Marks and Spencer has officially been crowned the UK's favourite supermarket for picky bits, according to new research from YouGov. The survey found that 44% of Brits named M&S Food as their go-to destination for picky bits, comfortably ahead of rivals including Tesco and Iceland.
National Picky Bits Day Campaign
The findings come as M&S prepares to celebrate National Picky Bits Day on June 27, with singer Diana Vickers and podcast co-host Chiara "Ki" Hunter helping revive the much-loved Picky Bits song in a new campaign. The timing aligns with the growing popularity of picky teas across the UK, with 43% of M&S shoppers enjoying a picky tea at least once a week, swapping traditional dinners for dips, deli treats, pastries and sharing snacks.
Summer Grazing Trends
With football season, garden gatherings and warm weather entertaining in full swing, M&S reports that demand for grazing-style food has never been higher. The retailer has expanded its range of picky bits to meet the trend for 'snackification', where sharing platters become full meals.
Among the standout summer products is the new Topped Chicken Tikka Dip (£3.75), which transforms popular chicken tikka flavours into a creamy yoghurt-based dip topped with marinated chicken, coriander and pickled red onions. It is joined by the Topped Mezze Dip (£3.75), packed with roasted aubergine, tomatoes, labneh and Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired centrepiece.
Dips and Grazing Board Favourites
Dips are proving particularly popular this year. M&S has introduced the Creamy Greek Style Dip (£2.50), loaded with feta, olives, tomatoes and herbs, alongside colourful Flip & Dip pots (£3) in Creamy Basil and Creamy Red Pepper flavours, designed to be turned out onto a plate for easy entertaining.
For grazing boards, the Mini Fuet sausages (£4) have sold more than 132,000 packs since launch, while the Turkish Grilled Pepperoncini (£4) add a smoky, spicy kick. The Dinky Cheese & Onion Pains au Fromage (£4) offer buttery pastry with cheese and onion filling, and the Chorizo & Cheese Tortilla (£4) brings Spanish flavours. The Ultimate Dipper Tortillas (£1.25) are specially designed for scooping up dips.
Shoppers' Reviews
Customer feedback on the dips has been positive. One buyer of the Topped Chicken Tikka Dip said: "Really enjoyed this dip with plenty of flavour to it. Also good in a wrap with added chicken and lettuce." Another commented: "This dip is nice, good texture, my only criticism is it could do with a bit more chicken on it." A third wrote: "The best dip I have tasted from M&S, I just couldn't stop eating it." A fourth added: "Wow, this tastes amazing, lovely tikka flavour and huge pieces of chicken throughout. So good with crackers."
Alternatives at Tesco and Iceland
For those loyal to Tesco, picky bits options include Tesco Walnuts (200g) for £2.75, Propercorn Sweet & Salty Popcorn (6 x 14g) for £2.10, and Go Ahead Forest Fruit Crispy Fruit Slices Snack Bars Multipack (4 x 43.6g) for £1.25. Iceland offers a multipack of Walkers Prawn Cocktail Crisps for £2.15 or an Iceland Classic Dip Selection (400g) for £2.60.
