M&S Food has unveiled its new 'picky bits' and picnic food in the summer range as warmer months approach, with exciting additions to its offering. The retailer revealed new products, including crisps, dips, and veggie snacks, in its 2026 Summer Trends report, of which the Daily Mail received an exclusive preview.
Rise of the 'Picky Tea'
M&S research suggests 43 per cent of Britons indulge in a so-called 'picky tea' once a week during summer as hot weather makes lighter meals more appealing. Over 70 per cent of customers say cheese and crisps are key elements, influencing the new range.
New Cheese and Crisp Offerings
Cheese lovers can enjoy Salchichón & Rosemary Cheese Rollitos, Cheesy Nacho Topper Pot, and Dinky Cheese & Onion Pains au Fromage. For crisp and dip grazers, a new range of cream cheese-based dips and 'loaded' dips is available.
The loaded dips take inspiration from different cuisines, including a Topped Chicken Tikka Dip modelled on M&S's chicken tikka meal. Mediterranean flavours include the Topped Mezze Dip (vegetarian) and Creamy Greek Dip with Kalamata olives, tzatziki, tomato, and feta.
For American flavours, M&S offers a Fully Loaded Diner Dip with burger sauce, salsa, ranch, cheese, and gherkins. To scoop up these dips, Zingy Salsa Ultimate Dipper Tortillas have been added to the crisp range.
Lighter Mezze and Tapas Options
Lighter mezze products inspired by Greek and Turkish cuisine include Whipped Feta, Greek Style Bean Pot, and Turkish Grilled Peperoncini. For Spanish tapas, options include Spanish Chorizo & Cheese Tortilla and Spanish Style Patatas Bravas. Italian aperitivo fans can try Margherita Calzones or Roasted Caponata Topper.
Annette Peters, M&S's head of food innovation and trends, said: 'The grazing board is the modern equivalent of the buffet, and it is such a great way to eat over the summer: generous, yet people can eat as much or little as they like; curated, yet so easy to throw together; spontaneous, yet also convenient.'
2026 Trends: Hot Dogs and Viral Desserts
Elsewhere in the report, M&S predicts a resurgence of the hot dog, which may surpass burgers in popularity. Research shows 25 per cent of customers would offer sausages in a bun to guests. For sweet treats, M&S expands its viral Dunked N' Loaded doughnuts after 56 per cent of customers bought a sweet item after seeing it online. New flavours include Strawberry and Cream, Lemon Meringue, Custard Cream, and Strawberry and Matcha.
The new products will be available in stores over the coming months, with the first items landing next week.
