Marks & Spencer has expanded its picky bits selection with eleven Hot Picky Bits, now available through its popular three for £8 promotion.
The retailer, which recently established National Picky Bits Day in June, has introduced these tapas and meze-inspired options across M&S Foodhalls and Ocado.
These Mediterranean offerings join existing items in the budget-friendly deal, allowing customers to combine different selections.
The launch follows the grocer's position as what they call "the undisputed home of picky bits", with the new dishes drawing inspiration from shoppers' "favourite" holiday destinations across the Mediterranean region.
Customer surveys conducted by M&S revealed a strong consumer appetite for these casual dining options, with one-quarter of shoppers saying picky bits are their favourite meal to eat during the summer.
The research uncovered frequent consumption patterns, with a third of respondents enjoying picky teas at least three times per week.
Celebrations also drive demand, as 41 per cent indicated they would serve picky bits for special occasions like birthdays.
Wine pairings prove popular too, with rosé, white and sparkling varieties ranking as top accompaniments according to a third of those surveyed.
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|M&S' Hot Picky Bits are inspired by shoppers' favourite Mediterranean holiday spots
Spanish-inspired selections include chorizo cooked in tomato and red wine sauce, alongside prawns pil pil prepared with garlic and chilli oil. Traditional croquetas, handcrafted in Spain, also feature in the collection.
Greek influences appear through prawn saganaki made with Honduran king prawns and baked feta served in tomato sauce, drawing from the traditional bouyiourdi dish. Crispy spanakopita pastries round out the Greek offerings.
Product Developer for picky bits at M&S Food, Taron van der Berg, commented on the supermarket's brand-new launches.
"It's no secret that M&S Food is the home of picky bits, and following our 40 new deli launches last month in time for the first ever National Picky Bits Day, we're expanding our ranges again this week with 11 new hot picky bits that are perfect for a taste of your favourite Mediterranean holiday.
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|'It's no secret that M&S Food is the home of picky bits'
"The majority of these hot new launches are included in our popular three for £8 deal, which we're continuing to expand to bring shoppers better value for their picky teas than ever before.
"I'm also particularly proud of our croquetas, which are handmade in Spain and have been developed in collaboration with Michelin‑star Catalan chef Nandu Jubany, bringing a true taste of Spain right to your table."
M&S' Hot Picky Bits are available now to satisfy your picnic and garden party needs.
In more good news for foodies, M&S has also introduced eight "perfect-for-sharing" platters designed for communal dining and outdoor gatherings.
These ready-to-serve options simplify hosting, with three featuring accompanying dips.
The Collection Mediterranean Antipasti Platter exemplifies the range's generous portion sizes. It combines feta-filled yellow and red peppers with chargrilled Puglian artichokes, stuffed vine leaves and slow-roasted cherry tomatoes.
Greek Atlas Halkidiki and oversized Kalamata olives appear alongside balsamic-marinated onions and barrel-aged Greek feta. The platter includes labneh dip and a red pepper and herb drizzle.
These platters complement the hot picky bits range, offering convenient solutions for summer entertaining without preparation hassle.