While the last of the Christmas pudding may still be lingering, Marks & Spencer has decisively moved the nation's focus forward, sending bakery enthusiasts into a spin with the triumphant return of a cult favourite. The supermarket giant has officially ushered in the Easter season by relaunching its Extremely Lemony Curd Filled Hot Cross Buns, much to the delight of its loyal customers.
A Sweet and Zingy Comeback
Known for its innovative twists on classic products, M&S is once again experimenting with the traditional hot cross bun. Following the viral success of last year's Dippy Egg version, filled with gooey chocolate, the 2026 offering features a fluffy bun packed with an 'oozy, zingy lemon curd filling'. The brand has marketed the return as an 'egg-stra special' treat, promising a potent citrus hit. A pack of four typically retails for £3.20, though prices may vary by store.
The announcement has triggered an enthusiastic wave of reactions on social media. On TikTok, user @neemadoeslife urged followers: "Don't walk…run to M&S! Their hot cross buns are back! The lemon ones, though!" Another fan, @ayrshirelass1, declared the lemon curd centre a 'game-changer' that tasted 'just like homemade,' while @familymealswithailsa praised the buns for being 'jam-packed' with flavour and 'very delicious.'
More Easter Treats Hit the Shelves
The lemony sensation is not the only new bakery item gracing M&S shelves ahead of Easter. The retailer has also revived other popular variations in its 'Extremely' range. Shoppers can once again find the Extremely Cheesy Cheddar and Red Leicester and the Extremely Chocolatey hot cross buns, both priced at £2.65 for a pack of four.
This continues a trend of M&S reimagining seasonal staples. Last year, Metro's food writer Courtney Pochin described the chocolate version as a 'phenomenal treat,' noting the 'pillowy soft' buns and 'silky smooth' white chocolate filling that resembled a decadent, snack-sized pudding.
Valentine's Day Launch Sparks Chuckles
In a separate but equally talked-about seasonal launch, keen-eyed shoppers have noted that M&S has begun stocking its Valentine's Day range over a month early. The collection includes a cheeky chocolate bar titled 'You Tickle My Pickle'. Shaped like a provocatively posed pickle, the playful product has drawn comparisons to a famous scene from the film Titanic, generating amusement and conversation online.
This follows the retailer's history of selling mischievous romantic treats, such as chocolate shaped like elongated sausage dogs and Cupid's arrows reminiscent of adult novelty items.
The swift transition from festive mince pies to Easter buns and Valentine's novelties demonstrates M&S's strategy of capitalising on seasonal excitement year-round, ensuring there's always a new, conversation-starting product for food lovers to discover.
