Marks and Spencer has come under fire for selling two slices of bread for £4.50. The supermarket's Spanish pan de cristal product, described as a light, crisp bread perfect for toasting, has been available for months but recently went viral on TikTok, sparking outrage among shoppers.
The bread is sold as two ready-to-cook loaves and is accompanied by a crushed tomato topper costing an additional £2.50. Since its launch, 75,000 packs have been sold. One TikTok user questioned: “Marks and Spencer I love you but what in the hell is this £4 half piece of baguette about?”
Shoppers expressed their dismay, with one telling Sky Money: “I buy this bread in Mercadona (a Spanish supermarket) for €2 and make my own tomato just 50 cents. The UK is greedy.” Another critic, Annie, said: “The amount of packaging is the most scandalous in my opinion… For myself, I would not want to spend my hard-earned cash on this product.”
Others labelled the price “disgusting” and a “rip off”. However, some defended M&S, with DC stating: “No-one’s making anyone buy it: if you think it’s too expensive then it’s quite simple!” Elizabeth added: “I think it's delicious and happily buy it. It's got a lovely taste. Don't mind paying that for something tasty and quality.”
M&S responded with a statement, saying: “We offer a broad range of products at different price points including our 75p Remarkable value loaves, which we have held the price on since 2023, and our classic half baguette at 80p. We know our customers want different products for different occasions, from a weekday breakfast with the family to serving friends restaurant quality tapas at home.”
