After last year’s successful release of the Grimace Shake, McDonald’s UK has turned to green, launching the limited-edition Shamrock Shake for a two-week run. This festive mint-flavored treat, a St. Patrick’s Day tradition in the U.S., has now made its way to the UK, with fans eager to get their hands on this iconic shake before it disappears.
The Shamrock Shake combines a cool peppermint syrup with McDonald’s signature creamy milkshake base, offering a refreshing and unique flavor experience. The shake’s bright green color captures the spirit of spring and St. Patrick’s Day, making it the perfect treat for the season.
Available for a limited time
McDonald’s is offering the Shamrock Shake in three sizes: a small for £2.19, a medium for £2.69, and a large for £3.09. However, customers must act quickly as the shake is only available from today until March 25, giving fans just two weeks to enjoy this limited-time offering.
Not only does the Shamrock Shake satisfy a craving for something sweet, but it also supports a good cause. McDonald’s UK has pledged to donate 20p from each shake sale to Ronald McDonald House Charities UK. The charity provides free accommodation for families with children receiving hospital treatment, offering them comfort and a place to stay during difficult times. This means that every shake purchased helps make a difference for families in need.
Exciting new menu items
Alongside the Shamrock Shake, McDonald’s has also introduced several other limited-time items to its menu, catering to a variety of tastes. One standout addition is the Philly Cheese Stack, a burger featuring two beef patties, cheese sauce, grilled onions, crispy onions, and pickles, all served in a toasted bun. With its layers of cheesy goodness, it’s a hearty option available until May 6.
For chicken lovers, the McCrispy BBQ Smokehouse offers a flavorful twist on McDonald’s crispy chicken fillet, featuring cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, red onion, and lettuce on a sourdough sesame bun. Like the Philly Cheese Stack, this sandwich is available until May 6, giving fans plenty of time to enjoy it.
For those seeking something with a more exotic flavor, The Katsu Chicken One is an enticing option. Available until June 17, it offers crispy or grilled chicken paired with katsu sauce, crispy onions, cucumber, and lettuce, all wrapped in a toasted tortilla. The Japanese-inspired flavors bring a touch of international flair to the McDonald’s menu.
Irresistible sides and desserts
In addition to the main courses, McDonald’s has brought back a fan favorite: Mozzarella Dippers. These cheesy, crispy bites are served with a salsa dip and are perfect for a quick snack or side dish. They’ll be available until March 25, making them an excellent companion to the Shamrock Shake.
For those with a sweet tooth, McDonald’s has added the Raspberry and White Chocolate Pie to its dessert lineup. This pastry, with its pink crust and rich filling of white chocolate ganache and raspberry compote, is as visually appealing as it is delicious. It’s available until May 6, offering a decadent finish to any meal.
And if you’re a fan of McDonald’s iconic McFlurry, you won’t want to miss the Mars McFlurry. Combining soft dairy ice cream with crunchy nougat pieces and caramel sauce, this McFlurry offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Like the Shamrock Shake and Mozzarella Dippers, it’s only available until March 25.
Grab it while you can
With so many exciting limited-time options on the menu, McDonald’s UK is creating a lot of buzz this season. From the festive Shamrock Shake to hearty burgers and sweet desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. But these items won’t be around for long, so fans are encouraged to head to their nearest McDonald’s to try them out before they’re gone.
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just looking to indulge, the Shamrock Shake offers a deliciously minty way to kick off spring. Plus, with part of each sale supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities UK, you can feel good about treating yourself while also helping others. Don’t miss out; grab a Shamrock Shake and enjoy the taste of the season!
A new chocolate cake inspired by the famous scene in Matilda has launched in Tesco stores across the UK, capturing attention from chocolate fans nationwide. Developed by Studio Bakery, the indulgent cake pays tribute to the iconic moment when Bruce Bogtrotter was forced to eat a large chocolate cake by Miss Trunchbull in Roald Dahl’s beloved story.
24-layer chocolate cake now in Tesco
The Studio Bakery Matilda cake, now available in Tesco branches and online, is described as a rich, decadent dessert featuring 24 layers of chocolate sponge and ganache. The cake is made with an all-butter dark chocolate sponge and is finished with a luscious chocolate ganache, offering a fudgy and gooey texture.
Studio Bakery, based in Lancashire, described the creation as “a 24-layer love letter to chocolate in all its fudgy, gooey glory”. They added, “Every slice is hand-cut, hand-finished, and properly decadent, making it perfect for parties, birthdays, or a solo moment of glory with a spoon and zero regrets.”
According to Tesco’s listing, the cake is suitable for up to 10 servings and can be enjoyed either cold or warmed in the microwave for 30–40 seconds for a more intense flavour.
Chocolate fans raise concern over price
Despite the excitement, some shoppers have expressed concerns about the cake’s retail price of £16. Food reviewer @johns_snackreviews shared a post on Instagram highlighting the launch, writing: “NEW Matilda Cake by the Studio Bakery! Out now at Tesco for £16!”
Several users responded with mixed reactions. One wrote, “16 quid for cake! No ta,” while another asked, “£16. Is it worth that price?” A third added: “Omg need, but £16?”
However, others responded more positively. One user joked, “Bruce Bogtrotter is on his way to Tesco,” referencing the character from Matilda, while another said the cake looked “unreal”.
Popularity of Matilda-inspired treats
The Matilda chocolate cake has gained popularity over the years, inspiring home bakers and commercial producers alike. Earlier this year, Leeds-based bakery Baked launched a 24-inch version of the cake called Bertha, sold through luxury retailer Fortnum & Mason in London.
Some shoppers have expressed concerns about the cake’s retail price of £16.Studio Bakery
The Tesco version, produced by Studio Bakery, is a more accessible option for shoppers who want to enjoy a slice of the iconic dessert without baking it themselves or spending a premium.
Product availability and Tesco's response
The Studio Bakery Matilda cake is currently available in Tesco stores and online. While the retailer has not yet responded to questions about pricing or promotional plans, the product has already generated considerable attention on social media.
The combination of nostalgia, indulgence, and social media buzz may help maintain the cake’s popularity despite the pricing concerns.
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Food items can still be sold on TikTok Shop without providing any ingredient or allergen details
TikTok users are reportedly selling food items without declaring allergen information, posing potential risks to consumers, according to a BBC investigation.
The BBC found several listings on TikTok Shop in which sellers failed to mention whether the products contained any of the 14 main allergens that food businesses in the UK are legally required to declare. Following the findings, TikTok removed the highlighted listings and stated that the platform is “committed to providing a safe and trustworthy shopping experience”.
Despite this, the investigation revealed that food items can still be sold on TikTok Shop without providing any ingredient or allergen details.
Among the sellers identified was Mega Buy UK, which offered a Squid Game-themed sweet product but listed ingredients and allergens as “not applicable”. Another seller, The Nashville Burger, promoted a burger-making kit that included milk and wheat, both of which fall under allergens that must be declared by law. However, on TikTok Shop, the allergen information was reduced to “spices”, and the ingredients were simply described as “flour”.
Allergy charities have raised concerns over the findingsiStock
A third seller, UK Snack Supply, was advertising crisps and lollipops without any listed ingredients or allergen information.
Although TikTok removed the specific adverts highlighted by the BBC, the accounts belonging to the three companies remain active on the platform, continuing to sell products, many still without comprehensive allergen details. The BBC contacted all three sellers for comment but could not independently verify whether they are UK-based.
Allergy charities have raised concerns over the findings, saying the safety of consumers should not depend on the geographical location of a seller. Simon Williams, chief executive of Anaphylaxis UK, urged caution: “If the ingredient and allergen information isn’t there, don’t buy it. You’re putting your life in grave danger.”
TikTok responded by stating it has policies in place requiring sellers to comply with safety standards. “We will remove products that breach these policies,” a TikTok spokesperson said.
Kate Lancaster, a TikTok content creator known as The Dairy Free Mum, regularly shares advice related to allergies. Her two children have milk allergies, and she expressed serious concern over the lack of regulation. “It’s completely unacceptable and really worrying. Failing to provide ingredient information is potentially very dangerous, and it feels like a complete disregard for the safety of those living with food allergies,” she said.
The issue is particularly sensitive in the UK, where the death of teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse in 2016 after consuming a Pret a Manger baguette containing undeclared sesame seeds led to the introduction of Natasha’s Law. The legislation requires full ingredient and allergen labelling on all pre-packed food made on the premises and sold directly to consumers.
Tanya Ednan-Laperouse, co-founder of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, said TikTok must ensure sellers using its platform follow UK food laws. “TikTok is responsible for ensuring that all their UK food sellers meet legislative requirements to sell food products on their app. Any that don't should be immediately removed from the app and investigated, but ideally this should not happen if their checks and balances are rigorous and in place,” she said.
Kate Lancaster also believes TikTok is allowing sellers to bypass basic safety regulations. “Since Natasha’s Law has come into effect, I feel that, in general, allergy labelling has improved, but it’s frightening that a huge platform like TikTok does not have adequate measures to ensure that labelling is in place,” she added. “The thought of someone with a food allergy, or an allergy parent, buying items that they assume are safe, when in fact they may not be, is really scary.”
Concerns remain about whether current safeguards are adequate to protect consumers with allergiesiStock
The Food Standards Agency (FSA), which oversees food safety in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, stressed that food businesses must be registered and follow legal requirements, including the provision of allergen information both online and on packaging. Dr James Cooper, deputy director of food policy at the FSA, stated: “Wherever people buy their food, it needs to be safe and what it says it is. All food businesses have a legal responsibility to sell safe food and provide allergen information.”
The FSA also points out that for “distance selling”—which includes online and telephone orders—businesses must provide allergen details at two stages: first in the product listing, and again on the packaging, to ensure buyers have clear access to essential safety information.
Simon Williams from Anaphylaxis UK emphasised that while the ultimate responsibility lies with sellers, TikTok should do more to protect users. “At the moment it’s being used as a platform to sell things that may not be safe. They [TikTok] do need to do more,” he said. “There’s a lot of people making a lot of money—great side hustle—but they’re putting people at risk.”
As TikTok Shop continues to grow as a marketplace, particularly for food trends and viral snacks, concerns remain about whether current safeguards are adequate to protect consumers with allergies.
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The products can cause health issues like abdominal discomfort, headaches and brain fog
The UK’s major supermarkets—Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Boots—have issued an urgent product recall for two items that could pose health risks, including abdominal discomfort, headaches and brain fog.
Customers are being warned about Myprotein Gooey Filled Cookie – Double Chocolate and Caramel flavours.
An undeclared wheat protein was found in two sizes of these products, which could be harmful to individuals with wheat or gluten intolerance, including those with coeliac disease.
“If you have bought the above product and have coeliac disease, and/or an allergy or intolerance to wheat or gluten, do not eat it. Instead, return it to the store from where it was purchased for a full refund,” stated the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
The affected products are Myprotein Gooey Filled Cookie – Double Chocolate and Caramel in both 75g (single cookie) and 12 x 75g (multipack) sizes, with best-before dates of 17 June 2025 and 16 July 2026. All relevant batch codes are listed in the recall notice, and the affected items carry the barcode 505610458721.
According to the FSA, the undeclared ingredient originated from the supplier, and a labelling error means the allergen is not mentioned on the packaging.
This issue is especially concerning given that nearly half a million people in the UK suffer from coeliac disease—an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten. While wheat or gluten intolerance is relatively common, in rare cases it can lead to life-threatening complications.
THG Nutrition Limited, the manufacturer of the product, has contacted major allergy support organisations to help inform their members of the recall.
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The launch builds on the popularity of the No.1 Cracking Pistachio Easter Egg
Waitrose has launched its first own-label pistachio chocolate bar, expanding its premium No.1 range in response to growing consumer interest in pistachio-flavoured treats.
The new product, officially titled the No.1 White Chocolate & Pistachio Nuts with Sea Salt bar, is designed to offer a unique twist on the pistachio chocolate trend. Made with pistachio paste blended into white chocolate, the bar has a distinctive green hue and includes chopped pistachios for added crunch and flavour.
The move follows the success of the Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate Bar, which Waitrose began stocking in March 2025. Due to overwhelming demand, the retailer introduced a limit of two bars per customer. According to Waitrose, searches for ‘pistachio’ on its platforms have risen by more than 500 per cent year on year.
Sarah Breadmore, Confectionery Product Developer at Waitrose, said: “We sold almost four times as many No.1 Cracking Pistachio Easter Eggs this year as we did in 2024, selling out both years. So it is obvious customers are loving that sweet, salty, pistachio flavour. We’ve taken the flavours of the white chocolate, pistachio and, more importantly, its distinct colour and turned it into a bar for customers to enjoy all year round.”
She added that the new bar stands apart from the many pistachio chocolates currently on the market: “It’s totally different from the Dubai-style chocolate bars we keep seeing pop up in the market — dare I say, it’s better. We can’t wait to see the reaction from customers.”
The launch builds on the popularity of the No.1 Cracking Pistachio Easter Egg, which became a seasonal favourite thanks to its bright colour and sweet-salty flavour combination.
In addition to the new chocolate bar, Waitrose is also offering a No.1 Special Edition Chocolate Box. The assortment includes pistachio-flavoured chocolate alongside seasonal varieties such as Madagascan Vanilla, Valencia Orange and Scottish Raspberry.
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Situated within a restored RAF Defford wartime building
The National Trust’s Croome Court café, near Upton-upon-Severn in Worcestershire, has been awarded a Gold Certificate of Excellence in recognition of its consistently high standards in food safety.
Situated within a restored RAF Defford wartime building, the café is known for offering a selection of hot and cold food, as well as a variety of drinks. The National Trust has praised the café’s team for their efforts in maintaining high hygiene standards.
A National Trust spokesperson said: “We’re thrilled to share that Croome’s café has been awarded a Gold Certificate of Excellence for consistently high standards in food safety. A huge shoutout to our amazing team. Your dedication and hard work make this possible every day. Thank you to all our wonderful visitors for your continued support — we can’t wait to welcome you on your next visit to the café.”
Proceeds from the café go directly towards the ongoing conservation of Croome Court and the maintenance of its historic gardens.
Earlier this year, the National Trust’s Croome Court celebrated the reopening of a significant feature in its landscape — the historic walled gardens. A new water garden, located within the privately owned Walled Gardens at Croome, opened to the public following a 25-year restoration project led by Chris and Karen Cronin.
The walled gardens were originally part of renowned landscape architect Capability Brown’s 18th-century vision for Croome. After decades of neglect, the area has been gradually restored and now welcomes visitors on weekends and Bank Holidays between April and September, from 11am to 5pm (last entry at 4pm). Admission is £7 for adults, with free entry for children under 14. Standard National Trust entry fees apply elsewhere on the estate.
Croome Court remains a prominent site within the National Trust portfolio, combining historical architecture, landscape heritage, and community engagement.