Shoppers are reporting empty shelves in the bakery section of M&S stores, with many taking to social media to claim a cookie shortage. Customers say popular varieties such as milk chocolate, white chocolate and triple chocolate cookies are unavailable, prompting some to say they are having 'withdrawals'.
Shoppers share empty shelves on TikTok
Numerous TikTok users have posted videos showing bare bakery shelves or displays filled only with Fruit Granola Squares. In one clip by @jodieparkhouse, a shopper appears disappointed while walking through an M&S Foodhall, with the caption: 'Third M&S we've been to and none of them have the white chocolate cookies.' Another user, @Freyalucy, posted: 'POV: You've been craving M&S cookies, and you walk in to this.'
@jordz_flynn proclaimed a 'cookie shortage' in a video, saying: 'I've just been to M&S to get a cookie and there's no white chocolate cookies left, apparently there's a shortage in the UK, which is a disaster. So I had to go to Tesco.'
Customers express frustration
Other social media users voiced their disappointment. @ronkealeem described the situation as 'heartbreaking', writing: 'Equivalent to heartbreak tbh, especially going there in this weather, walking through the storms only to see oat and raisin cookies left.' @ashgia_ wrote: 'Please bring back the chocolate button cookies as well, I'm in withdrawal.'
@layla_twinmummyplusone5 asked: 'When are you going to have the cookies back in stock? There's none anywhere!' @ryansloving said: 'I went to FIVE BRANCHES and couldn't find the triple chocolate ones,' while @karenlovesyou12 admitted: 'Happened to me today. Devastated was an understatement.' Some commenters mentioned 'supply issues' and said staff are 'struggling' to keep up with demand.
M&S responds and announces new cookie
Metro asked M&S to confirm what is happening. A spokesperson said: 'Our freshly baked cookies are a firm favourite with M&S customers, so it's no surprise they can get snapped up quickly. They're baked fresh in our in-store bakeries every day, with our teams working hard to keep up with customer demand.'
The spokesperson also announced a new addition to the range: 'Mark your diaries! On November 4, we're excited to launch our new Chocolate & Cornflake Cookies, a delicious addition that we're sure will be a huge hit with customers, and excitement is already building across social media.'
Reaction to the new cookie has been positive. @lucykatefrances commented on Instagram: 'I fear these are going to be the best ones yet.' @neoini joked: 'I will be barricade at the bakery counter for these.' @pollyb18 replied: 'We'll be queueing at the door!!! These sound EPIC.' @nathansinkinson wrote: 'Take my money now,' and @d1shogsd asked: 'Can I pre-order 20?'
Peppermint Bark cookie not returning
The news follows confirmation that the Peppermint Bark cookies will not return this Christmas. The seasonal treat, which featured a rich chocolate base with dark and white chocolate chunks, mint candy pieces, and peppermint oil, is being replaced by the Chocolate & Cornflake option for 2026. M&S suggests customers missing the cookies 'Pick up our Peppermint & Chocolate Wafer Rolls or Chocolate Peppermint Bark the next time you're in store.'
