Credit: Supplied
WITH heatwaves and soaring temperatures, many people are swapping home-cooked meals for a picky tea – and we have Marks & Spencer to thank for commemorating this.
The high-street fave has officially declared June 27 National Picky Bits Day, serving up a range of deli and grab-and-go items, perfect for grazing and sharing.
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As temperatures rise, more and more shoppers are turning to these aisles – M&S predicts more than 1.5 million packs of picky bits and dips will fly off shelves ahead of tomorrow’s event (that’s 600 a minute – or 10 every second!), while Waitrose.com has seen “picky bits” searches up 95% this month.
And it’s no wonder – whether it’s a picnic for one, a fuss-free family dinner or alfresco hosting, it’s an effortless way to serve up some scran, meaning more time in the sun and less time in the kitchen.
Like many supermarkets, Co-op has gone big on small plates this summer Credit: Supplied
Luckily, shops have embraced the trend this summer, with supermarket ranges showing off a range of cuisines and viral bites.
From elevated classics to moreish nibbles, here are some of our flavour-packed faves that will have you rushing to the tills.
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Upgrade the beige bites with these summer ’26 offers Credit: Supplied
Bite-Sized Heroes
If there’s one thing Brits will add to a grazing spread, it’s some kind of roll – sausage, cheese and onion, whatever you fancy – but why not spice it up with Morrisons The Best Hot Honey Halloumi Rolls, £3.50?
Speaking of cheese and onion, the Marks & Spencer Dinky Cheese & Onion Pain Au Fromage, £4, is a posh mash-up of the crowd-pleasing flavour and mini pain au chocolat. Delish!
And for all the tapas lovers, Co-op is bringing a taste of Spain to its new summer range – Co-op Irresistible Paella Arancini With Tomato Salsa, £4, is stuffed with chorizo and chicken and is included in the three-for-two offer.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dips in supermarkets right now Credit: Supplied
Lucky Dips
Move over chips and salsa, supermarkets have levelled up their dips-and-chips game in time for the warmer weather.
With so many fun new options to choose from, Marks & Spencer Chicken Kyiv Hot Melting Dip, £4, instantly caught our eye – the oozing cheese and crispy breadcrumbs make it a must-try.
Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Labneh With Wild Garlic Pesto, £3.50, topped with crunchy pine nuts, can be the creamy addition to your summer spread.
Of course, we can’t forget about the crisps – zesty Eat Real Multi-Seed Tortillas Birdseye Chilli, Lime & Sea Salt, £2.75, are designed for dunking, plus they’re plant-based and gluten-free. Win!
Grab a board and fill it with your faves for a picky feast Credit: Supplied
Antipasti Party
It wouldn’t be a picky tea without some antipasti and cured meats, and these three are sure to be a hit.
For a pop of colour and freshness, you can’t go wrong with Sainsbury’s Taste The Difference Ricotta Stuffed Peppers, 120g, £3.50, which come in a parsley dressing – nab one with the “any three for £8” Nectar offer.
Morrisons The Best Chipotle Marinated Feta, £3.50 (part of the three for two offer), has recently hit the shelves as part of the supermarket’s Med-inspired range, and adds a smoky twist to the tangy Greek cheese.
And for something sweet and salty, try Waitrose No.1 Black Garlic Chorizo With Wildflower Honey, £5 – best served with crusty bread to mop up the flavours, and currently on three for two.
What’s not to love about M&S’s new dessert sandwich? Credit: Supplied
Standout Snacks
Whether your hosting or looking to switch things up, here are some extra picky bits to add to your rotation.
After its strawberries and cream sandwich went viral last summer, to celebrate the return of Wimbledon, this week saw the launch of Marks & Spencer Chocolate, Strawberry & Pistachio Creme Sandwich, £3.50 – perfect for nibbling while you watch the tennis.
One for the freezer, Norteno Mexican 8 Crispy Tacos Beef Birria, £5.50, available at Ocado.com, packs bold flavours and only takes 10 minutes in the air fryer to get nice and crispy – top with some pico de gallo for added freshness.
Calabrian chillies add a special kick to Co-op Irresistible ‘Nduja Bravas, £4.25 – everyone will want a helping of these sweet and smoky spuds on their plate.
As Stephen Parkins-Knight, senior innovation chef at Waitrose.com says: “Snackification is officially the vibe of the summer!”
