M&S The Collection

The Collection range leads the way for other supermarkets, with some really special products which give it a justified almost-a-foodhall reputation. You’ll find foods here you won’t find in any of the competitors, like the Bellota ham here, or its ridiculously delicious jar of Italian hazelnut creme spread.

The Collection Jamon de Bellota Iberico £10 for 60g

Spanish Jamon Iberico is probably the most savoury food you can eat, and expensive to boot, although this M&S version is better value than most. It’s thinly sliced and ready to lay on a plate, plus it is 100 per cent raza Iberica, which means it’s from the best purebred pata negra pigs, and “bellota”, indicating they have fed on acorns.

The Collection French Butter with Sea Salt Crystals £2.80 for 250g

Tastes like butter on holidays in France, with that cheesy, cultured tang. There are crunchy crystals of sea salt for texture and a saline hit too, making this très sophistiqué.

The Collection Crafted Sourdough Baguette

£2 for 350g

Deep flavoured and with a gorgeous

chew, this is nothing like an airy French baguette and all the better for it. I’ve no idea what “Crafted” means but it’s still amongst the best supermarket bread out there.

The Collection All Butter Cornish Cruncher Biscuits £2.50 for 80g

Super cheesy and crisp, these look homemade enough to pass off as your own. Scrumptious on their own, and you can also pimp them up with sour cream and capers, canapé-style if you wish.

The Collection Handcrafted Hog Roast Sausage Rolls £3.65 for 188g

Puff pastry with sausage meat, pulled pork and herbs, it’s like eating a really meaty, well-textured stuffing roll. The pastry is all butter, and the pork is British: all that’s needed is a pint of craft beer.