Croloaf: Marks and Spencer unveils croissant loaf hybrid
The product inspired by an artisanal bakery in Chicago has been hailed as 'genius'
First artisanal bakers invented the cronut, then the cromuffin, and now Marks & Spencer (M&S) has introduced the “croloaf” to the British high-street.
The croissant-loaf hybrid is made using all-butter egg pastry constructed like a rectangular slab of bread. The shape means the croloaf can be easily sliced and toasted, according to the retailer.
M&S said that unlike the traditional French croissant, the croloaf does not have to be eaten on the day it is made, and “tastes just as good a few days after” if it is toasted.
At 114 calories a slice, each serving contains a third less than the 340 calories in the average croissant. The croloaf is available in M&S for £2.40.
News of the loaf has sparked headlines, and debate among curious shoppers. One Twitter user hailed it as “genius” while another wrote “dreams can come true”.
Others weren't so convinced.
M&S said it was inspired by similar creations in artisan bakeries and the US, including the Beurrage bakery in Chicago.
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Show all 12A spokeswoman for the M&S bakery said the loaf is aimed at people who enjoy the convenience of a slice of toast, but love the “delicious buttery taste of croissants.”
The launch of the croloaf comes after Dominique Ansel, the French-born pastry chef who invented the cronut in 2013, opened his first bakery in London earlier this year.
Additional reporting by PA
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