For many in the UK, the centrepiece of Christmas Day is the traditional roast dinner, but the cost and effort involved can be overwhelming. EssexLive reporter Matt Lee decided to put Marks and Spencer's convenient solution to the test: their £6.50 roast turkey dinner ready meal for one.
A Solo Christmas Dinner Solution
With research showing UK households spend an average of £822 on Christmas festivities, not including rising gift costs and the current cost-of-living crisis, a budget-friendly and hassle-free alternative is appealing for many. This is particularly true for those living alone for whom cooking a full festive spread is impractical.
M&S's 2025 Christmas range features a single-serving roast turkey dinner designed to be cooked in about 35 minutes. The meal promises a full plate of festive favourites without the mountain of washing-up afterwards.
What's On The Plate?
The £6.50 meal includes several components essential for a British Christmas dinner. The plate features slices of roast turkey, carrots and peas, three roast potatoes, two pigs in blankets, a stuffing ball, and a Yorkshire pudding. A generous portion of gravy is also provided to pour over the entire meal.
However, the reviewer noted one controversial omission from this festive feast. The ready meal does not include any Brussels sprouts, a vegetable synonymous with Christmas dinners across the country, which some may find disappointing.
Surprisingly Impressive Festive Flavours
Despite being a pre-prepared option, Matt Lee found the M&S dinner to be unexpectedly delicious. He reported that the turkey was tender and flavoursome, avoiding the rubbery or cardboard-like texture that can sometimes plague ready meal meats.
"In fact, it was so scrumptious that it arguably surpasses some roasts I've had at the pub," Lee commented, while clarifying this was not a criticism of all Essex pubs, many of which serve excellent roast dinners.
The accompanying elements also received high praise. The pigs in blankets were described as "incredibly tasty," the gravy as "top-notch," and the vegetables managed to taste fresh despite being part of a pre-packaged meal.
The Verdict On Value And Convenience
Lee was clear that this ready meal is not intended to compete with a lovingly prepared homemade Christmas dinner. Instead, its goal is to be a budget-friendly and hassle-free alternative that delivers on flavour without creating stacks of washing up.
For anyone seeking a convenient, affordable, and tasty Christmas dinner for one this festive season, the M&S offering appears to be a strong contender, even with the notable absence of Brussels sprouts.
