'Christmas has been made!' Marks & Spencer shoppers delighted as it shares new pigs in blanket recipe

Marks & Spencer has announced a major upgrade to its entire pigs in blankets range, doubling the bacon wrapping across all products.

The retail giant is now using whole rashers of bacon instead of half rashers to wrap their sausages, marking what they describe as "the biggest thing to happen to a pig in blanket".

The change aims to eliminate the common Christmas dinner frustration of unravelling bacon, ensuring "no streakers" and "no half measures" across their festive range.

The upgrade comes as pigs in blankets have been revealed as M&S's number one best-selling party food item in stores. The retailer expects to sell more than 25 million pigs in blankets this festive season.

The popularity extends to social media, where pigs in blankets rank as M&S's top festive favourite, with customers recently declaring them one of the key products helping them "Step into Christmas" alongside mince pies.

Eager shoppers headed to social media to share their enthusiasm. Commenting on Instagram, one wrote: "Stop it! This is a want and a need!"

"These are so flipping good," added another and one more said: "Oh wow! Double wrapped, now this has made my day." Others called it "genius", "truly great" and said their "Christmas has been made".

M&S emphasised quality in their upgraded pigs in blankets, using outdoor-bred British pork for all sausages.

The premium offering features dry-cured artisan bacon throughout the range. This quality-focused approach aligns with M&S Food's core principles, with the retailer stating that quality remains "at the heart of every decision".

The enhanced wrapping technique aims to prevent what M&S calls "Christmas day traumas" and "naked pig disappointment" that can occur with traditional bacon wrapping methods.

The upgraded bacon wrapping extends across every pig in blanket product in M&S Foodhalls, from party food to café menu items.

The retailer has also incorporated the double-wrapped pigs in blankets into innovative new products.

These include a Turkey & Stuffing Pie topped with the enhanced pigs in blankets.

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A new Pigs in Blankets Mac & Cheese has also been added to the range. In M&S cafés, the double-wrapped treats are now served as "the ultimate side" accompanied by a gravy dipper.

The upgrade represents what M&S describes as their "Christmas fairy" waving a "magic wand" to deliver customers their "tastiest Christmas yet."

This comes as Marks & Spencer launches a limited-edition wine "best enjoyed before Christmas" for just £8.