Marks & Spencer launches Nutrient Dense range amid UK nutrient gaps and GLP-1 uptake

Credit: M&S

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has launched Nutrient Dense, a new range of salads, snacks and meals designed to address UK nutrient deficiency gaps, including among shoppers using weight-loss injections such as GLP-1 drugs. The 20-strong range will be available in M&S Foodhalls from 5 January 2026.

The launch follows findings from the UK government’s National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2025, which show that 96 percent of the population fails to meet the recommended daily intake for fibre. The Nutrient Dense range delivers a more concentrated source of key nutrients in calorie-controlled products, with each item providing at least one of 10 micronutrients commonly lacking in the UK diet, including vitamin D, iron, folate and vitamin B12.

M&S nutritionists developed the products using a new ‘Nutrient Dense nutrition criteria’, created in consultation with the British Nutrition Foundation. The criteria focus on delivering higher levels of vitamins, minerals, fibre, protein and healthy fats relative to calorie content. The products clearly list fibre content on pack and carry the Eat Well flower logo.

Designed to support customers with reduced appetites

M&S said it designed the range to support customers with reduced appetites, including older shoppers and those using weight-loss medications. Smaller portion sizes associated with appetite suppression can increase the risk of inadequate nutrient intake, particularly fibre. According to M&S research, 79 percent of customers say healthy eating is important when doing a main grocery shop, particularly for breakfast and midweek meals eaten at home.

The launch comes amid growing supermarket interest in GLP-1-aligned products. Last month, Morrisons became the first UK supermarket to introduce a dedicated range of GLP-1-friendly ready meals, following a new three-year exclusive licensing deal with Applied Nutrition.

Grace Ricotti, Head of Food Nutrition at Marks & Spencer, said:

With the increase in popularity of weight-loss injections, a reduced appetite can mean missing out on important nutrients and that’s why nutrient density is so important. These new meals, snacks and drinks can help everyone get more fibre, vitamins and mineral in their diet.

The importance of us all eating enough fibre cannot be overestimated. As well as helping day to day with effective digestion, long term it is important to reduce the risk of bowel cancer and so many other diseases.”

The Nutrient Dense range spans salads, meals, bread and the H₅O shot, a fibre-containing drink made with coconut water, fruit and vegetable fibres, sea moss and five botanicals. Each shot delivers 4g of fibre and is high in iodine, driven by the inclusion of sea moss.