M&S' divisive viral strawberry sandwich gets new twist for 2026
Marks and Spencer's iconic sweet sando is back in store just in time for Wimbledon - but its newly-introduced sister is the summer-ready product that really has fans champing at the bit. The new item, which puts a chocolatey twist on the viral treat, has already been hailed as 'insane' and of 'incredible quality' by first-time tasters.
Cast your mind back to this time last year, if you can. The UK’s new junk food advert ban had yet to come into play; McDonald’s brought Squishmallows back to Happy Meals, only to do it again months later, and the majority of BrewDog bars were still alive and kicking.
The summer of 2025 also served as the debut of the now-viral M&S Strawberry & Creme Sandwich, which raised a few eyebrows when it first launched.
Announced just before Iga Świątek and Jannik Silver won silverware at Wimbledon, the grab-and-go favourite - inspired by the viral Japanese fruit sando - sold more than one million in just five weeks of shelf life, according to The Retail Bulletin.
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Due to overwhelming demand, the M&S Red Diamond Strawberry & Creme Sandwich is back in stores - and we can thank the supermarket chain’s long-term deal with supplier, Greencore, for that.
Priced at £2.80, consumers can expect Red Diamond Strawberries, layered with a light whipped cream cheese between soft, sweetened bread.
M&S debuts new chocolate sandwich
If you’re obsessed, then good news: there’s a new kid on the block: it's indulgent partner, described as a ‘brand-new addition to our viral sweet summer sandwich lineup’.
The M&S item, aptly named the Chocolate, Strawberry and Pistachio Creme Sandwich, features British strawberries, smooth, roasted pistachio creme, and a rich Fairtrade Belgian chocolate spread.
The mouthwatering components are sandwiched between cocoa‑enriched, sweetened bread.
Described by Alex Freudmann, managing director of M&S Food, as a ‘distinctive, market-leading product’, the Chocolate, Strawberry and Pistachio Creme Sandwich is available to purchase in-store now… if you can find it that is.
Foodies have already been waxing lyrical about the Dubai Chocolate-inspired sweet treat, which retails for £3.50.
After watching popular food reviewer @emiiyjade give her verdict, one TikTok user wrote: “I’m not getting skinny this summer.”
“F**k that looks insane,” replied someone else.
A third replied: “Oh my goodness. I need both right now.”
“M and S is elite food. Incredible quality,” another added.
M&S Sweet dips launch
The sweet sandwiches have launched alongside two matching dips: a Strawberry & Cream Dip and a Chocolate and Pistachio Velvety Dip.
Designed to enhance your very British picnic spread, the former pairs sweet strawberry compote with full-fat soft cheese, cream and Greek-style yoghurt.
It’s advised to dunk fresh strawberries or buttery shortbread in for a full-flavour sensation.
Meanwhile, the Chocolate and Pistachio Velvety Dip is an Italian-style, chocolatey nut custard topped with crunchy pistachio pieces.
The expanded dip range comes in at £3.25 and £3.75, respectively.
Unfortunately, a shelf-life date has not been given for the two sweet sandwiches and the matching dips. This means it's probably better to get your fix sooner, rather than later.
More UK food releases
If sweet treats aren't your cup of tea, then there are a plethora of new releases across the UK that may satisfy you instead.
These include Taco Bell finally bringing the Mountain Dew Baja Blast to Britain after launching in the US more than two decades ago, and a new Five Guys rewards scheme which sees customers earning free fries,
To redeem a Little or Regular portion of fries, all you need to do is sign up to the Five Guys app.
Unlike some restaurant reward programmes, Five Guys Rewards does not require customers to collect points or stamps. Instead, rewards are loaded directly into the customer’s Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.
To earn future offers, customers need to scan their Rewards Pass when visiting a Five Guys restaurant and spend a minimum of £7. A Member Reward will then be added to their wallet for use on their next visit.
Topics: UK Food, Social Media
Ella Scott