We tried the M&S Christmas collection including iconic American must-have and Marmite caramel sauce

CHRISTMAS may still be a few months away but Marks & Spencer is already getting into the festive spirit by revealing its festive products.

This year’s range includes several never-before-seen products and a few beloved favourites making a comeback.

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I put the range to the test to see how this year’s line-up compares.

Read on to find out which treats I’d put straight in my basket and which I’d leave on the supermarket shelf.

The Original Peanut Butter & Jelly Munch

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I had high expectations for the new Munch Mix as I am a fan of the original and Easter versions.

Although peanut butter isn’t my go-to flavour, I really enjoyed the peanut butter cups and caramel peanuts in this mix.

I thought both items were full of flavour but not overpowering.

The milk chocolate popcorn, white chocolate malt balls and pretzel sticks also added extra crunch to the mix.

I can see this treat being equally popular this year.

Hot Maple Popcorn

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I was also impressed with the maple popcorn, which was very moreish.

Each kernel of popcorn is covered with maple syrup and cayenne pepper, which gives it a warming kick.

Somehow the blend of flavours worked perfectly, which surprised me.

Hot Maple Syrup

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Sadly the same could not be said for the hot maple syrup.

The syrup had a runny texture, which made it difficult to pour out a small amount.

Meanwhile, unlike the popcorn this syrup was quite spicy. 

I can’t say this syrup was for me and I was confused about what to serve it with.

Gingerbread & White Chocolate Cookies

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The M&S fan-favourite Gingerbread and White Chocolate Cookies are back this year.

They have the same flavour as a gingerbread man, with rich white chocolate chunks.

Each one has the same soft texture you would expect with other popular M&S cookies.

I think these cookies would be perfect with a cup of tea as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

Peppermint Bark

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Also returning to the line up this year is the Peppermint Bark.

The treat is made from a blend of white and milk chocolate with pieces of candy cane throughout.

I was surprised to open the tin and find that you have to break up the pieces by hand before you can tuck into the treat.

When I took a bite, my mouth was full of mint chocolate flavour.

I can see this treat being popular with After Eight and Dairy Milk crisp fans but I can’t say it was for me.

Pistachio Gnomes

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I was quite taken with these Pistachio Gnomes, which look as good as they taste.

Each one has a nice and crunchy milk chocolate outer shell, but the treats are filled with a pistachio cream, which has a slightly salty flavour.

I was very impressed and think they would be a perfect sweet treat after your Christmas dinner.

Peppermint & Double Chocolate Cookie Dunkers

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These chocolate cookies are a festive twist on the popular Original Cookie Dunkers.

Each of the chocolate cookies contains chunks of peppermint and white chocolate pieces, which add a hint of flavour without being overpowering.

I can see these being popular with people looking to get in the festive spirit.

All Butter Mini Shortbread Trees

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These all-butter mini shortbread trees look adorable.

When bitten into, the biscuit is crumbly, although I would have preferred them to be slightly less dry and a little bigger so they can be dunked in a cup of tea or coffee.

Maple Bacon Combo Mix

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I enjoyed these crisps, which reminded me of Skips prawn cocktail crisps.

Each one combined the meaty flavour of bacon with the sweetness of the maple.

The shape of the mix was also quite festive, meaning they would look beautiful in a bowl for a Christmas party or get-together.

Roast Turkey crisps

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These hand-cooked roast turkey crisps are bursting with festive flavour.

Each crisp is covered in flecks of delicious herbs while the turkey flavour gives them a slightly sweet flavour.

The taste reminded me of the Sensations Roast Chicken & Thyme crisps but with a festive twist.

Jolly Jellies

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The Jolly Jellies were another treat that can easily put you in the festive mood.

The sweets come in a range of shapes and flavours including fruit, cola and milk-flavoured.

I enjoyed the flavour but didn’t enjoy the texture, which was quite chewy and stuck to my teeth.

I’m not sure I’d choose them over other festive sweets.

The Marksologist Seville Orange Marmalade Gin Martini Cocktail

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When it comes to drinks, I love a festive tipple as much as the next person, so I enjoyed sipping this Seville Orange Gin Cocktail.

It tasted almost like a wintery Aperol Spritz, with a bitter orange flavour.

I can see drinkers enjoying a glass of this on a cold winter’s night.

Collection Chocolate & Cherry Irish Cream Liqueur

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I was not a fan of this cream liqueur, which was a bit rich for my taste.

The tipple has a lovely smooth texture but I found the cherry flavour a little overpowering.

If you want to give it a try then serve it over ice to mellow the flavour.

Collection Tiramisu Irish Cream Liqueur

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The same could be said for the tiramisu version, which was equally strong.

It also had a spicy kick, which left an unpleasant aftertaste.

I’m not sure I would race to buy it this festive season. 

Pecan & Salted Caramel Blondies with a hint of Marmite

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They say with Marmite you either love it or hate it – but I think fans will struggle to get on board with these caramel blondies.

The top of the blondie had a lovely fudgy texture, but the Marmite and nut base was lumpy.

While these blondies are sure to get people talking, I’m not sure it will be for the right reasons.

Caramel Sauce & Marmite

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The Caramel Sauce & Marmite also left me scratching my head. 

M&S describes it as “not for the faint-hearted”, which is a statement I certainly agreed with.

The flavour was overpowering and somehow managed to be both sweet and bitter.

It reminded me of when children mix flavours that don’t go together.

I wouldn’t buy this sauce again.

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