Marks & Spencer recently broadened its Only… ingredients range, focusing on simple, minimal-ingredient foods. This expansion introduces 12 new products, including sausages, chipolatas, burgers, meatballs, yoghurts, porridge, and condiments — marking the first time meat items have joined the line-up, which initially launched last year with bread and cereals.
Eager to evaluate the new selections, I sampled six items from both the original and new additions to assess their taste, quality, and value, as reported by the Express.
My chosen products were the olive oil mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, Only 5 Ingredients Bran Flakes, Only 4 Ingredients White Sliced Toasting Loaf, Only 3 Ingredients British Beef Meatballs, and Only 3 Ingredients Avocado Oil Crisps.
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The White Sliced Toasting Loaf contains just four components—multi-flour, water, salt, and yeast—closely mirroring typical homemade bread. Its texture impressed me with a soft center and crispy crust, though the flavor felt bland, likely due to my preference for butter or milk in homemade versions. At £2.25, I find it difficult to justify repurchasing, especially since I can bake similar bread more affordably. The pre-sliced convenience and ability to freeze slices, however, are perks.
The Only 3 Ingredients Bran Flakes comprise wholegrain wheat, barley malt extract, and sea salt. Compared to many supermarket cereals laden with additives, this minimalist approach is refreshing. Despite costing £2.50—a £1.50 premium over M&S’s budget option—the flakes had a pleasant flavor but lacked a standout difference. I’d hesitate to spend that much on a small cereal box again.
The crisps, made with potatoes, avocado oil, and Mediterranean sea salt, were exceptional. Although initially surprised by the £3.75 price, the high-quality ingredients justified the cost. Their delicate crunch and rich taste made one bag last over a week. These crisps offer a premium treat worth trying despite the price.
As a ketchup enthusiast, I was curious about the Only… range’s version. Made from tomato purée, agave syrup, water, vinegar, salt, and spices, this £2.25 bottle is one of the priciest options available. Its thicker consistency leaned more toward tomato purée than classic ketchup, but the flavor was enjoyable enough to keep using. Still, given the cost, I am unlikely to choose it over cheaper alternatives.
The olive oil mayonnaise, containing just six ingredients, was my least favorite. Priced at a steep £4.50 for 250g, it was the saltiest and richest mayonnaise I’ve ever tasted, overpowering even in small amounts. Attempts to enjoy it plain or mixed in recipes fell flat, and I wouldn’t repurchase.
The meat products stood out for their simplified ingredient lists compared to typical supermarket varieties. The British Outdoor-Bred Pork Butchers’ Sausages include far fewer additives than usual, while the Heritage Gold Pork Chipolatas feature only six ingredients. Both tasted superb, with clear quality in every bite. Although £4 for a pack of 12 sausages is pricey, the cleaner ingredient profile is appealing.
The meatballs, available frozen, offered convenience alongside robust flavor and texture, perfect with spaghetti. However, at £3.75 for a dozen, their small size and cost raise questions about value versus making your own from mince. Still, their minimal processing was reassuring.
In conclusion, while M&S’s Only… ingredients range impresses with its commitment to simplicity and quality, the premium prices may deter many shoppers. These products suit those prioritizing minimally processed foods within their budget. Personally, I found the crisps and chipolatas worth continuing to buy, but other items fell short of convincing me to spend more regularly.
Since cutting down on ultra-processed foods, I’ve noticed better skin and more energy, though I recognise that including these healthier options is a privilege not everyone can afford right now.