Marks and Spencer's 2024 Christmas food range: Top 10 must-try festive treats unveiled
As soon as the clock strikes midnight on August 31, the only thing many of us can think about is Christmas. Of course, we have the spooky season to look forward to first, but there is no harm in looking ahead to the best time of year.
And one supermarket is already on the bandwagon with gearing up excitement ahead of the Christmas period. The retailer has unveiled an incredible food and drink range for 2024, and fashion, beauty and shopping editor Rachel Pugh has tried it all out.
If you are a big fan of M&S food, check out the top 10 picks that Rachel enjoyed the most.
READ MORE: I've been using a Dunelm 3-tier heated airer for a year - here's what I think
READ MORE: Shoppers rave about M&S's new 'gorgeous' and 'beautiful' £29 dress
This year, Marks and Spencer has added more than 450 items to its Christmas range. There is quite literally something to appeal to everyone, whether you're a big meat eater, vegan, gluten-free, or just plain picky. There's also plenty to keep the kids entertained and their tummies full.
Earlier this week, I was lucky enough to try everything that will be on offer for Christmas 2024 in Marks and Spencer foodhalls. And when I say everything, I mean EVERYTHING.
I ate and drank so much at the MandS Christmas food and drink showcase, I thought I'd need to be rolled out of the food hall. I can safely say there wasn't really anything I didn't like, and was absolutely spoiled for choice. But I've narrowed down all the options to ten of the best.
Here are my ten best items from Marks and Spencer's 2024 Christmas food and drink range:
1. Champagne Delacourt Rose Medium Dry, £26
Anyone who knows me knows that Rose Champagne is my all-time favourite drink. So it's no surprise that this one gets the top spot in these ratings.
My house is normally stocked with MandS Rose Prosecco, so I was very excited to see a more luxurious champagne offering to try. I wasn't sure if it would be worth the £26 price tag, but let me tell you, it is SO worth it. A little sweet, but not overpowering, I could have drank it all night. This is one item I'll be buying time and time again over the Christmas and New Year period.
2. Turkey Feast Lasagne, £10 (in store from 10 December)
Okay, so if you're thinking turkey and lasagne don't belong in the same sentence, you're not alone. When I was first presented by this idea, needless to say, I was skeptical. But my god, it's good. So good, in fact, my plus one said 'it's better than normal lasagne' - high praise indeed.
Taking inspiration from MandS' famous Turkey Feast Sandwich, the lasagne combines roasted British turkey, pork, sage and onion stuffing, cranberry chutney and bacon. I never thought a lasagne would be my top pick when trying out Christmas food, but I promise you, it's epic. Give it a try and you'll never look at lasagne in the same way again.
3. Baking Burrata (price and launch date TBC)
Apparently this Christmas is set to have an Italian flavour, as we see yet another Mediterranean dish taking the third top spot. I generally prefer these kinds of dishes to more traditional British ones, so this was a big hit with me. It's creamy, spicy and moreish. The perfect alternative to a camembert if you're looking for a change from a classic. Unfortunately, if you're veggie, you won't be able to have this one, as it does contain pork.
4. Cocktail Party Pack, £19.50 (in store from 9 October)
M&S cocktail cans are a mainstay in my friendship group. Not only are they convenient, but they're also delicious, and definitely pack a punch. For Christmas 2024, MandS has put all of the most popular flavours into one party pack, which I'm sure will be music to the ears of many shoppers, as it was mine.
I have a feeling this is going to be a huge hit this Christmas, so don't sleep on it.
5. Hot Honey Brie Brulee, £7 (in store from 27 November)
More cheese incoming - this time in the form of a whole creamy brie, drizzled with English Provender hot honey and sprinkled with brown cane sugar. It's as delicious as it is instagrammable, and I couldn't help but keep dipping crusty bread into the gooey mess. Hot honey really elevates an otherwise basic brie, so if you don't mind a bit of sweet and spiciness, try it. Apologise to your waistline in January.
6. 12 Halloumi in Blankets with Hot Honey, £5.50 (in store from 16 October)
Oh look, more cheese, quelle surprise. These bad boys merge a traditional take with something a little different, and they're absolutely gorgeous. It's the perfect hybrid of a charcuterie board - meat, cheese and dip - in one mouthful. I could probably do the whole 12 pack in one sitting, so if you're planning to buy them to share with friends or family, I recommend stocking up on a few.
7. Collection Santa Popping Down the Chimney Dessert, £25 (in store from 1 December)
I'm not really keen on more traditional Christmas desserts, especially when they're jam packed with mincemeat. But this dessert alternative has my heart. An undeniable showstopper, it may look too good to eat, but it tastes too good not to.
Made using an exclusive roof shaped mould, it's filled with a dark and milk chocolate mousse and oozing butterscotch caramel sauce on a white chocolate and toasted popcorn crisp base. All topped with white chocolate mousse and the cutest edible decorations.
8. Christmas Colin the Caterpillar (price and launch date TBC)
It would be an absolute travesty to tell you guys about Marks and Spencer's Christmas range for 2024 without a mention of Colin, so here he is. If you're a fan of the little fella, I have good news for you, as Christmas Colin is the most chocolatey one to date.
It's particularly good news if you live in a household that fights over the solid chocolate face (poor Colin), as the Christmas caterpillar is embellished with a large sleigh - all made from solid chocolate. Mini Colins will also be returning - this year covered with festive coloured snowflakes.
9. Double Wrapped Pigs in Blankets (price and launch date TBC)
While the double wrapping of these pigs in blankets may appear to be the biggest selling point, for me, it was the quality of the sausage itself that really impressed. Pigs in blankets can often prove a little dry, but these were juicy and absolutely bursting with flavour.
They tasted gorgeously herby, and will prove a brilliant party snack, as well as an accompaniment to Christmas dinner. The double wrapped dry-cured bacon also means it's less likely to fall off in the oven or air fryer - so they're practical, hurrah!
10. King Prawn and Lobster Thermador Gratin (price and launch date TBC)
If, like me, you're a boujee on a budget person, this is the dish for you. It's creamy and luxurious, but much cheaper than buying it at an upmarket restaurant.
Shoppers will be able to access the Christmas Food To Order site online at MandS soon - with many of the festive items heading into store then as well. MandS is yet to confirm the exact date, but we'll be sure to keep you updated.