Morrisons’ new £30 food ‘essentials’ boxes have become a big hit wish shoppers since they were released last week.
People wanting to get food delivered to their homes without waiting weeks for an available delivery slot could just order one of the boxes of essential items, the only catch is the store get to decide what goes into it.
M&S has now released its own box of essentials for shoppers, following the success of Morrisons.
These M&S boxes cost £35 and unlike the Morrisons version, you know what you will get before it arrives.
Here's what's inside M&S' 'essentials' boxes:
- Fusilli (500g)
• Baked beans (220g)
• Tomato and herb pasta sauce (550g)
• Beef Bolognese pour over pasta sauce (340g)
• Chunky vegetable soup (400g)
• Basmati rice (500g)
• Cream of tomato soup (400g)
• Chunky steak (206g)
• Rich roast instant coffee (100g)
• English breakfast tea bags (125g/50 bags)
• Scottish all butter homebake style shortbread squares (200g)
• Dark chocolate (100g)
• Milk chocolate (100g)
• Prime corned beef (205g)
• Wild Alaskan red salmon (213g)
• Vegetable curry (400g)
• Roasted and salted large peanuts (200g)
• Giant milk chocolate buttons (150g)
• Percy Pig™ (170g)
• Soft white 2-ply toilet tissue (pack of 4)
While the boxes are undoubtedly a good idea, several shoppers have expressed concerns over how many sugary items are in each box, and have called for M&S to make some alterations, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Writing on the review section on the M&S website, one reviewer wrote: "I agree with other reviewers in that this box is a superb idea but the addition of so many 'sweet treats' is not necessary.
"Basic items would be much more appropriate including things such as long life milk and easy to cook bread."
Somebody else said: "I was pleased to see this initiative but disappointed with the contents. As other reviewers have said, far to many sweet items and not enough fresh produce or chilled ready meals.
"There was not a vegetarian option displayed either."
"Some good staples, but far too much sugar. I'd only order this in an emergency. We come to M&S for healthy food, because we care about what we eat. Please replace sweets and sweet sauces with fruit and veg. Tins are OK. A mix of fresh and tinned would be better," suggested a third.
However, some shoppers can't wait to get their hands on one of the boxes.
One person said: "This is just what I need at the moment, store cupboard essentials that will keep, so no wastage, which could be a problem for some with fresh food.
"Though I'm lucky that local farm shops are delivering fruit, veg and meat boxes in my area. My only suggestion is maybe replace the sweets with tinned fruit or vegetables."
"I've gone ahead and ordered two of these for family members as surprises. Well done Marks on offering a ready made option to restock at this difficult time. However I agree with the other comments re adjusting the contents slightly and would love to see a gluten free box developed too. I'm sure with slight adjustments the box would be a best seller," wrote another happy customer.
