M&S strawberries and cream sandwich: Japanese fruit sando hits high streets

Strawberries and cream have been a beloved combination in the UK since the 1800s. However, a new twist on this classic favorite has emerged with the introduction of strawberries and cream sandwiches. Marks & Spencer recently unveiled a limited-edition strawberries and cream sandwich, featuring strawberries, whipped cream cheese, and sweetened bread. Inspired by the “viral Japanese fruit sando,” this sandwich quickly became the top-selling item at the supermarket chain within two days of its launch.

While strawberry sandwiches can be found at some Japanese bakeries in the UK, Marks & Spencer’s offering marks the first time they have been widely available on supermarket shelves. The concept of fruit in a sandwich may seem unusual to some, but in Japan, it is a well-established tradition. Known as “furutsu sando,” these sandwiches gained popularity after Japanese fruit shops began selling desserts for customers to sample. The trend has since gone global, with Western tourists eager to try the version sold at Japanese convenience store chain 7-Eleven.

Fruit sandwiches typically consist of sweetened, soft, spongy white bread filled with whipped cream and fruit, such as strawberries or clementine. According to Shuko Oda, a chef at Koya restaurant in London, these sandwiches are often cut into triangles to showcase the fruit. They are not only visually appealing but also offer an interesting play on textures. While some people in Japan make fruit sandwiches at home, they are more commonly purchased from convenience stores, food halls, or specialized fruit sando stores. They are enjoyed as a snack with tea or coffee or alongside savory sandwiches.

In the UK, the combination of fruit and bread is not as uncommon as one might think. Banana sandwiches, jam sandwiches from childhood, and even coronation chicken sandwiches made with dried apricots or sultanas are examples of this pairing. The definition of a sandwich, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, involves two thin slices of bread with a savory or other filling. From the classic crisp sandwich to the more exotic arepa from Venezuela, there is a wide variety of sandwiches enjoyed around the world

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