M&S Unveils Exciting 2026 Summer Trends
Marks & Spencer has released its 2026 Summer Trends Report, offering a glimpse into the exciting new products and food trends that will be available this season. The report highlights a range of new items designed to cater to changing consumer preferences, with an emphasis on lighter meals and unique flavor combinations.
New Picky Bits and Picnic Foods
As the warmer months approach, M&S has introduced a new range of ‘picky bits’ and picnic foods. These offerings are part of the retailer’s summer range, which includes a variety of crisps, dips, and veggie snacks. According to M&S research, 43 per cent of Britons indulge in a so-called ‘picky tea’ once a week during the summer, as hot weather makes people more inclined to want lighter meals.
More than 70 per cent of the retailer’s customers say cheese and crisps are key elements of the ‘picky tea’, which has influenced M&S’s new range. Cheese lovers can enjoy a variety of options, including:
- Salchichón & Rosemary Cheese Rollitos
- Cheesy Nacho Topper Pot
- Dinky Cheese & Onion Pains au Fromage
For those who enjoy crisp and dip grazers, M&S has introduced a new range of cream cheese-based dips, along with a selection of ‘loaded’ dips. These loaded dips take inspiration from different meals and cuisines, such as the Topped Chicken Tikka Dip, which is modelled on M&S’s chicken tikka meal.
Mediterranean and American Flavors
M&S is also offering a range of Mediterranean-inspired dips, including the Topped Mezze Dip, which is suitable for vegetarians, and the Creamy Greek Dip, which features Kalamata olives, tzatziki, tomato, and feta. For fans of American flavors, the Fully Loaded Diner Dip comprises burger sauce, salsa, and ranch, topped with cheese and gherkins.
To scoop up all these flavors, M&S has added Zingy Salsa Ultimate Dipper Tortillas to its range of crisps. Additionally, the new range of picnic food includes lighter mezze products inspired by Greek and Turkish cuisine, such as the Whipped Feta, Greek Style Bean Pot, and Turkish Grilled Peperoncini.
Spanish and Italian Inspired Options
For a picky dinner inspired by Spanish tapas, options include the Spanish Chorizo & Cheese Tortilla and Spanish Style Patatas Bravas. If Italian aperitivo is the theme of the day, customers can try the Margherita Calzones or the Roasted Caponata Topper.
Annette Peters, M&S’s head of food innovation and trends, said: “The grazing board is the modern equivalent of the buffet, and it is such a great way to eat over the summer: Generous – yet people can eat as much or little as they like; curated – yet so easy to throw together; spontaneous – yet also convenient.”
Predictions for 2026
In addition to the new food offerings, the Trends Report predicts the top flavors and meals set to take hold in 2026. Ahead of barbecue season, M&S predicts a resurgence of the hot dog, which may even surpass the popularity of a humble burger.
As it prepares to offer its range of supersized Long Dogs to customers, research has revealed that 25 per cent of customers would want to offer sausages in a bun to their guests. For sweet treats, M&S is continuing its bid for viral desserts, after 56 per cent of customers said they bought a sweet item from the retailer after seeing it online first.
Responding to this customer appetite, M&S is expanding its flavor offering in the viral Dunked N’ Loaded doughnuts, which are currently taking social media by storm. New flavors customers can expect to see on shelves include Strawberry and Cream, Lemon Meringue, Custard Cream, and Strawberry and Matcha.
The new products in M&S Food’s summer range will be available in stores over the coming months, with the first items landing next week.
