Latest news with #M&SFood
Telegraph
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The best wines to buy from M&S this summer
Between the cyber attacks and fashion editors eulogising about the summer collections, M&S has barely been out of the headlines this year. Food sales are strong, but what is going on with M&S wine? Earlier this spring, I went to the retailer's head office in Paddington to taste some 90 samples from its current drinks range and came out with mixed impressions. Here's what I thought. The first point to make is that the bottles you're inexorably bowled towards by in-store displays, especially in travel hubs, aren't the wines that M&S does best, even if it does sell a lot of them. I'm not a fan of the somewhat sickly Bellante Prosecco and not just because the name reminds me of an unprintable insult rather than a character in Handel's opera Almira. The M&S Garganega Pinot Grigio 2024, Italy (£7), which apparently sells by the bucketload, is made by the very good Cantina di Monteforte and is perfectly fine, though rather sweet (it has more than 6g/litre of residual sugar). My tip? If you like pinot grigio, go to Morrisons and buy Gordon Ramsay Pinot Grigio 2024, Italy (11%, Morrisons, £7.50; also Tesco, £8.75 and still worth that price), which is also made by Cantina di Monteforte but which is dry, peachy and delicious. Back at M&S, other classical styles, such as the Corsican Rosé at £8.50 or the Classics No 14 Spanish Albariño (£13), err on the side of anodyne, which is often my experience of wines at M&S tastings. Strangely, perhaps, for a retailer with a reputation for excelling at basics such as plain cotton knickers and men's crew-neck sweaters, the wines that shine at M&S aren't the ones I might usually look for, they're the ones I didn't know I wanted in my life. A new star to look out for is a beautiful white from the Dão and Lafões regions of Portugal with a slightly textured feel, like pear juice mingled with woody herbs and run through with a salty charge of preserved lemon. That's M&S Found Encruzado 2024, Portugal (12.5%, M&S, £8.50), which is due in stores on June 11. It's fresh enough to drink as an aperitif but it does have good backbone and will sit well with food. Snackwise, I'm matching this with paprika Pringles. Dinnerwise, its combination of texture and tang would be good with the fatty succulence of pulled pork, while its citrus and herbal notes work well with rosemary-and-lemon chicken kebabs. The encruzado is part of an M&S range called Found, dedicated to unusual and little-known grapes, and it's under this label that you will find many of the retailer's best wine buys – and I say this as someone extremely wary of novelty for novelty's sake. Among the Found wines I'd recommend are Feteasca Alba (£7.50) from Romania (also due in stores on June 11), orange Verdil from Spain, and Found Kratosija 2024, Macedonia (13%, M&S, £8.50), a vivid, berry-scented unoaked red that is a cracking buy. My theory is that the apparently cautious approach that leaves me wanting more from some M&S wines is a blessing when it comes to grapes that might otherwise be too challenging. Many Found wines take unfamiliar flavours and wrap them into a wine that is interesting enough but, crucially, approachable and good value – the same approach the food hall has taken for many years. That's not to say Found represents the only wines I'd buy from M&S: other star buys include a cava, an English bacchus and a smoky red from South Africa, all of which you'll find recommended below. Skip to: How we tested Victoria Moore tasted 91 wines at M&S's spring/summer press tasting in April 2025. Why you can trust us Victoria Moore is the author of the best-selling The Wine Dine Dictionary and an award-winning journalist who writes The Telegraph Magazine 's drinks column. With a postgraduate diploma in psychology, she also runs workshops on wine and smell. Her impressive list of awards includes Louis Roederer Wine Columnist of the Year, Louis Roederer Online Communicator of the Year and Fortnum & Mason Drinks Writer of the Year. The Wine Dine Dictionary won the André Simon Special Commendation Award and was also Fortnum & Mason Drink Book of the Year 2018. Follow Victoria on Instagram @how_to_drink.
Irish Examiner
30-05-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Taste of Italy: These delicious pizzas are the perfect freezer fillers this summer
Summer and pizza go well together, what with lazy days, smaller appetites, and a reluctance to cook when the sun is shining. A few pizzas in the freezer are ideal for those days when a sandwich seems insufficient, yet the same combination of ingredients hot out of the oven is a satisfying treat. For this week's top 8, we kept an eye out for old favourites along with new flavour combinations. We also spotted pizza dough in freezer compartments, for those who want to choose their own toppings. Even better, if the weather isn't so good, amuse the children by making pizza dough from scratch, and save a few euros. Use 500g strong flour, ½ teaspoon dried yeast, 1 teaspoon salt and 300ml warm water to make a dough by hand or in a blender or mixer. Mix until well combined. A dough hook in the mixer will knead it for 5-10 minutes, until it becomes spongy. Tip onto a floured surface and, if making it by hand, knead with the heel of your hand until it feels bouncy – this can take 15 minutes, depending on the weather. Set aside for a few hours in a covered, oiled bowl until doubled in size. Flatten out and top with your favourites, topping with basil leaves after cooking. For a quicker result, though a little heavier, scone dough, rolled thinly, also works. Slice of Life healthy pizza cauliflower pepperoni 349g €5 Slice of Life Pizza. A light thin base of white and wholemeal flours has puréed cauliflower and carrot, which lighten the texture and add to the flavour of a tasty crust. The topping has a natural, flavoursome sauce made from tomatoes, salt, sunflower oil, herbs and garlic, finished with a generous amount of mozzarella. This topping comes with finely sliced and mildly spiced pepperoni. Produced in Dublin, we bought it in Lidl Ballincollig. Score: 9.5 Saturday Pizzas margherita 400g €4.99 Saturday Pizzas, Margherita Pizza. Picture: David Creedon Good, natural pizza base of just flour, water, salt and yeast makes for a flavourful crust and a light base. The topping of simple tomato sauce made from tomatoes, salt, a little sugar and pepper is nicely balanced and topped with olive oil and fresh basil leaves. A hit with all tasters. Produced in Cork. Score: 10 M&S Food woodfired roasted vegetables 440g €7 Woodfired Italian Ham & Mascarpone Pizza. - Picture: David Creedon Good, thin, pizza base here made from basic ingredients - flour with malted flour, yeast, water and salt. The topping has decent chunks of juicy peppers, courgettes, and tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and herbs. Enjoyed by all. Score: 9 Dunnes Stores gluten-free mozzarella & tomato pizza 300g €3.49 Dunnes Stores Gluten Free, Mozzarella & Tomato Pizza. - Picture: David Creedon Expecting the dry taste of some gluten-free products, tasters were pleasantly surprised by the taste and light texture of this pizza. The crust is made with rice flour, cornflour, pea flour, flaxseed, and various starches. The tomato sauce is quite rich, the mozzarella is generous, and it's seasoned with oregano. Made in Italy. Score: 8.75 Dr Oetker Suprema cinque formaggi 424g €5.99 Dr. Oetker, Suprema CinQue Formaggi.- Picture: David Creedon Tasters liked this balance of a crunchy base, which was not too thick, topped with rich tomato purée and the five cheeses mentioned in the Italian title – mozzarella, smoked white cheddar, provolone, ricotta and blue. The five make for interesting textures – creamy and chunky, dry and stringy. No chemical additives in the base or topping. Made in the EU. Score: 9 Tesco Finest ham, mushroom and mascarpone 430g €5.50 Tesco Finest, Ham, Mushroom & mascarpone Wood Fired Pizza. - Picture: David Creedon Tasters liked the blend of creamy mascarpone cheese with garlic-flavoured mushrooms. The ham was unremarkable but there was plenty of flavour overall with the topping of Parmesan. Score: 8.5 Lidl Deluxe four cheese & semi-dried tomato pizza 430g €3.29 Deluxe Four Cheese & Semi-Dried Tomato, Wood Fired Pizza. - Picture: David Creedon A good blend of cheeses here – smoked provola, emmental, asiago cheeses, as well as unspecified 'hard cheese', topped with tasty buffalo mozzarella pearls. The base made from wheat flour, dried wheat sourdough, malted wheat flour, black pepper and yeast, with maize starch and dextrose, makes a tasty and crisp crust. The sun-dried tomatoes with garlic add a rich flavour to the topping. Made in Italy. Score: 8.25 Goodfella's ham & pineapple stone-baked thin 365g €4.19 Goodfells Ham & Pineapple Pizza. - Picture: David Creedon The pineapple-on-pizza debate will continue as long as people enjoy this combination. Here, it works well with plenty of mozzarella to bring a genuine Italian feel to this pizza. Ham and pepperoni both have preservatives and stabilisers. As an occasional treat, these are fine, but it's best to avoid UPFs in the form of processed meats daily. Irish made. Score: 8 Read More Munster producers championed at Euro-Toques Ireland Food Awards
Agriland
20-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
M&S ‘committed' to agriculture in Northern Ireland
One of the UK's biggest retailers has highlighted how food produced in Northern Ireland is currently being sold on the shelves of Marks and Spencer (M&S) stores across the UK. The retailer has also confirmed its commitment to the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the UK. One key issue that M&S management has identified as being a negative factor within the sustainability debate is the extension of inheritance tax to farmland that is a UK government policy. Head of agriculture and fisheries at M&S Food, Steve McLean, told Agriland, about the retailer's approach to its suppliers in Northern Ireland. McLean said: 'We are particularly committed to agriculture in Northern Ireland, 70%of our shell eggs come from the Skea organisation. 'The team at ABP and Linden Foods continue to excite and excel where beef and lamb are concerned. 'And this has a massively positive impact on the amount of product coming in form Northern Ireland, which is subsequently sold in M&S outlets throughout the UK.' 'We are involved in a lot of positive developments, where our milk pool is concerned.' Last week M&S also announced it was expanding its partnership with Co. Armagh-based Gilfresh Produce to supply Irish parsnips to M&S stores across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Shaun Doherty, senior agronomist at M&S, said the collaboration exemplifies its dedication to sustainability. 'By working closely with growers to implement renewable energy solutions and eco-friendly practices, we're not only enhancing produce quality but also contributing to a healthier environment for future generations,' he added. M&S Speaking to Agriland at the 2025 Balmoral Show last week the head of agriculture and fisheries at M&S Food said the drive continues to develop long-term working relationships between the retailer and its suppliers. 'This process is at the very heart of our sustainability agenda. 'Currently we are seeing livestock and milk prices at a very positive point for farmers. And we are also seeing this coming through in the quality of the product. 'Farmers have needed a price boost. Moreover, this is recognised throughout the whole of the supply chain,' McLean added. He also recognises the need for farmers to invest in the future of their businesses. McLean said: 'It's important that farming businesses have the confidence to encourage new entrants when it comes to the issue of succession. 'Government has used a very blunt tool, where the issue of inheritance tax is concerned. Yes, the decision taken by the government has focused farmers' minds on the subject of succession within their businesses. 'But the issue is that of the seven-year transition.' McLean also outlined the importance of sustainable farming to the retailer. 'From an M&S perspective. we want to see agriculture having a long-term future. And this means allowing farmers to make sustainable profits now. 'In turn, this will provide then with the ability to invest for the future. 'We have no food base without a very strong farmer and grower supply chain, operating throughout the UK. 'We rely on about 8,500 livestock farms and 700 fresh produce farms to supply the great quality food that our customers expect,' he added. McLean said M&S is 'very UK-centric in terms of its approach'. 'It's a policy that delivers best quality. It is also doing a great job where sustainability is concerned. 'Our customers also want us to support farming throughout the UK,' he said. Balmoral Show results overview: Day 4 Commercial cattle classes Champion: MCV Competitions Reserve: RMC Commercial Cattle Junior Champion: MCV Competitions Reserve: RMC Commercial Cattle Best Commercial Heifer Clas 1 st : MCV Competitions : MCV Competitions 2nd: RMC Commercial Cattle Best Commercial Beef Steer Class 1 st : S & J Smyth : S & J Smyth 2nd: Jacob McAuley Best Exhibitor-bred animal 1 st : MCV Competitions : MCV Competitions 2nd: Fergal Gormley Pairs' class 1 st : Jalex Livestock : Jalex Livestock 2nd: Mya Alexander Commercial Beef Heifer: under 30 months-of-age: Class 639 1 st : S & J Smyth : S & J Smyth 2nd: Mya Alexander Commercial Beef Heifer: under 30 months-of-age: Class 640 1 st : MCV Competitions : MCV Competitions 2nd: RMC Commercial Cattle Commercial Beef Heifer: under 30 months-of-age: Class 641 1 st : JCB Commercials : JCB Commercials 2nd: Jalex Livestock Commercial Beef Heifer: under 30 months-of-age 1 st : S & J Smyth : S & J Smyth 2nd: Jacob McAuley Beef Inter-Breed classes Champion of Champions: Stephen Maginn Reserve: Deerpark Limousin Junior Champion of Champions: MCV Competitions Reserve: Robert McWilliams Native Pairs' Champion: William Porter Reserve: Stephen Cherry and Dorepoll Herefords Continental Pairs' Champion: S & J Smyth Reserve: Kieran McCrory and P & S Murphy Inter-Breed Team of Five Champions, native breed: Leanne Green and Cherryvalley Farms Reserve: Lucy Rodgers and William Porter Inter-Breed Team of Five Champions, continental breed: D & S Murphy: DG Green & Sons; Deerpark Limousin; Trevor Shields; Kieran McCrory Reserve: WD & JA Connolly; Alan Wilson; Robert McWilliams; Brownhill herd; Eoin McGovern Inter-Breed Group Champions native breeds: Leanne Green and Cherryvalley Farms Reserve: William Porter Inter-Breed Group Champions,continental breeds: P & S Murphy; Trevor Shields; Kieran McCrory Reserve: WD & JA Connolly; Alan Wilson; Robert McWilliams Jake Piggot, from Killinchy Co. Down, was the Sheep Young Hander Champion at Balmoral Show 2025. He was congratulated by LMC board member, David Mark Sheep Inter–Breed classes Inter-Breed Champion: Graham Foster Reserve: Limestone Farms Inter-Breed Pairs' Champion: Elizabeth McAllister Reserve: Christian Hill and Alistair Moore Group Of Three Champion: Loughbrae Livestock; Glenbrook Farm; Reserve: John Ferguson Champion Young Handler: Jake Piggott Reserve: Mazie Bradley Goat classes Champion: Marcus Galbraith Reserve: Marcus Galbraith Best Goat in Milk Class 1 st : Marcus Galbraith : Marcus Galbraith 2nd: Marcus Galbraith Best Goatling Class 1 st : Marcus Galbraith : Marcus Galbraith 2nd: N & D Lennox Pig classes Inter-Breed Champion: Trevor Shields Reserve: Clare and Gary Wright Landrace Champion: Amanda Stewart Large White Champion: Trevor Shields Reserve: Trevor Shields
The Guardian
08-02-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Mushroom magic? M&S introduces ‘shots' said to bring you up
First they gave us the meal deal. Now they're trying to help boost our brains. Marks & Spencer's new range of drinks containing adaptogenic mushrooms make it the first major supermarket to sell 'functional juices'. From this year, you can now find 'lion's mane latte' and 'reishi shots' next to Lucozade and lemonade on the soft drinks shelf. Distilled into little shots and combined with juice, or added to cold brew coffee, the products were born out of what Claire Richardson, the product development manager for health at M&S Food, describes as overwhelming concern from 80% of its customer base over 'cognitive/brain health'. Described as adaptogens, these mushrooms supposedly help manage stress, fatigue and anxiety. In true Carrollian fashion, lion's mane is meant to wake you up – and reishi, to calm you down. What's more, they're all completely legal. As with most 'supplements', there is a spectrum. Magic mushrooms contain psychoactive constituents, and are considered class A drugs under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act. While harvesting functional mushrooms such as lion's mane is illegal because of its rarity, it is non-psychedelic and legal to buy from a shop. The popularity of functional mushrooms as a wellness product has only, well, mushroomed in the past few years. The global adaptogenic mushrooms market was worth £8.7bn in 2022 and is expected to net a 10% return in the next decade, according to Global Market Insights, quoted in the Grocer. So why all the buzz? Combined with changing attitudes towards health and wellness, mushroom-laced products are occasionally referred to as 'third way' products – alternatives to coffee or alcohol, which can reproduce a similar effect. Three Spirit, a British drinks company sells bottles of Social, which contains 'mood-maker' lion's mane. The health app Lifesum predicts the global mushroom coffee market will grow at an annual rate of 5.5% from 2024 to 2030. But there is an argument that this overlaps with shifting attitudes over the illegal kind too. This week, magic mushrooms played a starring role in Sharon Horgan's new spin-off, Amandaland, in which the antagonist Amanda finds herself consuming mushroom chocolates in a hot tub while trying to ingratiate herself with Harlesden's hippest parents. In 2023, it was reported that one in 100 people had taken hallucinogenic drugs in England and Wales within the past year, most of them older than Gen Z – with 'functional chocolates' taking off among a certain type of middle-aged, middle-class consumer run ragged by modern life. David Nutt, a professor of neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London and the author of Psychedelics, thinks this taps into a 'growing recognition of the emotional value and traditional use of magic mushrooms plus acceptance of their safety compared with most other recreational drugs including alcohol'. Citing a paper in the Lancet from 2010, which looks at drugs ordered by their overall harm scores, it shows mushrooms are at the lower end of the scale compared with alcohol. This 'desire to escape from the commercial exploitation and toxic effects of alcohol' is particularly prevalent among older, time-poor professionals looking for manageable escape. One east London woman, who is 48 and requested to remain anonymous, said she regularly took mushroom chocolate when on holiday with her children. 'You get that kick like you would with a first drink but you don't have the hangover the next day,' she said. 'It's ideal when you have to be up at 6am.' The consumption of both legal and illegal mushrooms is as old as society itself, but finding evidence to back up the former's health benefits remains the issue. Richardson, who created the drinks with scientists from Kew's Royal Botanic Gardens, describes the benefits as 'numerous', although it is unclear as to what these benefits actually are. Under UK law, food labelling cannot 'attribute to any foodstuff the property of preventing, treating or curing a human disease'. Concrete research based on human trials is scant, although various companies claim it can help with brain health, alleviating inflammatory bowel disease and even ADHD symptoms. It remains to be seen as to whether these drinks will make it to Tesco or Waitrose. According to YouGov, while one in four people are interested in functional mushroom drinks, almost half have never heard of them – much less tried them. Bring the Zing AM shot (contains lion's mane) Taste: sweet, citrussy, perfectly palatable. Does it work?: packs a punch, although hard to know if that is caused by the mushrooms or raw ginger juice. Absolutely Dreamy PM shot (contains reishi) Taste: bitter cherry, with a slightly earthy undertone. Not unpleasant. Does it work?: ask me tomorrow morning.
