How many calories in a Marks and Spencer scone?

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data from retailer websites, a standard 70g pre-packaged Marks and Spencer plain scone contains 258 calories. The total calorie count for a Marks and Spencer scone can vary significantly depending on the flavour, portion size, and any additions like jam and cream.

Quick Summary

This article explores the caloric content of different Marks and Spencer scones, examining the variations between plain, fruit, and cheese flavours, and detailing the impact of portion size and common toppings.

Key Points

Plain Scone Calories: A pre-packaged M&S plain scone (70g) contains approximately 258 kcal, while an in-store bakery plain scone (100g) is closer to 356 kcal.
Fruit Scone Calories: An M&S pre-packaged fruit scone (70g) has about 250 kcal, but an in-store bakery version can have a different value based on its larger size and ingredients.
Cheese Scone Calories: A 70g pre-packaged M&S cheese scone contains roughly 244 kcal, whereas an in-store cafe version may contain around 319 kcal per serving.
Toppings Add Significant Calories: The addition of clotted cream, butter, and jam can add hundreds of extra calories to a scone, with a traditional cream tea potentially exceeding 600 kcal.
Portion Size Matters: The calorie count depends heavily on the specific scone's weight and ingredients, highlighting the importance of checking labels or asking for nutritional information.
Healthier Alternatives: For a lower-calorie treat, consider opting for smaller scones, using less decadent toppings, or baking your own with healthier ingredients like less fat or sugar.

Marks and Spencer scones are a popular choice for afternoon tea, but their calorie content is a frequent point of curiosity for many. The answer to 'How many calories in a Marks and Spencer scone?' is not singular, as it varies based on the type of scone, its specific weight, and the context (in-store bakery vs. pre-packaged). This guide breaks down the typical calorie counts and explores the factors that influence them.

The Calorie Breakdown for Marks and Spencer Scones

M&S Plain Scones

Marks and Spencer offers plain scones in both pre-packaged versions and from its in-store bakery, and the nutritional data can differ slightly. A standard 70g pre-packaged M&S plain scone contains 258 kcal. However, a larger plain scone from the in-store bakery might contain a higher calorie count per serving. These figures are for the scone alone and do not include any additions.

M&S Fruit Scones

Adding fruit and sometimes different butter variations affects the calorie content. A pre-packaged M&S All Butter Sultana scone (70g) contains approximately 250 kcal. Other variations, like the M&S in-store bakery fruit scone (per 100g), come in at around 361 kcal. It's crucial to check the specific product label, as ingredients and serving sizes vary.

M&S Cheese Scones

Cheese scones, with their savoury mature cheddar, have their own distinct nutritional profile. A 70g pre-packaged M&S cheese scone contains around 244 kcal. An in-store bakery cheese scone can be around 319 kcal per serving, depending on the size. The higher fat and protein content from the cheese alters the macronutrient balance compared to their plain or fruit counterparts.

Comparing M&S Scone Calories by Type

The following table provides a comparison of typical calorie counts for different Marks and Spencer scones, based on common serving sizes.


Scone Type	Typical Weight	Approximate Calories (kcal)	Primary Source
Plain (Pre-packaged)	70g	258	Ocado
Plain (In-store Bakery)	100g	356	M&S Website
Fruit (Pre-packaged)	70g	250	Ocado
Fruit (In-store Bakery)	80g	289	Nutracheck
Cheese (Pre-packaged)	70g	244	Ocado
Cheese (In-store Cafe)	Per Serving	319	Nutracheck

Factors Affecting Scone Calorie Count

The base calorie count is only part of the story. The total intake from a scone is heavily influenced by how you choose to serve it. Factors that can significantly increase the final tally include:

Toppings: The biggest contributors are often clotted cream, butter, and jam. A generous dollop of clotted cream and jam can easily add an extra 200-300 calories to a single scone.
Portion Size: As seen in the comparison table, a 100g in-store bakery scone is naturally higher in calories than a 70g pre-packaged one, so always be mindful of the portion size you are purchasing or consuming.
Ingredients: The specific recipe can alter the nutritional breakdown. For instance, using buttermilk, extra butter, or specific fruit variations will affect the final calorie and sugar count.

How M&S Scones Compare to Other Retailers and Homemade

Shop-bought vs. Homemade Scones

A Food Standards Agency report noted that the average scone can vary widely in calories, from 154 to over 750 kcal. This vast range is due to differing portion sizes and recipes. When comparing shop-bought scones, including M&S, with homemade versions, research has found little consistent difference in the average calories per 100g. However, a homemade scone provides the cook with full control over ingredients and portion size, allowing for healthier modifications.

Tips for a Lighter Scone Experience

For those looking to reduce their calorie intake while still enjoying a scone, consider these tips:

Scale down your toppings: Use a thinner spread of jam and opt for a smaller amount of clotted cream or butter.
Choose wisely: If available, opt for smaller portion sizes. Mini scones, often found in mixed packs, are a good option for controlling intake.
Consider low-fat alternatives: Some people may use low-fat yoghurt as a substitute for clotted cream or opt for sugar-free jam to reduce the total calorie load.
Bake your own: Customise a homemade recipe to use less sugar or fat, or explore alternative ingredients like protein powder or okara for a healthier snack.

Conclusion

The calorie count for a Marks and Spencer scone is not a fixed number, but varies by type and size. A typical pre-packaged M&S scone, plain or fruit, ranges from 244 to 258 kcal per 70g serving. These values, however, do not account for the significant additional calories from clotted cream, jam, and other toppings. When planning a treat, paying attention to portion size and the quantity of toppings is key to managing your overall calorie intake. By being mindful of these factors, you can still enjoy a delicious scone from Marks and Spencer as part of a balanced diet.

For more information on the nutritional content of scones in the UK, an official report is available from the Food Standards Agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 70g pre-packaged Marks and Spencer plain scone contains 258 calories. The calorie count for an in-store bakery scone may differ, so it's always best to check the label for the most accurate information.

The calorie count for an M&S fruit scone varies by product. A pre-packaged All Butter Sultana Scone (70g) has 250 kcal, while an in-store bakery fruit scone may contain 289 kcal per 80g serving. Check the product packaging for precise figures.

Not necessarily. A 70g pre-packaged M&S cheese scone contains 244 kcal, which is slightly lower than the 258 kcal found in a 70g plain scone. The in-store bakery versions may have different calorie totals.

Adding generous amounts of clotted cream and jam can add a significant number of calories. Studies have suggested that with toppings, a scone can easily exceed 600 kcal, with the additions potentially adding hundreds of calories on top of the scone's base value.

Yes, there can be a nutritional difference, primarily due to variations in size and specific recipes. In-store bakery scones are often larger than the standard 70g pre-packaged ones, which naturally increases the calorie count per serving.

To reduce the calories, you can moderate your portion size by opting for smaller scones, or by using smaller amounts of toppings. Consider healthier alternatives to clotted cream, such as a low-fat yoghurt, or reduce the amount of jam and butter you use.

Yes. If baking at home, you can create healthier versions using alternative ingredients like protein powder, okara, or prune puree to replace some fat and sugar. You can also find some gluten-free or low-sugar options from M&S or other retailers.