Marks and Spencer launch 'game-changing' strawberry and cream sandwich but Brits are divided

Daily Record

26-06-2025

The limited-edition treat, inspired by Japanese "sweet sandos," has been called both "delicious" and "puke-inducing"
Sweet and savoury can be a hit or a miss for some people, but one leading UK supermarket is hoping it will be a smash hit for foodies across the country, with the release of its first-ever summer dessert sandwich.
Marks and Spencer has unveiled the limited-edition Strawberry & Creme Sandwich, billed as a "game-changing sweet, creamy and oh-so-scrummy treat" made with the retailer's "iconic" British Red Diamond Strawberries.
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With a thick layer of whipped cream cheese spread between two pieces of fluffy sweetened bread, M&S promises to "tantalise the taste buds" of the nation with its latest innovation, available at local M&S Foodhalls now.
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The creation has been inspired by the Japanese sweet sandos, which have been spotted in some of the UK's trendiest Japanese patisseries.
And although it may look like a dessert, shoppers can find the creation alongside the supermarket's regular sandwiches.
However, the Strawberry & Creme Sandwich has left Brits divided. While some are lapping up the fruity drop, others have labelled it "nonsense" and a complete over-indulgence.
Taking to X, previously Twitter, one woman fumed: "What is this nonsense!!!! Strawberries and cream… sandwich?!!!"
Another wrote: "M&S Red Diamond Strawberry & Creme... on bread. Not sure how I'm feeling about this one (I'm not getting the same thrill as with Christmas sandwiches)."
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A third admitted: "I'm intrigued and will be getting one…so I can compare when I try the real deal in Japan in 2026".
A fourth turned their nose up at the combo, writing: "Puke inducing," while another complained sarcastically: "So they've taken a classic combo in strawberries and cream and ruined it, by slapping it between bread. Genius."
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Interestingly, many Brits haven't had to travel nearly 9,000 miles to tuck into the sandwich. Many described enjoying the delicacy growing up in the comfort of their own homes.
One woman explained: "My mother was born in Bromley, Kent. I was told it was quite common to have bread and butter with Strawberries. (Late 1930s). Probably not as a sandwich though!"
Another agreed, pitching in from over the Irish Sea: "Sweet sandwiches not unusual in N Ireland - we grew up with strawberry sandwiches, also mars bar and apple / grape and cheese. Still seen at funeral spreads!"
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The dessert sandwich was also compared to a long-standing British staple - the jam sandwich. One man poked fun at M&S's release, teasing: "Introducing non-sweet sandwiches is so radical! I mean - its as radical as A JAM SANDWICH."
Another joined in, adding: "Sweet sandos? Obviously we're far too posh and middle class for a piece and jam..." A third maintained: We've always had non-savoury sandwiches. They have jam in them."
Comparisons to scones were also made. Elsewhere, we had users that were more complimentary, writing: "That actually looks quite nice," while another concluded: "These are delicious, the Japanese ones are amazing."
M&S Food first sold freshly made sandwiches in the 1920s, and expanded sales with pre-packed sandwiches in the 1980s. The retailer's food halls have sold four billion sandwiches to date.
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