Anger as Iceland replaces religious symbol on hot cross buns with a TICK

SUPERMARKET Iceland has hot crossbread purists hot under the collar and, er, cross by decorating buns with a check mark.

The chain risks upsetting Christians by causing the cross to fall to the ground, which represents the crucifixion of Jesus in the Good Friday treats.

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Research shows that a fifth of customers would prefer that the spiced Easter buns have a check mark, making it resemble the logo of sportswear company Nike.

Iceland’s leaders said they hope to “gauge feedback” from a trial run of the Hot Tick Buns alongside the traditional ones.

Danny Webster of the Evangelical Alliance said: “Easter is the day when Christians around the world remember Jesus dying on the cross and rising from the grave.

“No matter what Iceland puts on their sandwiches, Christians will continue to proclaim the truth of the cross that Jesus lives.”

And Henrietta Blyth, of Christian charity Open Doors, said the traditional sandwiches “remind us that God is willing to become man and submit to the worst evil humanity can throw at him and come out triumphant.” ‘

Hot Cross Buns have been associated with Good Friday for at least 350 years.

Iceland also sells chocolate and salted caramel, and raspberry and white chocolate versions.

The chain’s David Lennox said: “According to the research, it appears some people want to do away with the cross design and switch to a tick design instead.

“The results surprised us, but in true British fashion we are putting it to the test by testing ticks on some of our sandwiches.”