In a move to capitalise on the growing trend for superfoods, Marks & Spencer has launched a new £2 cold-pressed seaweed shot, which has sparked a lively discussion on social media. The drink, made with coconut water, lime, ginger, and Irish red seaweed, or “sea moss”, is being touted for its potential health benefits, including supporting thyroid health and boosting the immune system.
While the vibrant turquoise colour of the drink has certainly caught the attention of shoppers, the taste seems to be a more divisive issue. Our reporter, who tried the new M&S sea moss shot, had a similar reaction to that of singer Dua Lipa, who has previously incorporated the ingredient into her wellness routine. Describing the flavour as “rather unpleasant”, our reporter found the strong taste and unsmooth texture of the drink to be a deterrent, despite the potential health benefits.
“It wasn’t so bad that I had to drink it as a shot; I took a few mouthfuls so I could really pay attention to the flavour,” our reporter said. “It wasn’t enjoyable, though. As you might expect, it has quite a strong taste, and the consistency isn’t pleasant either.”
However, the reporter did note that the addition of ginger helped to balance the flavour, and that the drink may be worth a try for those specifically looking to incorporate sea moss into their diet. The M&S product description touts the drink’s high levels of iodine, vitamin C, B1, B6, and B12, which are said to support the immune system.
Marks & Spencer’s latest addition to their chilled drinks range, which also includes a “lion’s mane” shot and a collagen drink, has certainly generated a buzz on social media. While the sea moss shot may not be to everyone’s taste, it’s clear that the retailer is tapping into the growing consumer demand for innovative and health-conscious beverage options.
