If you're paying a visit to London soon, you might be wondering what unique snacks and souvenirs you can bring back home once you're done sightseeing. Nowadays you can find many English brands such as Cadbury's in local supermarkets - so what products can you find only in the home of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace? We've done some digging and come up with some snacks to bring home as souvenirs that aren't just Muslim-friendly but are as iconic to London as a red doubledecker bus, or a palace guard!
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1. McVitie's Jaffa Cakes
McVitie's products can often be found outside of the United Kingdom, but you've got to try their Jaffa Cakes if you're in London! These light and fluffy sponge cakes have a sweet orange centre and a crunchy chocolate coating. It may sound a bit unusual if you've never had one before. But trust us when we say there's something so deliciously amazing about them, especially if you have them with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Jaffa Cakes have even become so popular that other supermarkets have created their own in-house versions - but McVitie's original recipe continues to be one of the best you can find!
Halal Status: As Jaffa Cakes have not been halal-certified, we advise you to purchase them at your own discretion. McVitie's Jaffa Cakes are listed as suitable for vegetarians on the company's website, and uses a soya-based emulsifier and pectin-based gelling agent. Do note that we are unable to confirm the ingredients or halal status of other brands of Jaffa Cakes and we advise you to check the ingredients list or consult staff if you are uncertain.
Where to find it: Most major supermarkets in London carry them, including Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Waitrose.
2. Fudge
The English love their sweets, and sticky, chewy traditional English fudge will definitely be something you'll want to sink your teeth into while you're there ? In most classic recipes, fudge is made from just 3 simple ingredients - sugar, butter, and milk. Modern-day sellers now create innovative flavours using ingredients such as fruits, nuts, chocolate, and candies, however, every fudge store you visit is bound to have a plain version on the shelf waiting to be savoured.
Credit: @rolysfudge for Instagram
Roly's is a famous brand that focuses only on fudge and even hand-makes their fudge in their stores. All of their recipes are vegetarian-friendly (some are vegan!) and do not use emulsifiers, however, do note that some flavours may include alcohol which will be reflected on the product's label. Whirld is a small independent brand that operates at Borough Market and sells flavours such as sea salt, matcha, and chilli.
Halal Status: As these products are not halal-certified, we advise you to purchase them at your own discretion. Some of Roly's and Whirld's products may contain alcohol or vanilla extract, and we advise you to ask the staff directly about additional ingredients. For other fudge shops or products, we cannot confirm the individual ingredients or halal status and encourage you to check the ingredients list or ask shopkeepers directly about the ingredients.
Where to find it:
Roly's Fudge Pantry: Camden Market
Address: Roly's Fudge Pantry, 740-741 Camden Stable Market, London NW1 8AH
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm (Mon - Sat)
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Whirld
Address: Borough Market, 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL (near the Southwark Cathedral)
Trading Days/Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat (we advise you to check Borough Market's opening hours as they change daily)
3. Tea
Credit: Twinings
How could we make this list and not include tea? Whether you're a lover of loose leaves or a top fan of tea bags, some of the world's most famous tea companies got their start on the streets of London and still produce London-exclusive products today! Twinings has a whole selection of products dedicated to the city, including metal tins decorated with the London skyline, numerous varieties of classic English Breakfast Tea blends, and special London edition blends. Whether you're buying these chic blends for yourself or for a loved one, it'll definitely transport you back to London Bridge with every sip. ☕
Established along Piccadilly Road in 1707, Fortnum & Mason has become synonymous with upmarket luxury goods and gifts. Their stores sell everything from custom coffee and tea blends, to chocolate, to cakes and even homeware. Their teas definitely deserve the spotlight for their sheer variety which includes classic afternoon tea blends, as well as premier single-origin blends with exotic flavours such as Moroccan Mint and Rwanda Orange Pekoe.
Halal Status: These tea blends are not halal-certified, and you can find information about their ingredients on Twinings and Fortnum & Mason's individual websites. Some flavours may include alcohol (e.g. Fortnum & Mason's Gin & Tonic tea blend). We advise you to purchase them at your own discretion and to consult with staff directly about any additional ingredients.
Where to find it: These brands can be found in most major supermarket chains, however, we recommend visiting their flagship stores (address below) to get a chance to see their full collections!
Twinings Flagship
Address: R. Twinings and Co Limited & The Twinings Museum, 216 Strand, London WC2R 1AP
Opening Hours: 9.30am - 7.30pm (Mon - Fri), 11am - 6pm (Sat - Sun)
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Fortnum & Mason Piccadilly
Address: 181 Piccadilly, London W1A 1ER
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm (Mon - Sat), 11.30am - 6pm (Sun, before 12pm only available for browsing)
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Shopping in London? Check out these 17 Brands That Are Cheaper In London Than Back Home and 6 Tips To Shop Designer Bargains At Bicester Village In London.
4. Tesco Scones
Credit: @allthingsapple__ for Instagram
Scones are an essential part of the classic English breakfast - and now you can buy your own scones to have in the comfort of your own home! ? Buttery and flaky, a good-quality scone is perfect to eat with a side of clotted cream, jam, or your favourite condiments. Tesco's frozen scones are the perfect pick-me-up on the way to the airport - affordable yet delicious, your breakfast mornings just got an upgrade! Just remember to only pick them up on your last day in London, as Tesco recommends freezing them as soon as possible after purchase.
Halal Status: These products are not halal-certified and we recommend checking the respective supermarket's website to double-check the ingredients list. We advise you to purchase these at your own discretion.
Where to find it: Most major supermarkets in London carry them, including Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Waitrose.
5. Jam
Once you've got your scones settled, you'll definitely need to pick up some jam to pair them with! London Borough of Jam sells both unique flavours you're unlike to find anywhere else such as Blackberry & Cacao Nib, and Seville Orange & Chamomile Marmalade which gives a flowery twist to a more classic flavour. The preserves are cooked for a shorter period of time compared to generic brands, giving them a stronger fruity taste and making them the perfect topping for your scones, toast, oatmeal, or even cakes and biscuits!
Halal Status: As these products are not halal-certified, we advise you to purchase them at your own discretion. All of LBJ's products are vegan, but we advise you to check with staff for additional ingredients (especially for seasonal flavours).
Where to find it: LBJ has various stockists around London but we recommend visiting their flagship store (address below) to see their full range!
Address: Shop 51D, Chatsworth Road, London E5 OLH
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm (Fri - Sun)
6. Whittard Hot Chocolate
If you're not a big fan of tea or have decided to cut back on caffeine, then it's time to look for some hot chocolate instead! Whittard was first established in Chelsea, London in 1886 but has become famous for their hot chocolate, teas, and coffees. If you're a traditionalist, you're sure to love their Luxury Hot Chocolate with its rich and creamy taste. More adventurous drinkers may enjoy the Salted Caramel or Mumbai Spice flavours instead, which give a salty and spicy twist to the familiar drink!
Halal Status: As these products are not halal-certified, we advise you to purchase them at your own discretion. All hot chocolate flavours are vegan-friendly except for the Mint Flavour Hot Chocolate, those with a white base, and flaked drinking chocolate as they contain milk products. Their website can be filtered to show only vegan-friendly products.
Where to find it: Whittard has several outlets in London, all of which you can find on their website. We recommend visiting their flagship store (address below) to see their full collection!
Address: 9 The Marketplace, The Piazza, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RB
Opening Hours: 9.30am - 9pm (Thurs - Tues), 9.30am - 6pm (Wed)
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7. Shortbread
For the perfect snack to dip into your hot chocolate, make sure to pick up a tin of shortbread while you're at the supermarket. Although this sweet biscuit has its origins up north in Scotland, you can find it just about everywhere in London now! The base recipe usually includes just white sugar, butter, and oat flour - but you can find shortbread in popular flavours such as chocolate too. If you're at Tesco's, you can check out the biscuits by Paterson's which is one of the most popular brands in the city. Marks and Spencer's also stocks shortbread - some of which come in adorable London-themed tins! If you want to try out your shortbread before buying them, pop by Cutter & Squidge - a bakery that stocks a selection of vegan products including vegan-friendly shortbread!
Halal Status: As these products have not been halal-certified, we advise you to purchase them at your own discretion. Paterson's shortbread is vegetarian-friendly but do note that they use an unspecified natural flavouring. Marks and Spencer's shortbread is vegetarian-friendly (pictured), but do note that the chocolate chunk-flavoured versions contain vanilla flavouring. Cutter & Squidge's shortbread is vegan, but do note that they use vanilla extract as an ingredient. Do note that we are unable to confirm the ingredients or halal status of other brands of shortbread and we advise you to check the ingredients list or consult staff if you are uncertain.
Where to find it: Most major supermarkets in London carry shortbread, including Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Waitrose. You can go to Marks and Spencers' website to find out where your nearest shop is located. For Cutter & Squidge, we recommend popping by either of their brick-and-mortar shops below if you get the chance!
Cutter & Squidge The Royal Exchange
Address: 23 The Royal Exchange, Threadneedle Street, London EC3V 3LP
Opening Hours: 8am - 7pm (Mon - Fri), 11am - 4pm (Sat), Closed on Sundays
Cutter & Squidge Soho
Address: 20 Brewer Street, Soho, London W1F 0SJ
Opening Hours: 10am- 8 .30pm (Mon - Fri), 11am - 8.30pm (Sat, Sun, and bank holidays)
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Borough Market
Lastly, no foodie's trip to London would be complete without a visit to Borough Market! A mix of wholesale ingredients, hot meals, and everything else in-between, here's where you can find some of the best products available in London that you can't find anywhere else!
P/S: Check out these 8 Muslim-Friendly Food In Borough Market, London You Need To Try!
8. Honey
From Field and Flower is a locally-based business dedicated to sharing only the best ethically-sourced honey from small producers. Their honey pots come from all over Europe, Mexico, and Australia, and they even sell pollen and propolis too! As almost all of their products come from small producers, you might find something you love that you can't find anywhere else!
Halal Status: As their products are not halal-certified, we advise you to purchase them at your own discretion. Most of their honey selection is organic and raw, with no additional ingredients. Individual products have any additional ingredients stated on their website.
Where to find it:
Address: Borough Market, 3 Crown Square, Stoney Street, SE1 (behind Ted's Veg and opposite Chegworth Valley)
Trading Days/Hours: Mon - Sat (we advise you to check Borough Market's opening hours as they change daily)
Website | Facebook | Instagram
9. Nut Butter
Butter Nut of London is a home-grown start-up that isn't just organic, but eco-friendly too - all nuts sourced come from produce that is deemed too ugly to sell but can still be processed into delicious, creamy butter and spreads! Their unique flavours include the fragrant Cashew Coconut Cardamom, rosy-sweet Pistachio & Rose, and a more classic Hazelnut & Cacao (that includes Medjool dates!). Say goodbye to boring PB&J sandwiches for breakfast!
Halal Status: As their products are not halal-certified, we advise you to purchase them at your own discretion. All of their products are vegan. Individual ingredients are stated on their website.
Where to find it: Butter Nut of London has various stockists around London but we recommend visiting their Borough Market stall (address below) for an authentic experience!
Address: Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TL (between Bedale St and the Southwark Church)
Trading Days/Hours: 10am - 5pm (Thu), 10am - 6pm (Fri), 8am - 5pm (Sat)
Website | Facebook | Instagram
[Excited to start planning for your trip?Check out our 7D6N London itinerary to find out how to have an amazing time for under £30/day!]
10. Galaxy Minstrels
Are you a chocolate fan, or you just like to have a snack or two during movie night with friends and family? Galaxy Minstrels are tiny little chocolate drops made of milk chocolate that just melts in your mouth. ?They're great as toppings in yoghurt, ice creams, cakes and pastries. The flat circular surfaces fit between your fingers perfectly and are super addictive!
Halal Status: Product does not contain animal products or alcohol
Where to find it: Galaxy Minstrels can be found at London has various supermarket and stores around London!
We hope this article has given you some ideas for what to fill your suitcase with during your next trip to London! The best part of bringing back edible souvenirs is that you'll get a sweet reminder of your trip every time you take a bite - before you know it, you'll find yourself wanting to visit all over again!