M&S meal deal has changed and one thing stood out above the rest

Marks and Spencer launched a brand new meal deal range - and one thing stood out over the others.

The new range is part of the Cook Menu Dine In, where you get get a main with two sides for £10. The retailer said it will: "provide customers with easy to cook mid-week meals that aren’t ready meals and don’t compromise on taste – think of it as fuss free meal prepping."

I headed to the new store M&S on Lord Street for the first time to see what combinations I could find. With thousands of combinations available, more than 5,000 according to a spokesperson, I was overwhelmed by the offering. However I opted for the beef and pork meatballs as my main, and for my two sides I got the super green salad and the carrot and sweet potato crush.

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It’s very convenient being able to just stick something in the oven, and for £10 I think the portion sizes were worth it. The meals are designed for two, and there was more than enough to eat in my portion. I really liked the beef and pork meatballs, especially the tomato sauce they came in. While I wasn’t as keen on the carrot and sweet potato crush, which when heated up became a mash, I think it would pair well with fish if I had gone for that option.

The ability to pick three things at random is great for trying new combinations, but next time I might go for potato wedges. However, the food item that really stood out to me was the super green salad. I’ve not had a salad quite like it before, which consisted of vegetables paired with chunks of fruit and a sweet dressing.

This was definitely my favourite part of the meal and I know if I go there again, it will be my first choice.

My colleague Rebecca Koncienzcy got the hunters chicken, and told me: "I loved the convenience of being able to put everything in the oven with no meal prepping involved.

The Hunter's Chicken was lovely and tender with a sweet and tangy sauce. Some may want a little more bacon and cheese on their chicken, but I thought it was a really nice amount and the saltiness from them both complimented the sauce well.

The potato wedges had a lovely coating and were fluffy on the inside, perfect for mopping up the extra sauce. While the salad itself was nice, I think if I was get and M&S meal deal again, I would opt for something else as the Hunter's Chicken sauce overpowered the Ceaser dressing.

"I would pay £10 for this again as it was a good size portion for two and it was really nice not having to think about what is for tea - a great way to may a midweek dinner more exciting. "

My colleague Ellen Kirwin opted for the salmon, and told me: "I love to cook but sometimes after a long day being able to throw a meal in the oven is preferred.

"The Scottish Salmon with Soy and Ginger Glaze was tasty and there was enough glaze to be used as a dipping sauce for my sides. The Hassleback potatoes crisped perfectly in the oven and were still a good enough size to have a fluffy middle.

"My only negative note was that the potatoes could have had more seasoning, but if I was to get them again, I would add my own before popping them into the oven.

"The salad was simple but exactly what was needed to accompany the meal, the dressing was paired wonderfully with the feta cheese, although it could have benefitted from onion.

"Overall, if I was looking for a quick and easy option for tea I'd pick up the salmon and salad again, but maybe opt for a different carb or double up on the veg for a healthier option."

You can watch the video above or head to our TikTok page to take a look at how the meal deal turned out.

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