Marks and Spencer shoppers are just realising genius trick to save a third on popular Christmas snack

M&S shoppers who are trying to rein in the cost of Christmas have come up with a sneaky trick for buying cut-price festive snacks.

The retailer’s “Very Merry Mix Munch” – containing chocolate-covered nuts, pretzels and popcorn – is a popular way of filling house guests over the party season.

The treat comes in a large round tin and is advertised on Ocado as “perfect for movie nights”, with fans on Facebook saying it is “heaven”.

However, the tin isn’t cheap – costing £10.

Some savvy shoppers have revealed how to avoid paying the full price – by buying cheaper refill pack and then decanting them into a bowl, choc tub or Tupperware container.

The refill bags are plastic bags which contain an equal quantity of all the same ingredients, and are sold so that you don’t need to buy a new tin.

But customers have realised using a tin or tub at home can work just as nicely.

The bags are sold for the more reasonable price of £6.50 on Ocado.com, which is a third cheaper for exactly the same weight (460g) as you get in the tin – although not everyone knows about them.

One fan said on the Facebook group Snack Reviews: “M&S tins are a rip-off at £10 as the refill bags are £6.50 for the same weight. So you’re paying £3.50 for the tin.”

Another added: “You only need to buy the tin once or in fact you don’t need to buy the tin at all. Just keep it in a Tupperware.”

A third said: “I just buy the refills and put them in a chocolate tin.”

The cost of the tin is also a gripe on the Ocado website, which sells M&S products, where one shopper said: “This is a delicious mix but you are definitely paying for the tin. I’d prefer a bag to reduce the price as I wouldn’t buy again.”

Others in the Facebook group mentioned how Aldi has its own Reindeer Munch Mix, costing £1.99 for 180g, which works out to around 30p cheaper for every 100g compared to M&S’ refill bag.

Asda also does a version at £2.50 for 200g, while Morrisons has a Salted Caramel mix for £2 for £200g.

M&S said: “Our iconic Very Merry Munch tins have achieved cult status since we first introduced them a few years ago, and we know customers love to get their hands on them as soon as they’re back on shelves for the festive period. 

“They make the perfect gift for snack lovers and we know people also like to take them round to friends and family as they’re great for sharing. 

“And of course if you already have this year’s tin – or don’t need it for any reason – then we absolutely encourage shoppers to pick up one of our Very Merry Munch refill bags, as that’s exactly what they’re there for!”

The retailer also offers a Very Jelly Munch tin for £10 but with no refill bags available – something shoppers have called for.

M&S fans were delighted as it recently announced it would be producing a series of six Christmas ads for 2024.

And even better yet, they are featuring the much-loved actress and comedian Dawn French who has her wishes granted by the Christmas fairy.

In the first episode which aired on December 4, French has her table magically laden with festive food and drink.

The second episode on November 13 focused on her plans for gifting presents, and on November 17, the third episode what about party food.

There are three more to come – on 17th December Episode Four and Five will launch, named ‘Big Day’ and ‘Dessert’.

While the sixth and final episode is set to land on Boxing Day, named ‘New Year’s Eve’.

Sharry Cramond, M&S food marketing director said: “Last year, our Fairy added something truly magical to Christmas, and this year, we’re thrilled to take it to the next level, with Dawn French herself
joining the fun alongside her Fairy character!

“We’re always looking to push creative boundaries, and we believe this year’s campaign will leave our customers smiling and feeling super inspired.

“To top it off, we’re honoured to feature the incredible Katherine Jenkins, adding even more festive magic to our screens.”

Other choc news

It’s not the first time that fancy packaging has been highlighted as adding unnecessary extra cost to festive food.

Last year we revealed how “tiny” 385g boxes of Celebrations cost the same price as 550g tubs, simply because they come in a gift box.

But shoppers who had ordered online and couldn’t see the size of the box relative to a normal tub were left feeling cheated by what they received.

This year people are still getting caught out by the same 385g tubs, which cost £6 in Tesco, £1.50 more than the 550g tub if you buy it with a Clubcard.

One buyer said on the Tesco website last month: “The price led me to the assumption that this was a standard “Christmas-sized box” whereas it is very small and mean. Shame on you Tescos.”

Mars Wrigley UK, which makes Celebrations, said: “At Mars Wrigley UK, our focus is always on ensuring that we offer our great tasting, high quality chocolate at the best possible value.

“We have a range of Celebrations treats on sale this Christmas that are available in different sizes, formats and price-points to suit all occasions for the British public this festive season.

“As with all our products, final pricing is always at the discretion of individual retailers.”

Tesco did not respond to our request for a comment.

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