M&S Food has unveiled new ‘picky bits’ and picnic food in its summer range as the warmer months approach – with some exciting additions to its offering.
The retailer has revealed the new products, including crisps, dips and veggie snacks, in its 2026 Summer Trends report – of which the Daily Mail has received an exclusive preview.
M&S research suggests 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 Salchichón & Rosemary Cheese Rollitos, Cheesy Nacho Topper Pot and Dinky Cheese & Onion Pains au Fromage.
Meanwhile the crisp and dip grazers may set their sights on a new range of cream cheese-based dips, plus a new selection of the retailer’s ‘loaded’ dips.
The loaded dips take inspiration from different meals and cuisines – with a Topped Chicken Tikka Dip modelled on M&S’s chicken tikka meal.
Offering more Mediterranean flavours are the Topped Mezze Dip – which is suitable for vegetarians – and the Creamy Greek Dip which features Kalamata olives, tzatziki, tomato and feta.
M&S Food has revealed its picnic food range – or ‘picky bits’ – for this summer in its 2026 Summer Trends report (food from the range pictured)
Among the flavours in loaded dips are Topped Chicken Tikka Dip modelled on M&S’s chicken tikka meal
For fans of American flavours, M&S is offering a Fully Loaded Diner Dip which is comprised of burger sauce, salsa and ranch and is topped with cheese and gherkins.
To scoop up all these flavours, M&S has added Zingy Salsa Ultimate Dipper Tortillas to its range of crisps.
Elsewhere in the new range of picnic food are lighter mezze products inspired by Greek and Turkish cuisine – including the Whipped Feta, Greek Style Bean Pot and Turkish Grilled Peperoncini.
For a picky dinner inspired by Spanish tapas, options include a 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.’
The retailer is focusing on ‘loaded’ dips this summer, such as a burger inspired layered dip comprising of burger sauce, cheese and jalapenos
Mediterranean flavours have influenced much of M&S’s summer food range, including Greek cuisine (Greek style dip pictured)
To mop up the retailer’s vast range of dips inspired by different cuisines, M&S has added a Zingy Salsa flavour to its range of Ultimate Dipper Tortillas
Elsewhere in the Trends Report, the retailer predicts the top flavours 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 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, it is expanding its flavour offering in the viral Dunked N’ Loaded doughnuts, which are currently taking social media by storm.
New flavours 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.
