M&S has launched a limited-edition strawberries and cream sandwich in the UK, inspired by Japan's popular fruit sando, generating significant buzz and sales.
Strawberries and Cream Sandwiches: Japan's Viral Delight Hits the UK

Strawberries and Cream Sandwiches: Japan's Viral Delight Hits the UK
M&S Unveils New Sandwich Inspired by Japanese Furutsu Sando Trend
The traditional British pairing of strawberries and cream has taken an unusual twist as Marks & Spencer (M&S) introduces a limited-edition strawberries and cream sandwich to UK shelves. This innovative treat features fresh strawberries, whipped cream cheese, and sweetened bread, drawing inspiration from the "viral Japanese fruit sando." According to M&S, the sandwich quickly became a hit, topping sales in the first two days post-launch.
While strawberries in a sandwich may seem unconventional to UK consumers, in Japan, this concept is well-established with "furutsu sando" found in various bakeries and convenience stores. These sweet fruit sandwiches have gained global popularity, partly due to social media exposure, especially on platforms like TikTok, where Western tourists rave about the versions sold at Japan's 7-Eleven.
Shuko Oda, chef at Koya in London, describes these sandwiches as delightful, made with soft, spongy white bread and filled with fruit and whipped cream, typically cut into triangles for a visually appealing display. These treats are often enjoyed alongside tea or coffee, making them a favorite snack.
The idea of pairing fruit with bread isn’t completely foreign to Britons; fruit-based sandwiches like banana sandwiches or even jam sandwiches evoke childhood nostalgia. However, this raises questions about the very definition of a sandwich. The Oxford English Dictionary describes sandwiches as made from two thin slices of bread with a filling, which traditionally leans towards savory options.
Beyond the context of strawberries and cream, the article explores sandwiches from various cultures, showcasing international delights such as Bánh mì, Croque monsieur, Po’ boy, Arepas, and more. These diverse sandwiches illustrate the creativity that exists beyond the conventional definitions of what constitutes a sandwich, inviting food lovers to broaden their culinary horizons.
As UK consumers express curiosity over this unexpected fusion of flavors, M&S’s strawberries and cream innovation serves as a reminder of the delightful intersection between tradition and modern culinary trends. Whether this sandwich will become a new staple in British cuisine remains to be seen, but it certainly beckons food enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the endless possibilities that sandwiches can offer.
While strawberries in a sandwich may seem unconventional to UK consumers, in Japan, this concept is well-established with "furutsu sando" found in various bakeries and convenience stores. These sweet fruit sandwiches have gained global popularity, partly due to social media exposure, especially on platforms like TikTok, where Western tourists rave about the versions sold at Japan's 7-Eleven.
Shuko Oda, chef at Koya in London, describes these sandwiches as delightful, made with soft, spongy white bread and filled with fruit and whipped cream, typically cut into triangles for a visually appealing display. These treats are often enjoyed alongside tea or coffee, making them a favorite snack.
The idea of pairing fruit with bread isn’t completely foreign to Britons; fruit-based sandwiches like banana sandwiches or even jam sandwiches evoke childhood nostalgia. However, this raises questions about the very definition of a sandwich. The Oxford English Dictionary describes sandwiches as made from two thin slices of bread with a filling, which traditionally leans towards savory options.
Beyond the context of strawberries and cream, the article explores sandwiches from various cultures, showcasing international delights such as Bánh mì, Croque monsieur, Po’ boy, Arepas, and more. These diverse sandwiches illustrate the creativity that exists beyond the conventional definitions of what constitutes a sandwich, inviting food lovers to broaden their culinary horizons.
As UK consumers express curiosity over this unexpected fusion of flavors, M&S’s strawberries and cream innovation serves as a reminder of the delightful intersection between tradition and modern culinary trends. Whether this sandwich will become a new staple in British cuisine remains to be seen, but it certainly beckons food enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the endless possibilities that sandwiches can offer.