SHOPPERS have been left disappointed over a Marks & Spencer fruit that “tastes like a pineapple” – except it isn’t one.
The controversial fruit has caused a stir among foodies who were left less than impressed.
The huge retailer is offering its own brand of ‘White Pearl Strawberries’.
The little treats gained popularity among sweet lovers after being launched last year.
The strawberries are white on both the inside and outside with red seeds.
M&S described them as “sweet like a red strawberry, with an aroma of pineapple and notes of vanilla”.
But the daring combination has left some foodies disappointed.
A savvy shopper took to Facebook to share vent out her frustration after buying a box from the fruit and veg isle.
She posted: “Not a bargain just a don’t waste your money on these, absolutely tasteless, supposed to taste of pineapple with a hint of vanilla, taste like unripened strawberries for £3.50.”
The posted has gained thousands of likes from fellow customers – with many sharing similar thoughts.
One user said: “Pineapple aroma…not flavour. And they do taste very subtly like vanilla and strawberry.”
Another added: “Why would you buy strawberries that’s taste like pineapple! Buy a pineapple absolutely ridiculous.”
A third penned: “They are the most bland strawberries I’ve ever tried.”
However, others disagreed and said they liked the new flavour.
A satisfied user said: “I actually really liked them, the taste was subtle. But I liked them. Try them for yourself before writing them off.”
M&S previously claimed the fruit was naturally bred and developed in Japan.
According to the supermarket chain, manufacturers used seeds from Japanese white strawberries crossed with traditional strawberries.
Describing the flavour, the retailer said: “These are not just any strawberries… these are New Collection White Pearl M&S strawberries!
“These gorgeous berries have a white base colour even when perfectly ripe, making them look like typical strawberries in reverse!
“They’re sweet like red strawberries, with notes of pineapple and vanilla. Find them in the Foodhall now.”
The fruit is part of a new range of fresh produce with unique flavours – including Cotton Candy Grapes and Baby Kiwi Berries.
The odd-sounding fruit gets its unusual taste through its development method but has not been infused with artificial flavours.
All three types of grapes are grown in Spain, but the cotton candy ones are also grown in Brazil and South Africa depending on the time of the year.
Marks & Spencer has been contacted for comment.
It comes as a M&S worker revealed there are secret “J codes” that guarantee discounts on fruit and veg.
Having worked as a night assistant at M&S, they revealed that the posh supermarket has a secret code which they use when making reductions.
For those looking to bag a bargain, you’ll need to find the pre-packaged produce as this is where you’ll find the biggest savings – according to the insider.
Marks and Spencer usually reduces its prices once in the morning and twice in the afternoon.
If you want to bag a bargain you should aim to be there for 9am, 2pm or 4pm.
One bargain hunter told us that some products may get reduced by 10% in the first wave of markdowns at 9am.
However, if you want to get a bigger discount you are better off going at around 4pm when you could get up to 90% off.
Don’t forget to look out for red stickers which indicate a bargain find in M&S.
