M&S Custard Cream Spread Sparks Debate Over Sweet Treat Nutrition

Marks & Spencer's new Custard Cream Spread, launched in August, has quickly gained a devoted following, with some customers buying multiple jars and the product frequently selling out. The £2.50 spread has generated significant buzz, but also controversy regarding its nutritional value.

Content creator Sunna van Kampen, owner of health and fitness brand Tonic Health, criticized the spread on TikTok and Instagram, calling it M&S's 'most baffling bit of "innovation" yet' and highlighting its sugar content of 44.6g per 100g. He advised followers that such a product should not be part of their diet.

However, the spread's popularity has led to defenses from fans, with some suggesting that comparable sweet spreads contain similar sugar levels. Nutritionists Brenda Heather and Aailyah Nelson, from The Family Chemist, have offered insights into various sweet spreads, identifying healthier options and those to approach with caution.

Biscuit Spreads

Among biscuit-based spreads, Tesco Smooth Caramelised Biscuit scored a modest three out of five from nutritionists, while Lotus Biscoff Smooth Spread received a lower rating. Nutritional therapist Lucia Stansbie cautioned that biscuit spreads typically contain substantial sugar and minimal fiber and protein.

Cookies & Cream Spreads

Spreads flavored like cookies and cream were described by Stansbie as essentially a 'spreadable dessert.' She advised that they should be considered indulgent treats rather than everyday snacks due to their high sugar content and low fiber. The milk content in these spreads was also noted as insufficient to provide significant protein or calcium.

Chocolate and Nut-Based Options

While many chocolate spreads received low nutritional scores, SUNFLY Cocoa Sunflower Seed Butter stood out. Aailyah Nelson noted its substantial content of sunflower kernels (76.8%), offering 19.2g of protein and 6.4g of fiber per 100g, with 2.6g of sugar per 15g serving. However, its calorie count of 615 per 100g still requires portion control.

Pistachio spreads were highlighted by Stansbie as potentially the best option among sweet spreads. Although sugar may be the first ingredient, some pistachio spreads can contain up to 30% nuts, contributing protein, healthy fats, and nutrients. Both M&S and Morrisons pistachio spreads achieved a three-out-of-five rating.

Pure hazelnut butter was also identified as a good alternative. Hazelnuts provide protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients. Waitrose hazelnut crème, for instance, was cited as a valid option due to its 20% hazelnut content, offering more protein than average chocolate and hazelnut spreads.

Other Notable Spreads

In a review of other sweet spreads, M&S PB and J was rated favorably by nutritionists. Bonne Maman Caramelised Apple Spread, however, was deemed 'surprisingly sweet' by Brenda Heather, who advised that it should not be equated with consuming whole fruit.

Marks & Spencer has been contacted for comment regarding the nutritional profiles of its spreads.