A world-famous Lake District confectionery has entered into an historic partnership to create its first-ever hybrid product.

Grasmere Gingerbread® has joined forces with Westmorland Farmshop and Kitchen to produce a limited edition Easter egg.

The secrecy behind the 168-year old recipe for Grasmere Gingerbread®, originally invented by Victorian cook Sarah Nelson in 1854, rendered such pre-packed alliances impossible, as it would have necessitated the iconic Lake District business revealing the ingredients of its world-famous secret recipe.

Since the introduction of Natasha's Law in October 2021, however, Grasmere Gingerbread® was obliged to disclose ingredients on its traditional parchment wrapping for the first time.

While the list of ingredients that has been fiercely guarded for generations is now in the public domain, it can lead to a host of exciting opportunities in the future, according to Joanne Hunter, Co-Director of Grasmere Gingerbread®:

"We are excited because it is our first ever collaboration of this type."

"Whilst the secrecy surrounding Grasmere Gingerbread® ingredients added to its mystique, Natasha’s Law - which was sensible as more and more people are suffering from food allergens - enabled us to work with Westmorland on this delicious Easter egg."

"We expect it to lead to food collaborations with other businesses even further afield in the future."

Alexander Evans, Buyer at Westmorland Farmshop and Kitchen, was 'delighted' to include Grasmere Gingerbread® crumbs in the special eggs.

"Our eggs are handmade by The Cocoabean Company with whom we have worked for many years on our exclusive chocolate eggs.

"The addition of this special ingredient makes this a particularly powerful and tasty collaboration."

The new creation, a combination of dark chocolate and Grasmere Gingerbread® crumbs, is now on sale at Westmorland’s Tebay Services (north and south) on the M6, Gloucester Services (north and south) on the M5, and Cairn Lodge Services on the M74.

Although the ingredients in Grasmere Gingerbread® are now in the public domain, its exact recipe and methodology remain a secret and the spicy-sweet cross between a biscuit and cake is protected by a special trademark.

Sarah Nelson’s original hand-written recipe is stored in a bank vault for safekeeping.