Legendary biscuit makers, McVitie's, have launched the first non-fruity flavour of Jaffa Cakes in the story which answers the question, what do you get when you cross an old school cola bottle sweet with the classic jaffa?
That's not the start of a joke, by the way... you literally just get cola bottle-flavoured Jaffa Cakes, and as bizarre (brilliant) as that creation may sound to you, McVitie's has actually made it a reality, with the new hybrid sweet treat now available on supermarket shelves across the UK.
We've had cherry-flavoured jaffa cakes, lemon and lime-flavoured ones; raspberry, blackcurrant, and even passionfruit-flavoured, as well as a number of different chocolate variations including the limited-edition White Chocolate Jaffa Cakes.
There was even a jaffa cake-doughnut crossover amusingly named, 'Jonuts', but now the popular snack brand has decided to venture away from what they know and landed on cola-flavoured Jaffa Cakes.
McVitite's officially released new cola bottle-flavour Jaffa Cakes (Credit: vallgall via Flickr/ZapSweets)
Safe to say this one has split opinion...
As reported by The Manc, Cola Bottle Jaffa Cakes are now available in both biscuit (or cake) and cake bar format, and they've already been spotted on the shelves at Asda.
McVitie's parent company, Pladis, said it decided on the new flavour as its next creation because there's a "huge appetite" among the next generation of snacking shoppers for "something genuinely new and different". Cola flavour has been around for yonks but never mind, we'll let them off.
Adam Woolf, Marketing Director for McVitie’s at Pladis UK&I, added: "As the original cake in the biscuit aisle, we know a thing or two about doing something different, so as well as catering to shopper demand, our latest launch is the perfect embodiment of the playful and out-of-the-ordinary essence that's Jaffa Cakes' heartland."
The new snack food creation has hit supermarket shelves across the UK (Credit: McVitie's & Pladis UK & IRE)
He said the new special creation is inspired by the "enduring popularity" of both jaffa cakes and cola bottle sweets and has been made for those who've "got the bottle to branch out" and give "bold new flavour combinations a try".
Not being funny but cola bottles are just as much a classic as Jaffa Cakes in our books, but we're still intending to buy up every box we see - though not everyone is in agreement.
The OG jaffa cakes are said to be a store-cupboard essential for more than seven million households nationwide, but if the immediate fan reactions are anything to go by, it's not looking like the new Cola Bottle Jaffa Cakes will be quite the same.
Posts on social media by several new snack food sharing and reviewing accounts - including a popular one by @another_snack_reviewer - have proved that fans are divided.
Some of the comments read: "I’ve been calling out for this flavour for years" and "Bit weird, but I feel like they need to be tried", right through to the total opposite of: "No, no, no. Just no. My beautiful Jaffa cakes cannot be ruined with this atrocity.'
Even a quick ask around The Manc Group offices produced a mixed response - with comments ranging from: "I'm on board", to "That sounds vile" and "Mixing cola and sponge just doesn’t sit right with me."
So, what's your take then?
Also, please can we bring back to 'Jaffanut'? They were next level.
A newcomer to the Leeds foodie scene has been added to the coveted Michelin Guide.
You may remember back in April when a Leeds icon was reborn under a different name.
The Smithfield took over the site that was home to The Reliance for more than two decades, and it's safe to say it exceeded expectations.
The team transformed the site to its former glory, taking the site's exterior back to its memorable dark red. But the efforts to recapture the essence of the iconic old venue go way beyond that.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The Smithfield, a collaboration between Crooked Brewing and Chef James Donovan, offers simple dining with seasonal food and natural wines.
It's the sort of place where you can rock up for a plate and a glass people watching through the huge window on North Street, or really get stuck into a sharing pie and chips with friends on a Saturday afternoon.
Either way we love it, and it seems we're not the only ones as The Smithfield has been added to the Michelin Guide just five months after opening.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Announcing the great news to Instagram, The Smithfield said: "We’re very pleased and grateful to have been included in the Michelin Guide.
"To get this kind of recognition so early in our journey is a real honour, and one we certainly don’t take for granted.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
"Thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. Also, huge thanks to our brilliant team. The Smithfield is what it is because of your hard work, enthusiasm, energy and diligence. This recognition belongs to you.
"We’re just getting started, and our focus remains the same: creating a welcoming space for our community, serving food and drink we’re proud of, championing great British and local produce, and contributing our small part towards Leeds’ brilliant hospitality scene. The Smithfield."
Iconic Betty’s Tea Room wins gold at 2026 Great British Food Awards
Clementine Hall
Betty's Tea Room has been named among the nation's best by experts.
If you live in Yorkshire, then you will know about Betty's Tea Room.
Its a real institution at this point, known for their exceptional service, exquisite food, beautiful window displays and the iconic cake trolley.
We all know their products are top tier, but they've just had even more recognition at the 2026 Great British Awards.
Announced in London, Betty's won gold for their Yorkshire Shortbread Biscuits which were judged by Cherish Finden, internationally renowned pastry chef.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Judging in the Sweet Biscuits category was led by Cherish Finden, best known as a judge on Bake Off: The Professionals.
She said: "A well-made traditional shortbread with a lovely buttery flavour, balanced sweetness and a subtle touch of salt that enhances the overall taste. The delicate, crumbly texture makes it particularly pleasant to eat.
"Overall, it is a very enjoyable and satisfying shortbread. I could eat the whole packet with a cup of tea."
Gavin Johnson, head of bakery operations at Bettys Craft Bakery, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Yorkshire Shortbread has been awarded a Gold Medal at The Great British Food Awards 2026.
"This recognition reflects the enduring values of Bettys, the finest ingredients, best quality, traditional craftsmanship and a deep connection to our Yorkshire roots.
"Most importantly, the award belongs to the talented bakery team, whose skill, passion and care go into making our Yorkshire shortbread every day.
"Their commitment to excellence helps ensure that our products reflect the heritage, quality and attention to detail that customers have associated with Bettys for generations."
Danny Jones -
14th June 2024 
