McVities ‘devastates’ fans by axing beloved biscuits after four decades

Beloved biscuit makers McVitie's have broken fans’ hearts after revealing that a sweet treat with more than four decades on the market has been axed.

This year, we’ve seen a plethora of snacks being culled, including KP saying farewell to its own-brand crisps and Gentleman’s Relish being discontinued after 200 years of adoration.

It was also previously revealed that, as a Tyrells factory in Staffordshire was shutting down, its vegetable crisp range would be no more.

McVities is behind another loss - and this one has previously been described as a ‘superior’ treat and the ‘OG packed lunch snack’ by Redditors.

According to reports, the factory has cancelled production on its iconic bags of Choc Gems.

The treat, officially known as Milk Chocolate Iced Gems, was first introduced back in 1986 and featured a biscuit base with a swirl of real milk chocolate.

Milk Chocolate Iced Gems are no more (McVitie's)

However, 40 years after they arrived, the Choc Gems have gone, with the manufacturer deciding to discontinue the original recipe.

The good news is that the favourite is set to be replaced by a new version. However, instead of milk chocolate, the Gems will be built with cocoa-flavouring, as per the Express.

Speaking about the changes, Pladis, which owns McVitie’s, said: “We have made changes to the McVitie’s Iced Gems range and McVitie’s Milk Chocolate Iced Gems are no longer available.

The company have released a statement regarding the change (DAVE THOMPSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

“In their place, we have introduced Iced Gems Chocolate Flavour, which features the same crunchy biscuit base as the rest of the range with a cocoa-flavoured icing swirl.”

It added that ‘the appearance and taste of Ice Gems Chocolate Flavour are now in line with the rest of the range’.

Some shoppers who were ‘genuinely devastated’ to be losing their go-to confectionery have already come across the new product in stores, taking to social media to have their say.

The brand said the new Iced Gems are 'in line with the rest of the range' (McVitie's)

“I was happy seeing these on shevles again and was confused why they were different even taste-wise they are just iced gems to me now,” one Reddit user typed.

A second said: “Currently having a full on Autistic meltdown because my safe snack is gone. Bought these thinking they were safe.”

“Oh dear just discovered the same, Mcvities what have you done.. they have ruined a much loved snack for so many. How sneaky and unfair to their customers. Will definitely be boycotting,” replied someone else.

Another said: “Im genuinely devastated, bought these twice not realising they were these cr**py ice ones.”

“McVitties, those absolute snakes, have got the bloody cheek to change the choc gems and sneakily swap them with iced chocolate flavoured gems,” a fifth added. “They’re just basically iced gems that are brown and taste vaguely of chocolate, like.”

Tesco previously sold five packs of Choc Gems for 95p. However, the updated version is being sold in supermarkets for £1.50.

FOODbible have contacted Pladis for comment.

Returning food items in the UK

If you’re feeling gloomy about your gone-but-not-forgotten snacks, then good news: there are a handful of launches that may appease, including Pringles, which have gone bitesize after years of trial and error.

McDonald’s recently brought back the Apple x Sprite Zero drink after a year away; Starbucks launched a moreish Caramelised Banana range; and M&S updated its viral strawberry sandwich with a new, Dubai chocolate twist in time for the Wimbledon Championships.

Those who have a hankering for American drinks will also be pleased to know that Taco Bell launched the Mountain Dew Baja Blast nationwide, while Greggs brought out a Blank Street matcha dupe.

So you see—there’s still lots to be happy about!