Food is such a fickle subject that the media love to over complicate. It seems you can’t go a day without someone telling you what you can and can’t eat. And with new ‘superfoods’ cropping up every season it doesn’t take much for food shopping to become the most stressful chore in adult life.
As someone who loves eating all sorts of foods, I believe in balance. That means eating good food for the body that nourishes it with all the vital vitamins and nutrients, and foods for the soul that help brighten up your day.
So, it’s no surprise that when I got invited to the new M&S superstore opening in Serpentine Green, I jumped at the chance to review some of their new ranges which are combining both deliciousness and nourishment.
It’s no lie that I’ve been a huge M&S food fan since it launched, and my Sparks offers say it all.
Located in Hampton Peterborough, the new store has the largest selection of alternative foods that M&S has to offer. From vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free, it has a vast offering for those with special dietary requirements or those who are simply conscious of what they eat.
As someone always keen to eat a variety of food, I picked up some of their alternative ranges to see if they could entice a foodie like me to go ‘free’.
Pea Protein Noodles, Rainbow Veg and Coconut Dressing
My love for a simple stir-fry stemmed from my days at college when I just wanted to get in and be able to eat something healthy and yummy within a few minutes – and this concoction certainly delivered.
Getting in after work one evening, in a typically ‘hangry’ state, myself and my partner threw together the pea protein noodles, rainbow veg and coconut dressing, and within 20 minutes we were sat at the table in silence – the signal that we’re both enjoying our food far too much to make conversation.
I would eat this all over again in a heart beat, and it will certainly be going on the recurring M&S food shop.
Beetroot Bread & Apple Slaw Sandwich
I must put my hands-up and admit that I love the ease and simplicity of a good sandwich. And yes, while they’re not the most worldly way to have lunch in our millennial times, the common ‘sarnie’ has had a revolutionary twist thanks to M&S’s veg bread range.
I’m an addict of beetroot anyhow, but this sandwich packed a serious flavour punch.
A great ‘No Mayo’ alternative, the vibrant sandwich combines kale pesto and apple slaw, with a lemon dressing.
It may all sound quite bizarre, but honestly, you really have to try it to understand just how incredible it is.
Gluten-Free Brownies and Gluten-Free New York Cheesecake
As I have a friend who has a severe gluten intolerance, it can be really hard to find tasty treats that we can enjoy together. Especially when I invite him round for dinner, I then have the panic of what I’m going to cook and whether it will even taste anything like what it’s meant too.
While the main dish isn’t so hard to rustle up, deserts on the other hand, can be the pain point, as so many include gluten!
However, I can officially say that both the gluten-free brownies and gluten-free New York Cheesecake are perfect for a sweet treat – and actually tastes like the ‘normal’ version.
The beauty of gluten-free ranges is that they’re really moving forward with what they offer which makes it so much easier for everyone involved.
Beetroot Falafel with Tzatziki Dip
As we sometimes have a small person to feed, we find that nibbly dinners can be a real winner in ensuring we all eat some veg and enjoy it at the same time.
So, adding these beetroot falafels to our mezze was a definite winner. Not only were they beautifully vibrant, so intrigued the little one to have a bite, but they tasted divine.
I’m always on the lookout for different things that we can add to our family mezze nights, and once again M&S were prepared for me.
I hope that this review has given you a taste for the exciting things now available at the M&S Simply Food store in Serpentine Green.
I for one, am so pleased that the veggie, vegan and free-from ranges are increasing, as I know many different people who all have to actively find things that won’t harm their well-being.
Being health conscious about your food choices shouldn’t mean the removal of joy and pleasure from food.
