High street retailer Marks & Spencer has sparked surprise by launching an extremely high-calorie Easter egg a full three months before the holiday. The indulgent product has landed on shelves as the UK government enforces a new ban on junk food advertising.
A Chocolatey Colossus of Calories
The new product, named the 'Outrageously Chocolatey Biscuity Egg', weighs 375g and carries a hefty price tag of £12. Its most startling feature is its nutritional content. The egg contains a staggering 2,074 calories and 76g of saturated fat.
To put this in perspective, the saturated fat content is nearly four times the recommended daily maximum of 20g for a woman. The calorie count alone surpasses the entire daily recommended intake for many adults, making it one of the most calorific chocolate eggs currently available in shops.
How It Compares and the Sharing Defence
The only product that comes close is the Galaxy Ripple Giant Egg, which contains 2,010 calories in its shell. However, when its accompanying chocolate bars are included, the total can rise to around 2,326 calories—just under the 2,500 daily calorie recommendation for men.
Responding to the focus on its product's nutritional profile, M&S stated that the egg is "an indulgent treat, designed for sharing or enjoying over time." The launch coincides with a significant public health policy change.
Launch Amidst New Junk Food Ad Ban
The release of such a rich treat comes just as a major government initiative to tackle childhood obesity takes effect. As of January 5, 2026, a ban on junk food advertising online and before the 9pm watershed on television has begun.
This policy aims to reduce children's exposure to promotions for unhealthy foods. The move is a direct response to concerning health data, which shows that 35.8% of children are overweight or obese by age 11, and 64% of adults fall into the same categories.
Health Minister Ashley Dalton commented on the ban back in September, stating: "We pledged to do everything we can to give every child the best and healthiest start in life... Reducing the amount of foods high in fat, sugar and salt that children consume will help lower the risk of contracting obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease."
The contrasting events—the launch of a supremely indulgent chocolate egg and the enforcement of advertising restrictions—highlight the ongoing tension between commercial product innovation and public health priorities in the UK.
