Where to by authentic ‘Pan de muerto’ in London 2026?
By Viridiana Marin
As Día de Muertos approaches, pan de muerto is a Mexican treat that suddenly becomes impossible to stop thinking about. It is soft, sweet, buttery and often flavoured with orange and orange blossom, this traditional Mexican bread is one of the most beloved foods associated with Día de Muertos.
If you are Mexican living in London, celebrating Día de Muertos with pan de muerto can be a delicious way to feel closer to home. And if you are discovering this Mexican tradition for the first time, October and early November are the perfect time to try it.
But where can you buy authentic pan de muerto in London?
We have put together this guide to some of the Mexican bakeries and shops where you can look for pan de muerto in London and across the UK. Availability is seasonal, so we recommend checking each bakery’s website before ordering. You can also find this traditional Día de Muertos treat at the upcoming Mexican market at Canopy Market, King’s Cross.
What is pan de muerto?
Pan de muerto, or Bread of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican sweet bread prepared especially for Día de Muertos, celebrated on 1 and 2 November.
The most recognisable version is round and soft, decorated with strips of dough representing bones and a small ball in the centre. The symbolism varies across Mexico, and there are many regional versions of pan de muerto, with different shapes, flavours and decorations.
The classic version is usually lightly sweetened and may contain orange zest or orange blossom water, with a generous layer of sugar on top. It is traditionally enjoyed with Mexican hot chocolate, coffee or atole.
Pan de muerto is also an important part of the ofrenda, the altar created to remember and honour loved ones who have died.
Why Do Mexicans Eat Pan de Muerto?
Beyond being delicious, pan de muerto is connected to the idea of remembrance and reunion. During Día de Muertos, families prepare food and drinks that their loved ones enjoyed in life and place them on the ofrenda.
The bread therefore becomes much more than a seasonal pastry: it is part of a tradition centred on memory, family and celebrating the lives of those who are no longer with us.
There are many different types of pan de muerto throughout Mexico, reflecting the country’s regional diversity.
Where to buy authentic pan de muerto in UK?
If baking pan de muerto at home isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Several Mexican bakeries and food businesses in London offer seasonal versions, with some also providing UK-wide delivery.
1. Sweet Nibble Bakery – Mexican Pan de Muerto
📍 New Malden, London + UK delivery
Sweet Nibble is a Mexican artisan bakery specialising in traditional Mexican pan dulce. Its seasonal range includes individual Pan de Muerto and a large version designed for sharing.
Soft, sweet and deliciously orange-flavoured, the bakery’s Pan de Muerto is the perfect seasonal treat! Choose from the classic sugar-dusted version or go for one of their filled options. You can even grab a Pan de Muerto paired with Mexican chocolate — perfect for a cosy treat! Available for collection from their New Malden location. But don’t wait too long… these seasonal goodies won’t be around forever!
👉 Order Pan de Muerto from Sweet Nibble Bakery
Best for: Fresh Mexican pan dulce, gifting and sharing with Mexican hot chocolate.
2. Mexican Mama – Pan de Muerto in Peckham
📍 Peckham, London + UK delivery
Mexican Mama is a Mexican supermarket based on Rye Lane in Peckham, stocking products from different regions of Mexico.
This seasonal selection features traditional 100% butter Pan de Muerto, available in packs of three or six — perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!)
👉 Check Pan de Muerto at Mexican Mama
Best for: Picking up Mexican groceries and adding pan de muerto to your seasonal shop.
3. Pa’l Susto Vegan Bakery – Vegan Pan de Muerto
📍 London + UK postal delivery
Looking for vegan pan de muerto? Pa’l Susto is a Mexican vegan micro-bakery specialising in traditional Mexican sweet breads without animal products.
The bakery offers monthly UK postal delivery and London collection, and its seasonal range includes Pan de Muerto. It has also received recognition from the Great Taste Awards for its Mexican baked goods.
👉 Order from Pa’l Susto Vegan Bakery
Best for: Vegan Mexican pan dulce and anyone looking for a plant-based option.
What Does Authentic Pan de Muerto Taste Like?
Traditional pan de muerto is a soft, lightly sweet Mexican bread rather than a cake.
Depending on the bakery and regional style, you may notice flavours such as:
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🍊 Orange zest
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🌼 Orange blossom
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🧈 Butter
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🍬 Sugar
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🍫 Mexican chocolate when served alongside it
The classic combination is simple: warm pan de muerto with a cup of Mexican hot chocolate.
And yes, it is perfectly acceptable to dunk it.
When Can You Buy Pan de Muerto in London?
Pan de muerto is a seasonal product, so you won’t normally find fresh versions throughout the year.
Most Mexican bakeries and shops begin offering it during October, with availability increasing around Día de Muertos on 1 and 2 November.
Because many small Mexican bakeries make limited quantities, popular versions can sell out quickly. Some businesses also operate on a pre-order system, so checking availability early is a good idea.
Pan de Muerto in London: What Should You Look For?
If you want to experience a more traditional version, look for:
A soft, enriched dough: Pan de muerto should be tender rather than dry.
Citrus or orange blossom: These are common flavour notes in classic versions.
The traditional bone decoration: The strips of dough across the top are one of its most recognisable features.
Freshness: Because it is a seasonal bread, freshly baked is always preferable.
Regional variety: Don’t assume there is only one type. Mexican pan de muerto varies considerably between regions.
Why Pan de Muerto Matters to Mexicans Living in the UK
For Mexicans living abroad, food can be one of the easiest ways to reconnect with home.
The smell of freshly baked pan de muerto, the first bite covered in sugar, or dipping it into a cup of hot chocolate can bring back memories of family, childhood and Día de Muertos celebrations in Mexico.
That is part of what makes finding authentic Mexican food in London so special. These aren’t simply places to buy food — they help Mexican traditions continue thousands of miles from home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pan de Muerto in London
When is pan de muerto available in London?
Most bakeries offer pan de muerto during the Día de Muertos season in October and early November, with availability usually peaking around 1 and 2 November.
Can I order pan de muerto online in the UK?
Yes. Some Mexican bakeries offer UK-wide delivery or postal orders. Sweet Nibble and Pa’l Susto both operate online, while delivery and collection options can vary depending on the product and date.
Is pan de muerto vegan?
Traditional pan de muerto often contains ingredients such as butter, milk and eggs, but vegan versions are available. Pa’l Susto specialises in vegan Mexican pan dulce and offers seasonal Pan de Muerto.
What do you eat with pan de muerto?
Pan de muerto is delicious with Mexican hot chocolate, coffee or atole. For many Mexicans, dipping a piece into hot chocolate is part of the experience.
Is pan de muerto the same as “Bread of the Dead”?
Yes. Pan de muerto literally translates as “Bread of the Dead”. However, using the Spanish name is more common when referring to the Mexican tradition.
Can I find different types of pan de muerto?
Absolutely. Mexico has many regional varieties of pan de muerto, with differences in shape, decoration, ingredients and flavour. The round, sugar-covered version is one of the most widely recognised.
Keep Calm and Eat Pan de Muerto! 💀🍊
Whether you’re Mexican and looking for a taste of home or simply curious to discover one of Mexico’s most meaningful food traditions, Día de Muertos is the perfect excuse to try authentic pan de muerto in London.
Just remember: it is seasonal, limited and seriously addictive.
Save this guide, check availability early and let us know which one you try!
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