MARKS & Spencer has attracted ridicule for selling a slice of cauliflower wrapped in plastic for £2.50.

The upmarket food retailer's "cauliflower steak", launched as part of its new Veggie range, comes with a sachet of lemon and herb drizzle and is contained within a plastic tray and wrapping.

Consumers were quick to mock the product, while many raised concerns about its potential environmental impact.

Rachel Clarke wrote on Twitter: "Marks and Spencer stores are selling sliced cauliflower as 'Cauliflower Steak' with lots of lovely plastic and charging £2 (normally £2.50). A cauliflower costs about 69p from a local veg shop."

Another Twitter user replied: "Is not a 'Cauliflower Steak', it's a Fool Detector!"

Others were concerned about the price by weight, calculating that the item amounted to almost £10 a kilogram for cauliflower, with one consumer posting: "You almost have to pat them on the back for getting away with that."

Much criticism was reserved for the packaging, which consumers described as "wasteful" and "ridiculous", and said M&S should be "ashamed".

Speaking to LADbible, Ms Clarke said: "I think it's just frustrating for a number of reasons. It might put people off trying a vegan or vegetarian diet if that's on offer.

"Also, I understand how important and great food innovation is, but surely directing customers to fresh vegetables would be more effective?"

M&S said: "We have launched a ready-to-cook Cauliflower Steak with a herb dressing as part of our new Veggie range. This is for customers looking for a quick and convenient vegetarian meal option.

"The plastic tray protects the product and is widely recyclable. We continue to look at ways to optimise our food packaging and ensure it can be widely recycled."