For chocolate lovers, Easter is a highlight of the calendar year, with retailers launching seasonal treats as soon as Valentine's Day fades. Marks and Spencer stands out as a leader in creating viral sweet sensations, from custard cream Easter eggs to loaded cookies and cookie cups that dominate social media buzz. However, many of these indulgent offerings come with premium price tags, prompting a critical taste test to assess their value.
Nine M&S Easter Chocolates Put to the Test
To determine whether M&S's Easter range justifies its cost, I visited a local store and purchased nine of the most talked-about products. The selection included speckled eggs, pistachio treats, and orange chocolate eggs, with prices ranging from £1 to £3. The goal was to evaluate flavour, texture, and overall enjoyment, culminating in a surprising favourite.
Detailed Reviews and Ratings
Eggstra Gooey Pistachio Egg (£1.50): This milk chocolate egg features pistachio creme and salted caramel, but the pistachio flavour is disappointingly subtle. Without prior knowledge, it would be hard to identify the nutty taste. Ideal for salted caramel enthusiasts rather than pistachio purists. Rating: 6/10
Big Bubbly Bunny (£1.75): Made from aerated milk chocolate with a smooth exterior and airy core, this rabbit-shaped treat resembles Aero chocolate but falls short in taste. It lacks depth and isn't worth the price, offering little beyond a basic texture. Rating: 4/10
Eggstra Gooey Caramel Egg (£1.50): Filled with creamy vanilla and rich salted caramel, this egg is tasty but overly sweet due to the combination of flavours. The salted caramel stands out with a perfect balance of saltiness, though it can become cloying. Rating: 6/10
Orange-Flavour Milk Chocolate Eggs with Popping Candy (£3): The most expensive item in the test, these individually wrapped eggs use smooth Swiss chocolate with a tangy orange centre and popping candy. They evoke memories of orange crunch chocolate from Quality Street and are a must-try for chocolate orange fans. Rating: 9/10
Speckled Eggs (£1.75): While praised by many as superior to Cadbury's, these eggs disappoint in flavour despite their larger size and smooth texture. The candied shell provides a satisfying crunch, but the chocolate itself doesn't measure up to the market leader. Rating: 7/10
Blonde Caramel Egg (£1): Combining creamy white chocolate with a caramelised sugar shell and salted caramel centre, this egg is excessively sweet. The blonde chocolate and runny filling create a sugar overload, making it unappealing for those who prefer balanced flavours. Rating: 3/10
Sunny Side Up Whips (£1.25): Featuring airy white mallow and tangy orange sauce under a white chocolate lid shaped like a sunny-side-up egg, this treat has been hyped as better than a Cadbury Creme Egg. However, it bears no resemblance, with a pleasant orange flavour reminiscent of Jaffa Cakes' jelly, though marshmallow lovers might enjoy it more. Rating: 5/10
Orange Speckled Eggs (£1.75): A significant improvement over the original speckled eggs, the orange flavouring enhances the chocolate beautifully. These outshine Cadbury's orange mini eggs in taste and are highly recommended alongside the popping candy variety. Rating: 9/10
Spencer Bear (£1): Moulded into an adorable bear shape, this chocolate emerged as the clear winner. The velvety, milky chocolate pairs perfectly with a gooey salted caramel centre, subtly infused with liqueur that complements both elements. It's a delightful and affordable treat. Rating: 10/10
Conclusion: Value and Flavour Insights
The taste test reveals that price doesn't always correlate with quality in M&S's Easter range. While some premium options like the orange-flavoured eggs with popping candy deliver exceptional flavour, the cheapest item, the Spencer Bear, earned a perfect score for its balanced taste and texture. This highlights that budget-friendly choices can sometimes outshine more expensive counterparts, offering valuable insights for shoppers seeking both indulgence and value during the Easter season.
