We have just celebrated the start of the new year and Christmas and already Marks and Spencer (M&S), as well as a host of other UK supermarkets, have begun releasing Easter products.

Although Easter isn't until the end of March (March 29-31), everything from Easter-themed chocolates and gifts to decorations have begun appearing in supermarkets all over the UK.

Easter chocolates have been sighted in UK stores since before Christmas.

Eagle-eye shoppers spotted popular Easter chocolates including Creme Eggs in B&M stores as early as November 2023.

While a new Creme Egg chocolate bar was also released in the lead-up to Christmas.

Peterborough Matters: Easter eggs and chocolates have already begun appearing on supermarket shelves across the UK following the conclusion of Christmas.Easter eggs and chocolates have already begun appearing on supermarket shelves across the UK following the conclusion of Christmas. (Image: PA)

"I need like 50 packs of these" - shoppers racing to M&S for new Easter chocolates

But now two new Easter chocolates have shoppers racing to their local M&S stores months early.

M&S has released Mint Choccy Speckled Eggs, Newfoodsuk revealed on Instagram, that shoppers have described as "lush" and Choccy Hot Cross Bun Bites.

Shoppers took to social media to share their thoughts on the two new chocolates. 

One person, on Newfoodsuk's Instagram post describing the mint chocolate eggs, said: "These are so lush."

While another user commented: "I need 50 packs right now."

A third person, simply posted: "NEEEEEEEDDD!!!"

While shoppers were a little more on the fence when it came to the Choccy Hot Cross Bun Bites. 

One person commented: "how do we feel about this."

While another Instagram user said: "Oh wow, need these."

Another Newfoodsuk follower added: "Wow these look yumm."

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But some Brits are not so convinced Easter chocolates should be hitting shelves this early in the year, with Easter still months away. 

One person commented: "I’ve still got my Christmas tree up and wasn’t expecting to see stuff for Easter."

While another added: "Even M&S are getting on the Easter in January train."