Marks & Spencer Criticized for Selling Expensive Pre-Sliced Cucumber

Marks & Spencer has drawn criticism for selling pre-sliced cucumber in pots for £2.65, a price point that customers have deemed excessive compared to whole cucumbers. The retailer's "Feeling Spicy Shake-A-Cucumber" product, which includes a dressing, has been linked to a recent trend on social media platform TikTok promoting jarred salads.

Customers have accused the company of capitalizing on a fleeting trend, noting that whole cucumbers, which yield a similar amount of produce, are available for a significantly lower price of 75p. This represents a mark-up of 228% on the cost of a standard cucumber. Online commentary from customers expressed surprise at the perceived laziness of consumers willing to pay for pre-cut vegetables, with suggestions to simply slice cucumbers at home.

The practice of selling pre-prepared produce at a premium is not exclusive to Marks & Spencer. Similar mark-ups have been observed at other supermarkets, including Co-op, Tesco, and Morrisons. For instance, mango chunks at Co-op were found to be 227% more expensive than whole mangoes, and pineapple chunks at Tesco cost 355% more than a whole pineapple. Grape pots at Tesco were also noted to be 210% costlier than a bunch of grapes.

Consumer champion Martyn James described the sale of easily prepared fruits and vegetables as a "lazy tax" and potentially a "foolish tax." He advised consumers to prepare their own produce or consider frozen options, also pointing out the unnecessary plastic packaging associated with such products.

Marks & Spencer defended the product, stating that the "Feeling Spicy Shake-A-Cucumber" was developed in response to customer demand for healthy, on-the-go snack options. The company reported that the product has become a bestseller and a viral success among customers.