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‘Addictive’ Wine Gums flavour that’s ‘better than the original’ discontinued leaving fans distraught
The sweets were an attempt to get adults to eat sour sweets, alongside kids
TANGY Wine Gums have been discontinued - sparking upset and sadness from fans of the sour sweets.
The bitter treats were the subject of rave reviews after their release in 2017, but Sun Online has learnt they have been quietly shelved due to "changing tastes".
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One customer asked maker Maynards Bassetts on X, formerly known as Twitter: "Have you discontinued Tangy Wine Gums? My dad is devastated he can't find any anywhere. It's all he talks about."
Another added: "If I ever get a 'make-a-wish', I'm going to use it to bring back tangy wine gums.”
Parent company Mondelēz International said: “We continuously adapt our product range to ensure it meets changing tastes whilst supporting growth for our customers and business.”
"Our Maynards Bassetts Wine Gums Tangy Sweets were discontinued in 2023 but we still have plenty of other delicious treats for consumers to choose from!”
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The sweets were an attempt to get adults eating sour sweets, alongside kids.
At the time of their launch in 2017, Mondelēz International said only 26% of adults were buying into the £22m sour segment - although three-quarters were open to the idea.
A spokesman added Tangy Wine Gums were a “real opportunity” to drive sales within the segment, and opened up a £6million TV campaign.
The idea caught on - with one Tesco customer enthusing in a review: "Don’t stop selling these Tescos! Hubby is a Wine Gum addict & these are even better than the originals.. try them - they’re addictive!!! (Also helping our evening Wine consumption)."
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Which chocolate bars have been discontinued in the UK?
Another said: "Nicest sweet on the market - & I've tried a few!"
And a third added: "Just can't get enough of them!"
Jez Sellers, who runs the confectionery company Toffee Smiths York and has a stall in Jubbergate, York, said: "The sour sweets are a niche product.
"There is a demand for it but it's clearly not enough to keep that company making them. They are definitely more popular with children but I know a lot of adults do like them as well.
"Speaking personally, adults tend to like the stuff they had as a kid. People aged 25 might still love Haribo.
"If they are 60, they tend to want the boiled sweets, liquorice and Flying Saucers. It's a trip down memory lane for them."
Changes to popular chocolate and sweet treats can cause uproar among loyal fans - but occur frequently due to manufacturers constantly innovating and launching new products to create a stir.
Shoppers were “gutted” in January after noticing Dairy Milk Marvellous Mix-ups with Oreo have been axed from shelves.
They were similarly upset to discover the Cadbury Dairy Milk 30 per cent Less Sugar had also been scrapped, as well as Peanut Caramel Crisp Bars and Dairy Milk Orange.
This year Cadbury has also come under fire for reducing seven-packs of Animals biscuits to five-packs, although the price is still the same.
Where can you still buy tangy wine gums?
There may be a chance you can get your hands on the addictive sweets before they are gone.
Tesco has a 165g back available for £1.50 online, while Co-op has set its price as £1.80.
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You can check candy wholesalers like Snappy Shopper and The Great British Shop.
Bear in mind prices on these sites will vary and you will need to factor in a delivery charge.
Where can you buy discontinued chocolate bars?
Here's where you can pick up the Caramac, Milky Way Crispy Rolls and Yorkie biscuit bars.
Caramac bars will be tough to find as they go viral as soon as they are spotted, try:
- B&M - £1.25 (packs of three)
Yorkie biscuit bars are still stocked in quite a few supermarkets, check out:
- Asda - £1.25 single bar
Fan favourite Milky Way Crispy Rolls have been spotted in stores despite being discontinued back in 2022. Head to:
- Poundland - price varies
- Home Bargains - 79p single bar
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