It seems that Christmas comes earlier and earlier every year. Spring may have just officially sprung, but it’s already starting to feel a lot more festive in the supermarkets with a range of Christmas treats hitting the shelves today.

If you happen to be filling up your trolley at Coles, you’ll notice the new Christmas treats range – 11 new festive products featuring a variety of fruit mince pies and puddings starting from only $2.

Coles already caused some controversy in the past by serving up hot cross buns year-round and now the supermarket mammoth has bought forward the flavour of Christmas by almost four months.

Christmas Controversy

This is actually the second year in a row that Coles has created Christmas ripples. Last year, the supermarket launched its fruity mince pies around about the same time. And the move proved to be really profitable for the store, with Coles selling more than 1-million mince pies in September.

But shoppers were a bit “bah humbug” about the early release of Christmas treats.

“It’s just too damn early to be selling Christmas stuff, take the excitement away,” said one shopper.

The highly-rated Coles Christmas Pudding will be making a comeback, along with some new products too.

More Fruit And Flavour

Coles have said that the fruity mince pies have been revamped to include “even more juicy fruit and an attractive shortcrust pastry star design.” There will also be a delicious new flavour – Festive Blackcurrent and Apple Fruit Mince Pie.

Coles has said that they hope the early launch date of the Christmas treats would “help raise the spirits of those Australians who need it most.”

“We’re confident mince pie fanatics will enjoy our first drop of pastries with the traditional and alternative berry options sure to tantalise the tastebuds,” said Coles Category Manager for Bakery, Rosie Anderson.

Coles Christmas Bakery Collection is now available at stores nationally. The full list of products are:

Coles Matured Christmas Pudding 110g, $2.50 and 700g, $7.00
Coles Christmas Pudding 110g, $2.00 and 700g, $4.00
Coles Fruit Mince Pies 6pk 360g, $2.00
Coles Festive Fruit Mince Pies 6pk 360g, $4.00
Coles Festive Chocolate Pudding 110g, $2.50 and 550g, $7.00
Coles Blackcurrant & Apple Fruit Mince Pie 6pk, $4.00
Coles Iced Fruit Cake Single 95g, $2.00
Coles Iced Fruit Cake Slices 5pk 250g, $5.00
Kirsten Tibballs’ gingerbread Christmas cake recipe

What About Woolies?

Not to be left flailing in the festive dust, Woolworths has spoken to nine.com.au saying they will be releasing some of their Christmas range this coming Wednesday.

“With Christmas a few months away, we know many of our customers love getting a taste of what’s in store for the festive season ahead,” a Woolies spokesperson said.

“Some of our customers like to purchase products early and have them stocked away to help spread out their Christmas spend.

“Others like to taste test products to ensure they hit the spot for their big Christmas feast. ”

Do you think it’s too early to launch Christmas treats? Will you be buying festive puddings and pies this month? Tell us in the comments below.

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