M&S axes iconic Colin the Caterpillar sweet that shoppers say was the ‘best’
M&S has axed the iconic Colin the Caterpillar sweet that shoppers say was “the best”.
Nearly every Brit will know the name Colin the Caterpillar, along with its iconic gummy sweet range in the shape of our fuzzy friend.
However, M&S has quietly axed the last of the Colin The Caterpillar Fizzy Rainbow sweets, unknown to many shoppers until now.
It is believed that the steady disappearance of the sweet is to make room for more seasonal lines, although this does not make the news any easier to accept.
Now, there are around 10 Colin-themed sweets in the caterpillar sweets range left, but sadly, the fizzy rainbows will no longer make the cut.
The sweets were rainbow in colour with a sour sugary coating and despite some shoppers claiming the sweets were “too chewy”, others rated them a “15 out of 10”.
Earlier today one fan took to X, formerly known as Twitter to question what had happened to their much loved treat: “Looked everywhere for the Fizzy Rainbow Colins, are they gone for good??
“They were the best along with original veggie percy.”
In response, a spokesperson for M&S said: “Hi, I’ve had a look and while they are showing in a few stores, the stock is very low so it looks as though these are being discontinued sadly.
“It may just be to make room for more seasonal lines so hopefully you’ll see these back again in future.”
The unhappy shopper replied: “Yeah please tell the appropriate dept to bring them back! Thanks.”
Suitable for veggies and vegans, there was nothing quiet about the raving reviews these sweets earned: “Fizzy, tangy, sugary, exactly what you want,” said one shopper.
While another wrote: “These candies are incredible.
“The texture is delightful! The sour sugar coating almost crunches as you bite into them but they’re gummy candies so they become chewy deliciousness, as you’d expect with sour gummy candy.
“They have added something devilishly different to my candy spread for Halloween this year and I will be keeping some in my stash year-round.
“I’m so glad I got them despite some of the previous reviews. I think some of the other reviewers got these candies thinking they would be super soft like the aptly named softie colin caterpillars.
“While they are not softie gummies, I wouldn’t say they’re any firmer than any of the other sour colin caterpillars in the line.”
This devastating shock comes after M&S stealthily axed another popular range of caterpillar sweets.
In July, we said goodbye to the Colin and Connie “Together Forever” sweets, leading one fan to comment online: “Sad that Colin and Connie are no longer Together Forever”.
The sweets in the Colin and Connie pack were fruit gums with a love heart in the middle.
A few years ago Connie also used to have her own packs of sweets, which were sour berry-flavoured gums, similar to M&S’ Percy Pig Phizzy Pigtails.
Thankfully, the Percy Pig Phizzy Pigtails are still available for purchase via Ocado, however, Percy Pig Phizzy Chew’s were also axed in July.
Like the Colin The Caterpillar Fizzy Rainbow’s, Colin and Connie’s “Together Forever” sweets earned gleaming reviews.
One said: “What happened to Connie the Caterpillar sweets? I can’t find them anywhere and they were SO good!”
A second said: “Any plans to bring back the Connie curly berry gums @marksandspencer? They were my absolute favourite of your veggie range.”
A third added: “Potentially an unpopular opinion but I think @marksandspencer Connie the Caterpillar sweets are better than Percy Pigs.”
While a fourth added: “We all know that your lovely fruity sweets are a staple for runners, Colin and Connie are the best!”
When The Sun approached the retailer, it said it was committed to Connie the Caterpillar and she will be appearing in future product launches.
A spokeswoman said: “Our Connie and Colin sweets were discontinued in July 2024 as part of our confectionery relaunch, however within this relaunch we have a brand new product, Colin Party Time, bursting with six flavours in party theme shapes.
“We also have a full range of Colin sweets including our Colin Softies and Colin Fruit Gums.
“Colin is the original caterpillar character, so he is always going to show up more throughout our confectionery and bakery ranges.
“However we of course equally love Connie, she has her own cake and mini cakes and we hero Connie throughout seasonal campaigns where relevant e.g. our Mother’s Day Connie and Colin and Connie Valentine’s cakes etc.
“We’re always exploring new ways to keep the Colin range relevant and Connie will appear in future launches we’re working on so keep your eyes peeled!”
Thankfully, it isn’t all doom and gloom as earlier this week M&S kept their word and produced a fabulous Christmas edition of the much loved Percy Pig sweets.
News of the return of the sweet was posted on the Newfoodsuk Facebook page.
It read: “Percy Pig and Family pack spotted at M&S!!.”
The post racked up hundreds of likes and fans could not contain themselves.
One excited shopper said: “Get these on the Christmas shopping list!!.”
Another replied: “They’re back!!”
A third commented: “You can get me some for Xmas.”
To find your local M&S store head to the website and click Find a store on the top right.
Then, enter your postcode, town, or street name to find your nearest store.
We always recommend checking the product’s in-store availability to avoid making a wasted trip should it be out of stock.
Why are products axed or recipes changed?
ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders.
Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether.
They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers.
There are a number of reasons why this could be done.
For example, government regulation, like the “sugar tax,” forces firms to change their recipes.
Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs.
They may opt for an alternative that’s cheaper, especially when costs are rising in order to keep prices stable.
For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018.
It has recently returned after six years away, but as a sugar-free version.
Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year.
Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks.
While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose.