Marks and Spencer has added a new sandwich to its to-go range, and it’s an inclusion that has divided opinion online. While one social media user took to X to describe the sandwich as “vile”, another said it was “not to be missed”.

Given the polarisation around what seemed to be a traditional combination in sandwich form, I had to try it for myself to see whether it was worth the outrage online, or if there was a new addition to the lunch line-up. Inspired by a popular sandwich filling in Japan known as a ‘Japanese sando’, and released just in time for Wimbledon with the iconic British combination of strawberries and cream, this limited-edition item could be the sandwich of the summer. But will it live up to expectations? I bought one to try for myself.

The first problem with the sandwich was actually getting hold of one. Perhaps owing to its recent viral status, or the limited-edition nature of the sandwich, the first day I tried, I turned up at 11am thinking I was early.

M&S has rolled out a limited-edition strawberries and cream sandwich
M&S has rolled out a limited-edition strawberries and cream sandwich

However, I was greeted by empty shelves and a few disappointed shoppers looking to get their own. The second morning, I decided to try again right as M&S opened at 9 am.

This time around was more successful as I saw the sight I’d been waiting for: a row of strawberries and ‘creme’ sandwiches waiting to be bought. At £2.80 for just half a sandwich, it was pretty costly for lunch, but as part of a meal deal it might be a better option, although it would replace the savoury sandwich.

First impressions were that it certainly looked like all the pictures I’d seen online – a neat row of strawberries sandwiched between ‘creme’ (soft cheese and crème fraiche) on sweet, brioche-style bread.

The limited-edition item costs £2.80
The limited-edition item costs £2.80

But I was still struggling with the idea of it being a sandwich, something shoppers can have as part of their lunchtime meal deal, rather than a sweet treat.

The classic combination of strawberries and cream meant that, when put between sweet bread, it definitely wasn’t a bad sandwich. But once the one and only layer of strawberries was eaten, the rest of the sandwich became an unpleasant sensation of just bread and ‘creme’, a tart mix of crème fraiche and soft cheese that wasn’t the best to eat without the sweet strawberries to balance it out.

Overall, I’d say the sandwich is worth a try, for the novelty if nothing else. It might not be to everyone’s tastes, and if you can, I’d definitely add in more strawberries to balance out the flavour, but it’s hard to go wrong as far as strawberries and cream is concerned.

The sandwich is released just in time for Wimbledon
The sandwich is released just in time for Wimbledon

The addition of sweet bread simply makes the classic British summer treat easier to eat, and adds another element for those of us with a sweet tooth.

Despite my earlier objection to the price of half a sandwich, I don’t think I could make it through a full one given the overwhelming sweetness, especially when the strawberries are gone.

You can get your own to try from the sandwiches section in an M&S near you this summer, but I’d recommend getting there early to avoid disappointment.