Marks & Spencer has long held a reputation for premium bakery items, from birthday cakes to seasonal specials. But how does the M&S cake range actually compare with supermarket rivals like Waitrose and Tesco? This guide reviews what M&S cakes are available, what customers say about them, and how they stack up in taste, price, and availability.
The M&S bakery aisle includes everything from classic Victoria sponges to novelty caterpillar cakes and festive Christmas desserts. Recently, the brand launched an Ultimate Cookies and Cream Cake and a Red Velvet Cake that generated buzz on social media. Yet for many shoppers, the question remains whether M&S cakes justify a higher price tag compared to Tesco or Waitrose.
Drawing on taste tests, price comparisons, and user-generated reviews, this article provides a fact-based look at the M&S cake offering in 2025.
What M&S Cakes Are Available in Store and Online?
Key insights about the M&S cake range
- M&S cake range includes birthday cakes, party cakes, desserts, and seasonal offerings such as Christmas cakes.
- A key differentiator is that M&S cake quality is consistently rated high in user-generated content on TikTok and Facebook.
- Comparison with Waitrose and Tesco shows M&S often uses premium ingredients and offers unique flavours like the Vintage Party Cake.
- M&S does not officially offer a dedicated gluten-free or vegan cake range; shoppers must check individual product labels.
- Ocado provides wide M&S cake delivery coverage, while in-store availability varies by location.
Snapshot facts about M&S cakes
| Cake / Range | Details | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Cookies and Cream Cake | Launched early 2025; viral on TikTok | Not disclosed |
| Red Velvet Cake | Introduced alongside Cookies and Cream cake | Not disclosed |
| Vintage Party Cake | Popular year-round celebration cake | £15–£20 |
| Colin the Caterpillar | Classic children’s celebration cake; serves 10 | £9 (in-store) / £8.50 (Ocado) |
| Connie the Caterpillar | Chocolate version of Colin | Similar price |
| Christmas Fruit Cake | Part of 2025 festive range | Varies |
| Christmas Chocolate Cake | Included in 2025 Christmas collection | Varies |
| Made Without Wheat Chocolate Fudge Slices | Gluten-free; highly praised in reviews | Not priced in sources |
| Made Without Wheat Zesty Lemon Slices | Gluten-free; recommended by mygfguide.com | Not priced in sources |
Are M&S Cakes Good? – Reviews and Taste Test
User reviews and taste tests provide a mixed but generally positive picture. On TikTok, a reviewer who spent £130 on the new M&S cake range rated several items highly, though no official aggregate rating exists. Facebook posts from M&S itself promote the Ultimate Cookies and Cream and Red Velvet cakes as customer favourites.
In a caterpillar cake blind taste test conducted by GoodTo, Waitrose’s Cecil the Caterpillar was ranked higher than M&S Colin for taste, with the reviewer praising the smooth chocolate finish and delicious chocolate sponge. M&S Colin scored well on decoration but served fewer people (10 vs Waitrose’s 12) at a slightly higher price (£9 vs £8.50).
The gluten-free guide at mygfguide.com singled out M&S Made Without Wheat Chocolate Fudge Cake Slices as “so good you would never guess they were gluten free.” This suggests that for taste, M&S gluten-free products are among the best available in supermarkets.
How do M&S cakes compare to Waitrose and Tesco?
A birthday taste-test video comparing Tesco and M&S bakery items found that some Tesco items actually outperformed M&S on value and enjoyment. For example, Tesco jam doughnuts were described as better than an M&S cake jar and much cheaper. On the other hand, M&S keeps a strong lead in premium ingredient perception and presentation.
Which Is Better: M&S, Waitrose, or Tesco Birthday Cakes?
The answer depends on what matters most: premium feel, taste, price, or dietary needs. Based on the available taste tests and price comparisons, each supermarket has distinct strengths.
M&S birthday cakes – quality and decoration
M&S birthday cakes, including the Vintage Party Cake and Colin the Caterpillar, are positioned as premium choices. The brand relies on brand loyalty and nostalgic value. The Vintage Party Cake, available year-round, is a popular pick for celebrations and costs approximately £15–£20.
Waitrose birthday cakes – taste leader in tests
In the caterpillar cake test, Waitrose’s Cecil came out top for flavour. Waitrose also offers a broad selection of premium Christmas desserts, as seen in a comparison video with M&S. Their birthday cakes are comparable in price to M&S but sometimes serve more portions.
Tesco birthday cakes – value and variety
Tesco offers the widest and cheapest range of birthday-friendly cakes in the sources reviewed. Slinky the Caterpillar Cake costs £7.50, and gluten-free options like Carl the Caterpillar (£6.50) and Finest Free From Victoria Sponge (£3.50) are available. A taste test noted that Tesco’s cheaper bakery items could beat more expensive M&S items on enjoyment.
Prices cited from sources may have changed since publication. For the most up-to-date pricing, check the M&S website, Ocado, or the respective supermarket’s online store. M&S cakes are typically £2–£5 more expensive than equivalent Waitrose cakes, but many users report higher quality ingredients.
Where Can I Buy M&S Cakes for Delivery?
M&S cakes can be purchased in-store at Marks & Spencer food halls and through Ocado, the online delivery partner. According to the caterpillar cake comparison, M&S Colin was available in-store or online via Ocado. Waitrose and Tesco also offer online ordering for their cakes.
The birthday review suggests Tesco is more widely accessible and easier to find than M&S, which may matter for same-day cake buying. For exact delivery fees and slot availability, the provided sources do not give a full current comparison, so shoppers should check directly with each retailer.
How to order M&S celebration cakes
M&S does not currently offer a custom cake ordering service through its website. However, standard celebration cakes such as the Vintage Party Cake and Colin the Caterpillar are regularly stocked. Orders can be placed through Ocado’s M&S bakery section for home delivery.
How Much Do M&S Cakes Cost?
Prices for M&S cakes vary by size and type. Based on the sources, a typical price range is £5 to £30. The Vintage Party Cake is estimated at £15–£20, while caterpillar cakes sit around £9. M&S Made Without Wheat slices were not priced in the gluten-free guide, but they are likely in the premium range.
Comparing across supermarkets, Waitrose’s Cecil the Caterpillar costs £8.50, Tesco’s Slinky costs £7.50, and Tesco gluten-free options start as low as £2.20 for four cupcakes. This positions M&S as the pricier choice, though many customers feel the quality justifies the extra cost.
When Are M&S Seasonal Cakes Released?
- January 2025 – New Ultimate Cookies and Cream Cake and Red Velvet Cake introduced.
- March 2025 – M&S Mother’s Day cake collection appears.
- September 2025 – M&S Christmas cake range announced, including fruit cake, chocolate cake, and novelty designs.
- Ongoing – Updated product availability via Ocado and stores.
What Is Known and Unknown About M&S Cakes?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| M&S sells birthday, celebration, and seasonal cakes in stores and via Ocado. | Exact gluten-free options are not explicitly listed online; check product labels or contact store. |
| The Vintage Party Cake is available year-round. | Customer ratings exist only as social media mentions – no official aggregate score is available. |
| Christmas cakes 2025 are available from mid-September. | Pricing is subject to change; use M&S website or Ocado for up-to-date prices. |
Why Do M&S Cakes Stand Out in the UK Supermarket Market?
The UK supermarket cake market is highly competitive, with M&S positioning itself as a premium option. Brand loyalty and nostalgic value play a significant role – M&S cakes have a long-standing reputation for quality. The top search results for “M&S cakes” show a mix of official catalog pages, third-party delivery listings, user-generated reviews, and seasonal content. However, no single source offers a comprehensive comparison guide, which this article aims to fill.
Users searching for M&S cakes typically fall into two camps: those looking for a quick product overview and those comparing before purchase. The high search volume for Tesco and Waitrose cake queries suggests frequent cross-shopping, making side-by-side evaluation valuable.
What Do Official Sources and Reviews Say?
“Our bakery and cakes collection is full of tasty bread and sweet treats…”
– M&S official bakery page
“I spent £130 on the new M&S cake range and this is how I rated them.”
– TikTok review (bigdaddybsfoods)
“When all your cake dreams came true… Our Ultimate Cookies and Cream cake and Red Velvet cake have had some…”
– Facebook post (M&S)
These sources reflect a mix of official brand content and genuine user experiences. For further reading on baking science, see Is Bicarbonate of Soda the Same as Baking Soda – US vs UK Guide. And if you’re planning to bake your own, the guide on How to Make Batter: Recipes for Basic, Crispy & Eggless may be useful.
What Is the Best Way to Choose an M&S Cake?
Choosing an M&S cake depends on the occasion and your priorities. For a premium birthday treat with high-quality ingredients, M&S offers strong options like the Vintage Party Cake or Colin the Caterpillar. If taste is the key factor, Waitrose edged ahead in the caterpillar test. For value and gluten-free variety, Tesco provides the widest selection at lower prices. For Christmas desserts, Waitrose presented a broader festive range in the sources reviewed. Check current availability and prices online before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does M&S make cakes for special dietary needs?
M&S does not currently have a dedicated gluten-free or vegan cake range. Check individual product labels for allergens. For special orders, contact your local store.
Can I freeze M&S cakes?
Most M&S cakes can be frozen; follow the storage instructions on the packaging. Best consumed within 3 months.
How do M&S cake prices compare to Waitrose?
M&S cakes are typically £2-£5 more expensive than equivalent Waitrose cakes, but users report higher quality ingredients.
Are M&S cakes available at all M&S stores?
Availability varies by store size and location. Larger M&S food halls carry the full bakery range; smaller convenience stores may have a limited selection.
Can I order M&S cakes for delivery through Ocado?
Yes, Ocado stocks a wide range of M&S cakes and provides home delivery. Check Ocado’s website for current stock and delivery slots.
What is the most popular M&S celebration cake?
The Vintage Party Cake and Colin the Caterpillar are among the most popular year-round celebration cakes from M&S.
Does M&S have a red velvet cake?
Yes, M&S launched a Red Velvet Cake in early 2025 as part of its new cake range, alongside the Ultimate Cookies and Cream Cake.
Are Tesco birthday cakes as good as M&S?
In taste tests, some Tesco bakery items outperformed M&S on value and enjoyment, especially for everyday treats. For premium occasions, M&S remains strong on quality and presentation.
What gluten-free cakes does M&S offer?
M&S offers Made Without Wheat cake slices, including Chocolate Fudge and Zesty Lemon. These are highly praised in reviews but are not a full cake range.
When do M&S Christmas cakes go on sale?
M&S typically announces its Christmas cake range in mid-September each year, with availability continuing through the festive season.
Freddie Harry Cooper Bennett is a staff writer for DailyPressUK.co.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Whitmore and UK Managing Editor Eleanor Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.