Since M&S began charging per banana instead of by weight, shoppers have started selecting the largest bananas available. Managers’ report that charging 18p per banana, instead of 90p per kilo, does not raise overall prices when based on the average banana weight.

Consequently, customers have been observed choosing the largest bananas from each bunch.

One shopper wrote on X.com, "The best way around it is to take the biggest banana from each bunch."

Another responded: “There were also lots of loose, smaller single bananas left on the shelf, which may be less appealing to most shoppers.” "It seems likely this will lead to M&S states that bananas average 185g each, although The Sun found some in stores weighing only 133g. Under the previous pricing system, these smaller bananas would have cost about 12p each. cost about 12p eM&S stated that the change is intended to make pricing more transparent and to save time at checkout by eliminating the need to weigh bananas. A spokesperson added: “When customers pick bananas from the shelf, they know exactly what they’ll pay at the till.” Sarah-Jane Outten, shopping expert at MyVoucherCodes, commented, "Some customers might feel that since no two bananas are the same, paying by weight seems fairer.”

She added, "Those who arrive when fresh produce is stocked can select the largest bananas, while late-night shoppers may pay the same for less fruit. However, the change does make it easier to keep track of your trolley's cost."