Marks and Spencer's (M&S) recently launched chocolate cookie, packed with cornflakes, has gained significant traction on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with influencers posting videos that have garnered millions of views. Some London M&S stores have even experienced customers queuing before opening to purchase the cookies.
The cookie, made with caramel pieces, treacle, cornflakes, and chocolate chunks, is described by dietician Nichola Ludlam-Raine as not being alarmingly ultra-processed compared to similar foods. She notes that the M&S cookie contains less saturated fat than some other chocolate cookies.
Nutritionally, one M&S Chocolate and Cornflake Cookie contains 336 calories, 6.9g of saturated fat, 29.1g of sugar, and 0.6g of salt. While the fiber content is minimal, it offers 3.5g of protein.
Comparing it to other popular biscuits, the M&S cookie has approximately 30 fewer calories and less saturated fat per gram than McVitie's Milk Chocolate Hobnobs. However, a direct comparison requires considering the weight difference, as one Hobnob is lighter than an M&S cookie.
Against M&S's own plain milk chocolate cookie, the cornflake version has slightly fewer calories and less saturated fat. It also fares better than Ben's and Millie's cookies in terms of calorie count and saturated fat, with Ben's having notably more sugar. When compared to Sainsbury's cookies, the M&S version contains more salt and sugar, although Sainsbury's cookies are significantly smaller and lower in calories.
Ludlam-Raine suggests that while the sugar content is high, the M&S cornflake cookie is not the worst option available and that overall dietary patterns are more significant for health than occasional treats. She states that one cookie is unlikely to negatively impact health, just as one healthy meal won't drastically improve it.