Tesco shoppers warned 'do not eat' popular Christmas product as item pulled from shelves

All 220g packs with best before dates up to and including January 17, 2026 are affected by the recall.

For those who rely on "free from" products to avoid allergens, this is concerning news just days before Christmas.

The supermarket giant issued a statement explaining the situation: "We are recalling all best before date codes of Tesco Free From 4 Christmas Chocolate Flavoured Cupcakes, due to potential milk contamination in this free-from-milk product."

Tesco added: "If you have purchased the affected product and have an allergy or intolerance to milk or milk constituents, please do not eat it and instead return it to any Tesco store for a full refund. No receipt is required."

The retailer confirmed no other Tesco products are caught up in the recall and apologised for any inconvenience caused to shoppers.

Cow's milk allergy is actually quite common among babies and young children, typically appearing before they reach six months old.

According to Cambridge University Hospitals, roughly one in 50 infants is affected, though most will eventually outgrow the condition. For a small number of people, however, the allergy sticks around for life.

The symptoms differ depending on whether someone has a milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance.

Those with the allergy can experience reactions affecting their skin, breathing, digestive system and circulation. Lactose intolerance, meanwhile, tends to cause gut-related issues like stomach pain, bloating and diarrhoea.

This isn't the first time Tesco has faced this issue recently. Earlier in December, the supermarket recalled its Aubergine Katsu Bao Buns after the same problem emerged – undeclared milk on the label.

That recall covered all 258g packs with use-by dates up to December 13, 2025.AU

The FSA has been working with Tesco to notify allergy support organisations, who are passing the information on to their members.

When products pose an allergy risk due to missing or incorrect labelling, the FSA issues an Allergy Alert to warn consumers. Customers needing more help can visit tesco.com/help/contact.