Fancy a mocha hot cross bun? Now they’re two a penny!

IT IS a seasonal treat that could give the Easter egg a run for its money in the popularity stakes.

But traditional fans of the hot cross bun may find several novelty ranges now hitting the supermarket shelves rather hard to swallow.

Marmite, mocha and salted caramel are just some of the unusual twists being given to the buns, believed to have been first baked in the 12th Century by an Anglican monk to honour the Crucifixion.

Other s upermarkets have added cheese and tomato or fruit and sometimes custard to the treat, traditionally eaten to mark the end of Lent.

Marks & Spencer is offering one deemed ‘extremely chocolatey’ while Sainsbury’s has introduced a strawberries and cream version. Asda appears to have taken inspiration from Italy for its pizza-themed tomato and red Leicester snack.

Eleanor Maidment, contributing food editor at The Mail on Sunday’s You magazine, said: ‘ Hot cross buns have a religious and historical meaning and both the cross and the spices hold significance.

‘But clearly there is a market for it so, if it’s not offending anybody, why not have a bit of fun with the flavour.’

CHILDREN pocketed a whopping £45 million from the tooth fairy in 2020, a study has found.

Analysts at the Royal Mint found that the average child received £9.05 per tooth in the past year – up 60p on 2019.

Child psychologist Dr Elizabeth Kilbey said: ‘ Old- school traditions like the tooth fairy are still a key part of modern British life.

‘ Children remember these special experiences as they create a sense of belonging and security.’