Food influencer Matt Tapley has ignited a social media conversation by revealing what he claims is Marks & Spencer's "most underrated" bakery item, shifting the focus away from the retailer's famed sweet treats.
Social Media Sensation
With nearly 14,000 followers on Instagram, Matt Tapley regularly shares lifestyle and travel content. In a recent video post, he ventured outside an M&S Foodhall to spotlight a product he describes as a "hidden gem" available in branches across the UK.
The clip opens with an overlay caption asking, "is this M&S' most underrated food item?" Tapley addresses his audience directly, saying, "So, you know how everyone loves the cookies and sweet treats from M&S? I'm going to put you onto the best savoury treat they have."
The Underrated Choice
Moving inside the store, Tapley heads to the bakery section, but not for pastries. He explains, "It might look very boring, but the most underrated product is actually a bread." He then identifies it as the ciabatta loaf, picking one up to showcase.
He elaborates on his recommendation, advising viewers to pair the bread with mortadella, an Italian cured pork, and stracciatella burrata, a soft cheese made from mozzarella and burrata. "We are making the ultimate sandwich," he declares, emphasizing the simplicity and quality of the ingredients.
Tapley expresses a slight concern, noting, "I'm gonna be annoyed at myself if I put you guys onto that bread and you start selling it out, because there's not that many in there. But I think it's at the moment a hidden gem in M&S."
Community Response
In the video description, Tapley wrote, "One of the most underrated items in M&S is this ciabatta loaf! Unbelievable bread that takes me back to Italy in Rome having some amazing simple sandwiches! Get this and follow my instructions with some salt and olive oil and thank me later! It’s not always sweet treats and cookies!"
Comments on the post echoed his enthusiasm. One user stated, "That's my favourite bread in there ever, it's so good." Another shared, "I make the most amazing roast garlic bread with that ciabatta," while a third suggested, "Next time add some pesto and sliced tomatoes."
However, not all feedback was purely positive. One commenter pointed out that the sandwich resembles one favored by the late American food writer Anthony Bourdain, remarking, "This is not the life hack you think it is." Tapley responded defensively, "Did I say it was a life hack?… Just said it was good."
Product Details
M&S describes the ciabatta loaf as baked in-store, featuring a crisp crust and fluffy interior. It is enriched with vitamin D and serves as a source of fibre. The retailer recommends adding favourite fillings or serving it with a drizzle of olive oil for a simple Italian-style starter.
This revelation taps into the broader reputation of M&S's food range, often regarded as some of the best on the market. Tapley's endorsement highlights how even seemingly mundane items like bread can become standout products when paired with quality ingredients and shared through influential platforms.
