The new buns feature Bramley apples and currants and are free from the traditional milk, butter and eggs.

The best bit? These Bramley Apple hot cross buns are not just for Easter, joining the M&S shelves all-year round.

Of the newest release, M&S product developer Sadia Usman said: “Our Bramley Apple Hot Cross Buns are a longstanding favourite with our customers and the best thing is they are now completely vegan.

“Ideal for little ones due to their familiar fruity flavour - this Easter everyone can enjoy a hot cross bun.”

The 10 best Hot Cross Buns Show all 10 1 /10 The 10 best Hot Cross Buns The 10 best Hot Cross Buns {1} DUNNS THE BAKERS

The hot cross buns from this 191-year-old North London bakery are worth a diversion if you live in the capital. A dense bite with a strong whiff of cinnamon.

£1.99 for 4, dunns-bakery.co.uk The 10 best Hot Cross Buns The 10 best Hot Cross Buns The 10 best Hot Cross Buns The 10 best Hot Cross Buns The 10 best Hot Cross Buns The 10 best Hot Cross Buns The 10 best Hot Cross Buns The 10 best Hot Cross Buns The 10 best Hot Cross Buns

The vegan variation of the Easter favourite, available in packs of four for £1.50, joins other unique flavours introduced recently by M&S.

M&S now has vegan hot cross buns (Marks & Spencer)

In January, the store rolled out fruit-free buns made with salted caramel and chocolate, and in February, released mini chocolate hot cross buns and golden hot cross buns made with sultanas, raisins, and honey.

M&S sells more than 42m hot cross buns every year, with nine million sold during Easter week.

The newest vegan variation comes as the supermarket is increasing its vegan and vegetarian offerings to tap into a growing demand for plant-based food.

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In addition to stocking vegan items on its shelves, M&S recently launched Plant Kitchen - a range of more than 60 meat- and dairy-free items including ready-made meals, vegan snacks, and plant proteins.

Of the launch, the supermarket chain's director of product development April Preston said: "This is the year we'll truly see plant-based food go mainstream."