Iconic Mars chocolate bar is axed from shelves – leaving some fans furious

21 September 2023 , 20:50

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Mars confirms it has discontinued iconic chocolate bar – and fans are outraged (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

An iconic chocolate bar is set to disappear from UK shelves - leading some fans to plead for the product to stay around.

The dark chocolate Bounty bar is being discontinued by confectionery giant Mars Inc, marking an end to the line after several years. Bounty Dark is packaged in a red wrapper, and has a stronger cocoa flavour than the standard milk chocolate version.

Like its counterpart, it is also filled with sweet shredded coconut. But it has been beset by apparent production issues in recent times, and was "delisted" by Mars last November amid what they described as "temporary operational reasons".

Bounty Dark was removed from shelves for 'temporary operational reasons' last year

One of those left dismayed by the ban is the ever-opinionated Piers Morgan, who posted on Twitter: "I've just been told my favourite dark chocolate red wrapper Bounty bars have been discontinued, and this is the last one left in my dressing room stockpile. I'm outraged. This will cause immeasurable harm to my mental health. Please reconsider."

A disappointed fellow Bounty Dark fan also said on social media "Noooooo. Dark chocolate bounty’s beat milk chocolate bounties hands down. Mars don’t do this to us", while another said: "Losing your beloved Bounty bars is truly a chocoholic's nightmare. Let's hope Mars Global hears your plea and reconsiders. Chocolate lovers unite!."

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Piers' post attracted rare support from former BBC Newsnight star Emily Maitlis, who wrote: "Finally agree with Piers Morgan". Count Binface, a satirical figure who regularly stands in high-profile constituency elections for parliament, also came out in protest against the move, vowing to "ensure the preservation of that precious endangered species, the Dark Bounty".

The Mirror have contacted Mars Inc for comment. Last year, Bounty chocolates were removed from Celebrations tubs in a Christmas trial. It came after a study found 20% of consumers say the coconut treats, tagged "the taste of paradise", are their least favourite.

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas