M&S Foodhall

M&S Foodhall Bedford is more than somewhere to pick up the weekly shop. For visitors, it is a chance to explore one of Britain’s best-known food retailers and discover some of the products that have become huge talking points on TikTok.

M&S Food has found a remarkable new audience through Kathryn Turner, its Director of Product Development, who has gone viral by taking followers behind the scenes of the Foodhall and revealing her personal “hidden gems”. Rather than simply advertising products, Kathryn explains why particular items stand out, how they are made and what makes their ingredients interesting. Her videos have attracted a huge following and turned the humble M&S Foodhall into something of a food discovery experience.

One of the most interesting themes in Kathryn’s videos is healthier eating and nutrient-dense food. M&S has introduced a Nutrient Dense range developed by its chefs and nutritionists, with products designed to provide high levels of nutrients relative to their calorie content. The range places particular emphasis on fibre, whole-food ingredients, vitamins and minerals, with options including Satay Chicken with Black Rice & Mango, Roasted Butternut & Almond Grains and Cauli Rice Prawn Paella.

For anyone trying to make healthier choices without simply eating bland “diet food”, this is one of the more interesting parts of the Foodhall to explore. M&S has specifically focused on increasing fibre and using ingredients such as whole grains, nuts, vegetables and other nutrient-rich foods. Its product developers have also worked with the British Nutrition Foundation on the nutritional criteria used for the Nutrient Dense range.

Another range worth looking out for is Only Ingredients, which takes a different approach by stripping everyday foods back to a small number of recognisable ingredients. Examples include beef burgers made with just British beef, sea salt and cracked black pepper, simple breads, cereals and an oat drink. It is aimed at shoppers who want to know exactly what they are putting into their food without sacrificing taste or convenience.

Kathryn’s “hidden gems” concept is also a good reason to explore beyond the obvious M&S favourites. Her content regularly highlights products that shoppers might walk past without noticing, from healthier meal options and high-fibre foods to interesting new ingredients, bakery products and indulgent treats. M&S itself now has an “As Seen On Social” collection showcasing products that have taken off across TikTok and other social platforms.

So whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, supplies for a picnic, healthier food for your stay in Bedford or simply want to see what all the M&S TikTok fuss is about, the Foodhall is worth exploring. And if you’ve been following Kathryn Turner, it’s a particularly good opportunity to go hunting for some of her recommended hidden gems yourself.