Brits have reacted in disbelief after discovering that a number of Christmas sweets and chocolates hit the shelves of Asda supermarkets before July had concluded
They say Christmas comes earlier every year, and that certainly appears to be true in one supermarket where festive treats hit the shelves in July. Social media’s UK Newest Foods, which is devoted to providing details of the latest sweet treats to arrive in-store, shared a video from Asda after spotting a number of Yuletide sweets.
“Christmas in July at Asda as Christmas food is starting to arrive!” the account began in a TikTok video posted yesterday (July 31). UK Newest Foods headed to the confectionary aisle, where they proceeded to showcase what’s on offer. After beginning with gingerbread-flavoured Malteser Mini Reindeers share bags, they went on to highlight packets of Haribo Merry-Mix and Cadbury Mini Snow Balls.
More Mini Reindeers followed in mint flavour, while Asda is also well-stocked with Haribo Elf Surprises and bars of Cadbury Dairy Milk Winter Mint Crisp it seems.
Tubs of Quality Street and Celebrations have also returned, the size of which will no doubt cause a stir in the coming months as they do year on year.
UK Newest Foods’ clip prompted hundreds of TikTok users to react in disbelief, one of whom penned: “So wait? Halloween stuff is out? Easter stuff is still out? Christmas stuff is out? Have we all just collectively given up trying to judge the passage of time or…?”
A second person added: “Oh I’m struggling with Halloween, done my peace with autumn. But I draw the li ne at Christmas. It’s July.”
A third commented: “I can see people be bored of seeing this by September.” And a fourth TikTok user ranted: “This just shows how commercialised Christmas is. It’s f***ing July.”
Others, however, praised the early arrivals, claiming it helps Brits budget more effectively in time for Christmas.
“I think it’s great stores put stuff out early because the high in demand stuff always goes so quickly and those looking to buy on a budget can add things to their weekly shop in the run up to Xmas,” one person explained.
Another concurred: “Great for people who need to budget they can start early.”
A third individual agreed: “It’s always fun to see Christmas come early! The holiday treats look delicious already.”
While a fourth TikTok user joked: “I buy it in advance to budget, but I have no self control so eat it all and have to re-buy it all!”
Earlier this year it was reported that Asda, which is the UK’s third biggest chain – saw a sales slump of 5.8% during the 2024 festive season, according to data from the analyst firm Kantar.
Figures revealed that Asda was the only major UK supermarket to perform worse compared to the previous year. Spending in Asda stores fell to £4.59billion in the 12 weeks to December 29 – down from £4.87billion in 2023.