Strawberries and cream in a sandwich – a VAT dilemma?

M&S has launched a new strawberries and cream sandwich, which is a nod to a signature Japanese sweet treat the fruit sando.

And a nod to Wimbledon!

M&S is using a sweetened brioche bread, along with red diamond strawberries placed between a thick layer of whipped cream.

The treat costs £2.80 for the one slice.

Tax experts have been all over the new sandwich too! They are wondering if it is classified as a standard sandwich (which is zero-rated for VAT), or as a confectionary item (and subject to VAT at 20%).

Currently there is no news out of M&S whether the sandwich is being sold with or without VAT. HMRC are sure to be on the case soon.