Woolworths’ new $5 Christmas ornament looks good enough to eat—but there’s a catch

Christmas in Australia has always had its quirks—from seafood feasts to Santa swapping boots for thongs.

But this festive season, one supermarket has managed to stir up as much excitement as confusion.

And it all comes down to a tiny cake that’s not quite what it seems.

Woolworths has unveiled a $5 Christmas tree ornament that looks identical to its beloved chocolate mud cake, complete with the signature white chocolate drizzle Australians instantly recognise.

The only twist—it’s not edible.

What began as a cheerful novelty quickly ignited a nationwide debate worthy of pineapple-on-pizza levels of passion.

The ornament that divided a nation

For many, the Woolworths mud cake isn’t just dessert—it’s part of Australia’s collective memory.

So when the Golden Grove store in South Australia revealed the miniature version on social media, reactions came fast and loud.

‘I got excited thinking they were single serve ones,’ confessed one disappointed shopper, echoing the letdown felt across the country.

Another asked, ‘Wait, so they're not edible mini mud cakes?’ Given that over 2.6 million mud cakes sell every year, the confusion wasn’t exactly surprising.

Still, not everyone was disappointed.

Some fans were thrilled to see their favourite treat turned into festive décor.

‘Give me 14 of those stat,’ one shopper declared, while another shouted: ‘EXCUSE ME. I NEED THESE RIGHT NOW.’

More than just cake—it’s Australian heritage

There’s a reason this small ornament struck such a big chord.

Woolworths’ mud cake has been a mainstay at birthdays, office parties and late-night celebrations for decades.

From its fudgy centre to that familiar foil tray, the cake represents something more than sugar and cocoa—it’s nostalgia, convenience, and comfort rolled into one.

At roughly one sold every five minutes across the country, it’s no exaggeration to call it a national treasure.

Innovation keeps the tradition alive

Far from simply coasting on its reputation, Woolworths has continued reinventing the mud cake.

In October 2025, it launched an ice cream range inspired by its most popular bakery treats, including a Mud Cake Ice Cream packed with chunks of real cake and ribbons of chocolate fudge.

Earlier this year, shoppers also saw the release of new flavours such as the Choc Chip Cookie Mud Cake in June and a Hokey Pokey edition inspired by the classic ice cream flavour.

The food ornament phenomenon

This sweet surprise is part of a larger global trend where food-themed ornaments are taking over Christmas trees.

From butter sticks to rainbow explosion cakes, realistic pizza slices to caviar tins—people are now decorating with their favourite foods, celebrating them as part of their identity and humour.

Woolworths’ mud cake ornament fits perfectly into this growing movement, giving Aussies another way to showcase a national favourite during the holidays.

Value proposition that makes sense

At $5, the decoration costs less than a real mud cake, which now retails for $6.40.

Some joked that it offers more long-term satisfaction for the price—after all, it’ll last for many Christmases to come.

For some fans, it’s a fun way to show loyalty without the calories.

For others, it’s pure torture.

As one commenter admitted: ‘Nah I’d try and eat that.’

The bigger picture

Woolworths’ festive ornament is more than a novelty—it’s a nod to the deep affection Australians hold for simple, reliable pleasures.

‘When you think about some of the most popular Aussie desserts and treats—our famous mud cake, lamingtons and pavlovas are definitely up there,’ said Madeleine Tapley, Woolworths’ Product Developer for Freezer.

By turning their most iconic dessert into a collectible, the supermarket giant has tapped into nostalgia while keeping the brand fresh and relevant.

What’s next for Australia’s favourite cake?

If the overwhelming demand is any indication, Woolworths may have just opened the door to a whole new wave of mud cake merchandise—or perhaps the edible mini versions that customers are now begging for.

For now, one thing’s clear: even a small ornament can remind Australians how much one humble cake means to them.

If you thought Woolworths’ mud cake ornament was clever, wait until you see how the supermarket has transformed another national favourite into something entirely new.

Continuing their streak of dessert-inspired creativity, Woolworths has taken classic bakery staples and given them a cool twist perfect for warmer months.

It’s a sweet reminder that the brand isn’t just celebrating nostalgia—they’re reinventing it in the most delicious ways possible.

Read more: Woolworths just made Australia’s favourite desserts scoopable

Have you spotted the mud cake ornament at your local Woolies? Would you hang it on your tree, or are you holding out for bite-sized versions you can actually eat?