While February might seem early for seasonal celebrations, supermarkets across the UK are already gearing up for Easter, the second biggest food event of the year. Shelves are gradually filling with chocolate eggs, bunny-themed confections, and other festive delights. In this competitive landscape, Marks & Spencer has unveiled a new product that is sparking considerable buzz among chocolate enthusiasts.
Introducing the Sunny Side Up Whips
M&S has launched its Sunny Side Up Whips, described by the retailer as a "cheeky take on a chocolate classic." These indulgent treats consist of milk chocolate shells filled with fluffy white marshmallow and a zesty orange sauce, topped with a white chocolate decoration designed to resemble a sunny-side-up egg. The website touts them as "light-hearted, gooey and hard to resist," positioning them as a premium alternative in the Easter chocolate market.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Early responses from M&S devotees have been overwhelmingly positive, with many drawing direct comparisons to the iconic Cadbury Creme Egg. On Facebook, Sylvia Shilliam called the treats "mouthwatering," while Terri Watts declared them "absolutely delicious." Rachel Whitmarsh went further, stating, "These are elite compared to a Creme Egg," and Allison Blenkins humorously noted, "my waist just got bigger looking at these."
Instagram food account @thehungryfoodmonsters praised the "seriously smooth" thick milk chocolate but suggested a desire for more sauce to enhance the citrus flavour. They joked, "I'm pretty sure we could feel our teeth dissolving from the sweetness," while @allyson.boyle remarked they "taste even more delicious than they look." However, not all feedback was glowing; Sherrie Woodward questioned the prevalence of orange flavour, and Donna Pugh maintained that "nothing beats a Creme Egg."
First-Hand Taste Test and Verdict
In a personal evaluation, the Sunny Side Up Whips were sampled with high expectations, particularly given a fondness for chocolate-orange combinations. Priced at £5 for a pack, they represent a premium investment, but the quality largely justifies the cost. The treat features a thick chocolate shell akin to a walnut whip, with a marshmallow filling and crunchy topping, finished with a yolk-like decoration.
The experience is notably more decadent than a traditional Creme Egg, offering a silky texture throughout. While it differs technically by including only a yolk-like element rather than a whole egg filling, it serves as a luxurious version. The chocolate's thickness initially raised concerns about dental safety, but the blend of elements proved harmonious. At £1.25 per egg, it's a worthwhile splurge for those seeking an upscale Easter indulgence.
Verdict: 8/10. The Sunny Side Up Whips excel in richness and flavour, though the Cadbury Creme Egg remains an irreplaceable classic in the chocolate landscape.
Additional Easter Offerings from M&S
M&S is not stopping with the Sunny Side Up Whips. The retailer has reintroduced Speckled Egg Cookies to its in-store bakeries following "overwhelming demand" from customers. Priced at £3.25 for a pack of five, these cookies are made with M&S's signature dough and include milk and white chocolate buttons, cornflakes, and Speckled Eggs. Packets of Speckled Eggs have also returned to stores, with some shoppers claiming they surpass Cadbury Mini Eggs in quality.
Furthermore, a new Giant Speckled Eggs Crunchy bar has debuted, retailing at £7.50. This product puts an Easter twist on the beloved Big Daddy bar, featuring a crunchy texture and seasonal speckled egg inclusions. These launches underscore M&S's commitment to innovating within the festive confectionery sector, offering consumers a range of options from affordable treats to premium indulgences.
As Easter approaches, the competition among UK supermarkets intensifies, with M&S clearly aiming to capture the attention of chocolate aficionados seeking something beyond the conventional. Whether the Sunny Side Up Whips will dethrone the Cadbury Creme Egg remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly add a delicious and opulent choice to the seasonal lineup.
