Every country has its own traditions when it comes to its favourite ways to eat bread. The Argentinians are famed for their love of a dollop of dulce de leche – caramelised condensed milk – the Spanish enjoy a garlicky pan con tomate, while the Swedes like their toast topped with skagenröra, a shrimp salad.

In the UK, we’ve been known for our doughy devotion ever since the Earl of Sandwich had his eureka moment and, it’s said, put his roast beef between two slices of bread so he could eat it with his hands.

As part of our love affair with the loaf, we happily adopted the French custom of serving bread with conserves for breakfast. It’s a long and tasty tradition that’s now being given a sophisticated twist as spreads for grownups take their place on supermarket shelves. Gone are the days when we simply reached for a yeasty spread (delicious as they can be): now we’re looking for more adventurous combinations.

Alongside the choices we know and love, we’re experimenting with unusual combinations – think peanut butter and yeast extract – or wild fruits such as mirabelle plums, and even gin and tonic marmalade. And now Bonne Maman, the French queen of the conserves, has ramped up this trend with its new range of grownup toppings: Hazelnut Chocolate Spread, Caramelised Apple Spread and Chocolate & Orange Spread.

Whether your snack of choice is a buttery brioche, a pile of fluffy pancakes, a crumbly shortbread or a simple slice of sourdough, these mouthwatering spreads bring something special to the table. And because they’re made with simple ingredients, they’re a suitably delicious starting point for a snack that’s a slice above the rest.

Take the Caramelised Apple Spread. Made with 80% apples, its silky, buttery texture allows it to sink into crumpets or glide on to toasted brioche. Tasting rather like homemade French tarte tatin, it’s a blissful world away from many of the spreads you’ve tried before.

Meanwhile, Bonne Maman’s two new chocolate spreads add a distinctly adult twist to a popular children’s choice – because why should kids have all the fun? The Hazelnut Chocolate Spread is a 2023 Great Taste Awards winner, and comes in 250g and the 360g jars – ideal for snackers who can’t resist the “one spoon for me, one for my pancakes” approach. Made with 20% hazelnuts, it pairs tastily with breakfast pastries and croissants, or with waffles or crepes for a satisfying snack.

Then there’s Bonne Maman’s Chocolate & Orange Spread, which combines 39% ripe oranges and candied orange zest with rich dark chocolate for a distinctly citrusy flavour. Glossy and easy to spread, as well as ideal for dipping, it can be paired with croissants or pancakes, and is also delicious when enjoyed on shortbread or a slice of madeira cake.

The spreads come in a new style of jar but still bear Bonne Maman’s distinctive red gingham lids, and, as with the more familiar shape, they make attractive storage pots once emptied. With three such delicious options, that won’t take long at all.

Take your croissants, pancakes and more to the next level with Bonne Maman’s new range of delicious spreads