that had been quickly added on top. Nice as a little treat, though, or for a change in place of a biscuit or pud. Advertisement Rating: 2/5 The Daily Bakery Cinnamon Buns x2, Iceland, £1.50 9 These are well-shaped buns that look very appetising and don't disappoint Credit: Damien McFadden REALLY well priced and they taste very good, too. If sweet and sticky is your idea of heaven, you will love these. Each one has loads of cinnamon powder sprinkled on top so you can really smell and taste the spice when you open the packet. Advertisement Well-shaped buns that look very appetising and they don't disappoint. The pastry is rather dense but it is not to their detriment, it just makes them a bit more filling. Absolutely packed with cinnamon sugar filling too so you get your money's worth on the flavour and there was just enough icing to give the stickiness you want without being overwhelming and gunky. Very nice and extremely affordable. Advertisement Rating: 4/5 Cinnamon Bun x 1, Lidl bakery, 79p 9 Lidl's are extremely generous in size with plenty of height and a very gooey and generous icing Credit: Damien McFadden DENSE and yeasty with plenty of appeal when you look at it too. Very sticky and a dark golden brown colour from a thick layer of cinnamon sugar which also gives a lovely fresh aroma. Advertisement It tasted lovely and fresh, very treacly and rich with soft pastry and a crispy outer, alongside a plump bouncy feel in the mouth. Extremely generous in size with plenty of height and a very gooey and generous icing. This was probably the biggest bun of all the ones I tried so everything is amplified, from the amount of pastry on your plate to the cinnamon flavour in each bite. Perfect with a cuppa as a mid-afternoon pick me up. Advertisement Rating: 4/5 Village Bakery Cinnamon Buns x 2, Aldi, £1.49 9 These from Aldi are very different to all the other buns Credit: Damien McFadden VERY bizarre buns. A bit different in style to most and I wasn't a huge fan of the change. They don't seem anything like traditional cinnamon buns – instead they resemble the soft wholemeal rolls you might make a cheese sarnie with. Advertisement When you bite in, they are extremely sweet, heavily flavoured with cinnamon and a cream cheese American-style frosted filling. More like an iced bun, they are very sticky and sickly and I found the similarity to a brown bap a bit disconcerting. There's no textural notes either, everything is very mushy. Although they don't have the plate appeal, if it's just an affordable sticky sweet cinnamon treat you want, they'll do the job. Advertisement Very filling, too. Rating: 2/5 Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
