Next on the list of new foods . . . prechewed!

Lester Haines looks at Britain's latest food wonder: preboiled eggs, for those who are just too busy (or too culinarily challenged) to boil water.

Yup, the Happy Egg Company will, for just 89p for two or £1.49 for four, boil your eggs "to perfection" for you, whip off the shells and deliver them for collection to the nearest Asda, Waitrose or convenience outlet chain One Stop.

As the company's blurb puts it: "Why wait for your hard boiled eggs to boil when you can now have one in the blink of an eye."

According to the Telegraph, the Happy Egg Company's marketing supremo, Rob Newell, enthused: "Happy Boiled Eggs are the perfect solution for people who love free range eggs but don't have the time or knack to prepare a boiled egg. As the summer months approach, we are confident they will be a real hit for picnics and offer fresh inspiration to those wanting a tasty and nutritious snack in minutes."

I guess this goes to prove that there is a market for anything.