14 DAY TRIAL // Snacking has just been overhauled. Marks & Spencer has introduced the first-ever pop-up pizza that is made in a toaster in just 4 minutes and, more importantly, is very light in calories and tastes just like a full-sized pizza.
The Daily Mail reports that the M&S toaster pizza is the first of its kind and comes with advantages that will be hard to beat by future competitors.
It comes in two flavors (tomato and mozzarella, and spicy pepperoni), is cheap (₤2 / $3.18 / €2.39), is easy to make and is tasty.
Each slice of pizza is made of a pre-baked base and topping. It comes with a special paper “pocket,” which comes very in handy when inserting the slice into the toaster because it prevents melted cheese from making a mess inside it.
The new M&S pop-up pizza is even a good choice for a snack if you're on a diet – but only on the condition that you eat just one slice.
It's “less indulgent than a typical pizza and well balanced in terms of fat,” M&S says, and has 190-250 calories per slice.
“Ready in less than four minutes, it doesn’t get much faster – and heating in a toaster means no soggy bases from the microwave. It’s a great option for people who want a slice of pizza at home or in the office, but not the temptation of a whole pizza,” M&S spokesperson Claire Hodgson says.
Speaking of the temptation of a whole pizza, this is what makes this new pop-up version actually an aide in the fight against obesity; or so believes Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum.
Because it's meant to be enjoyed slice by slice, the pizza could be a good means of exercising portion control, thus keeping a close tab on calorie consumption, which, in turn, means fewer pounds and more health.
“There is nothing that says that pizza can’t be healthy, and the ingredients look intriguing. The feature I like most about the idea is the portion size. There’s a limit to what can be fitted into a toaster and that should be the limit for a snack for anyone,” Fry says.
“But there is a danger that people will be tempted to have a second one and they shouldn’t. One is almost definitely enough,” Fry adds.
After some difficulties, an editor for The Guardian managed to get a hold of the new pop-up pizza: he says it's a convenient option for snacking, but of rather bland taste. His review is here.