Feeling confused about what to buy at Marks and Spencer? Or possibly who these Marks and Spencer people even are? It took me a bit to learn that Marks and Spencer isn’t a British boy band, best friends, or a reference to a famous pub. After moving from Texas to England, I definitely felt lost and uncertain about unfamiliar British references. And learning British household brands for grocery shopping was no exception.
Online grocery shopping is easiest at first.
In fact, I ordered groceries online for months after moving to the UK. I saw trucks drive by my flat and started googling to find out who they were. After soon discovering ocado.com and that most grocery stores deliver, I turned to online grocery shopping to survive until I was confident enough to navigate the grocery store options on my own.
And even though grocery shopping has never been a passion of mine, figuring out each one and what unique things each British grocery market has to offer has been an adventure.
And Marks & Spencer is no exception.
Marks and Spencer, also called M&S or even Marks, is a British multinational retailer that I couldn’t quite figure out for a while. Is it a department store? A home store? A grocery store? Apparently all 3!
Other than Freshfeet socks, which are amazing by the way, I wasn’t clear on what else M&S has to offer.
But, trust me, they have a lot!
What I love about their luxury grocery line is that you can find great products at a decent price. This is so important when you move from the USA when everything seems so expensive and you’re dealing with culture shock.
Okay, but what to buy at Marks & Spencer?
After popping in every week for over a year, I’ve discovered some amazing things. I call them staples, you might call them a splurge. Granted, these top 12 things to buy at Marks and Spencer aren’t necessarily on the healthy side, but they are so good they can’t be ignored.
So, if you are still trying to navigate British grocery market options, go to Marks and buy these 12 things. You deserve it!
Top 12 Items To Buy At Marks & Spencer
Popular Marks and Spencer food items range from seasonal goods to everyday gourmet.
1 – Flowers In A Box
One of the first things I noticed very early on after moving to the UK is all the gorgeous flowers. So many different varieties and just beautiful. If I learn nothing more about living in England, it will be about flowers!
And what makes these unique is that M&S sells several options in cute little takeaway boxes with handles so that you can conveniently carry them or gift to a friend.
Marks is the only British grocery store that consistently sells flowers in a cute takeaway box. You can grab yours for as low as £4. That’s unheard of in the States. Every time I pop into M&S I always browse the flower section to see what’s new and if there is anything on sale that I can purchase guilt-free. Even their reduced flowers last for ages.
M & S flower gift bags are brilliant
2 – Coriander (Cilantro) Plant
If you’re still sorting out herbs and trying to translate, it’s okay! Coriander is the closest thing you’ll find to cilantro. And if you’re from Texas, then you need your cilantro. Guacamole, please!
I love this coriander plant because there are so many more stems than buying the packaged herb. Not to mention it’s totally cute and brightens up a kitchen. Put it in one of your old plant pots that you killed off (sorry, I don’t have a green thumb at all) and you have instant freshness in your kitchen.
Who doesn’t want that for only £1.50?
A coriander plant (cilantro) that doubles as inexpensive greenery
3 – Mini Bottle of Cotes du Rhone Villages
I mean, seriously! Where have you been all my life?
I’m not even sure I’ve seen these bottles on a plane, and I fly a lot.
But let me tell you, these little £3.30 wine bottles are perfect for traveling, a picnic, a train ride, or even a gift basket. Heading into London for some fun? Pack a little bottle of wine for the train.
They are small enough to fit in a purse or even a coat pocket. And they are made of plastic so the fear of broken glass isn’t an issue.
Seriously, this is the best invention. Marks & Spencer sells several different wine options, but the Cotes du Rhone is the best.
My favorite thing to buy at M & S that you can’t find in the US
4 – Sweet Potato, Parsnip & Beetroot Vegetable Crisps
If there’s one thing that Britain does unquestionably better than the USA (aside from football, obviously) is how to make crisps.
I’ve always enjoyed crisps (chips), but England has taken my love for crisps to a whole new level. Sadly or thankfully, the bags are a lot smaller than your typical bag of chips in the USA. Given that I trend towards 100% completion rate after opening a bag every time, it’s probably best that these crisps aren’t super-sized.
Tyrell’s is my favorite overall British crips brand, but every visit to Marks and Spencer includes buying a bag of Sweet Potato, Parsnip & Beetroot Vegetable Crisps. They are so good that even my kids like them. And the Marks version is cheaper than Tyrell’s at £1.50.
This is one easy way to get the kids to eat their vegetables. 🤣
Marks and Spencer Vegetable Crisps
5 – Falafel Balls in the 3 for £7 Section
I’ve never been a huge falafel fan but these ones win. Pop them in the oven for 10 minutes and you have an instant appetizer, side dish, or if eating alone, the main meal.
They are so good that when we order Turkish delivery, we pop these into the oven to complement the restaurant delivery vs buying their own.
So worth it and so yummy. You have to try them.
Marks and Spencer Falafel
6 – Red Leicester & Halloumi Cheese from the Cheesemonger
Any grocery store that actually labels the cheese section “The Cheesemonger” is worth your time. And the cheese in England is awesome. There are so many options to select from that aren’t typically everyday cheeses you can buy in the States. Red Leicester shredded and sliced cheese from Marks is quite possibly our new family favorite.
What I love about Marks halloumi cheese is that you can cut it up in slices, throw it on the grill or broil it and have an instant gourmet-ish hit for £3. Your husband won’t know what got into you.
Marks & Spencer Halloumi
7 – Blueberry Syrup
Okay, okay, so this is not exactly a Marks & Spencer exclusive. But it’s on the list because syrup, good syrup, is really hard to find. And given that I’m a born and raised Maine girl, nothing steals my heart more than blueberry syrup…okay, unless you put a whoopie pie in front of me.
The thing is, even living in the States, I never heard of, seen, or tried this syrup. It caught my eye at Marks and I had to give it a go. The results? It’s A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.
I put it on everything. Well, not like Elf, but close.
Sadly, you can only buy this luxury syrup in selective Marks and Spencer stores and not all. Be on the lookout!
Blueberry Syrup from Georgia @ Marks and Spencer
8 – Mini Colin the Caterpillar
Colin the Caterpillar reminds me of Little Debbie Swiss Rolls as a kid. And that’s why they are in the top 12.
These are perfect for kids of any age and since cupcakes are harder to find in the UK without buying directly from a baker, Colin the Caterpillar is the next best thing.
Take them to a friend’s for dessert after dinner and you’ll be the kids’ favorite guest every time.
Colin the Caterpillar @ Marks & Spencer
9 – Scottish Shortbread Bus or You’re Great! Britain Tin
Marks and Spencer consistently sells unique biscuit tins. And there are two that I absolutely love: the Scottish Shortbread Bus and You’re Great Britain.
Nothing says, “Hey, we live in the UK” than these tins. Adding a little Union Jack to your home after a big move is fun and just makes you feel good. The kids love the biscuits and when the tins are empty, you can reuse them for cute storage.
At £5 each they make great gifts and travel well, too. Marks and Spencer sells seasonal tins and produces one-of-a-kinds when Great Britain has significant country events such as a Royal Wedding.
In December 2022, Target teamed up with M&S for the first time ever to offer holiday biscuit tins in the USA. They sold out when they hit the shelves. They are THAT good.
Signature Marks and Spencer Biscuit Tin
10 – Flower Festival Cake
Marks knows how to do cakes. From unicorns to the adorable post box Christmas cake, you can’t go wrong with one of these custom Marks creations.
The Flower Festival Cake is a staple for Mother’s Day and the Chelsea Flower Show.
Seasonal Marks and Spencer cakes are the best
11 – Marks & Spencer Coronation Chicken Sandwich
If you’re not one to grab and go a sandwich at a grocery store, you’re not alone. But, I wish I hadn’t waited so long to discover what the M&S sandwich hype was all about. Coronation chicken is one of the best British foods you can try.
And don’t miss out on the seasonal Marks sandwiches in red boxes. They are popular and regularly sell out!
Definitely try the M&S Coronation Chicken sandwich
12 – Percy Pig Candy & Collection
Hands down a kids’ favorite and possibly Marks and Spencer’s most popular item: the Percy Pig collection. Mark’s Percy Pig candy is not only what to buy at Marks and Spencer, but makes a great British gift.
But if your family members are more of the four-legged kind, Marks and Spencer even have Percy Pig pet gifts. How cute is this…even with a little dirt and a few missing (ie loved) Percy parts?
Best Marks and Spencer gift for a dog
Ready? Grab your Marks shopping bag.
Hopefully, you’re now feeling more confident, reassured, and pumped about what to buy at Marks and Spencer. Grab your shopping bag to try these top 12 grocery items at Marks. You won’t be disappointed.
Be sure to shop the Marks & Spencer holiday guide as soon as it’s published. Christmas cakes and other posh gift baskets sell out fast. And if you’re in the USA, check Target for exclusive collabs with Marks at Christmas only.
What’s your favorite thing to buy at Marks and Spencer?
Update since this post was originally published: You won’t believe what other Marks and Spencer items made the shopping list to America. Get the full shopping list here.
Looking for more British store posts? Try these.
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