Mars announces return of iconic chocolate bar from the 80s — but there’s a catch --[Reported by Umva mag]

While many chocolate brands are axing popular treats, Mars Wrigley is bringing back an old favourite… kind of.

The confectioner, which owns a number of beloved brands such as M&M, Galaxy, Twix, and Maltesers, has announced the return of the Marathon bar which hasn’t been a permanent fixture on supermarket shelves for 34 years. 

This is because in 1990 the Marathon bar was renamed and became the Snickers bar that we all know and love today.

Snickers first launched in the US in 1930, with the sweet treat being named after a horse owned by the Mars family. The bar, which consists of nougat, caramel, and peanuts wrapped in milk chocolate, made its way over to the UK in 1968, but it was given a different name.

For 22 years the chocolate treat was known here as the Marathon bar, but in 1990 Mars decided it was time to bring the UK in line with the rest of the global brand. 

At the time there was also a similar, but unrelated, product being in the US called Marathon, which made things a little confusing (especially as the American Marathon looked a lot like a Curly Wurly…) — it’s no surprise they decided to change the name.

While many will have forgotten that Marathon bars were ever a thing, there are some who are still holding on to its memory.

On X (formerly Twitter), @80s_Kidz said: ‘The Marathon bar will always be a MARATHON bar not a SNICKERS bar!

@TheRealCleoGib agreed, saying: ‘It’s too close to the word knickers to ever sound delicious. Do your UK market research, Mars!’ And @Sues_1001 wrote: ‘OMG always has been and always will be a Marathon.’

Those who feel similarly are in luck, as they’ll once again be able to get their hands on old school Marathon bars.  

Over the next few months Snickers bars sold in Morrisons will feature a return to the retro packaging they once had, with the OG name even coming back.

The limited-edition packaging will be available exclusively at Morrisons until December, so you’ll have a few months to enjoy the blast from the past. 

Steve Waters, Senior Brand Manager, says: ‘We’re excited to bring back the Marathon bar branding for a limited period. It’s a great way to celebrate over 90 years of Mars making chocolate in the UK.

‘We hope fans of Snickers, who remember when it was called Marathon, will enjoy picking it up in store!’ 

But this isn’t the first time Mars Wrigley has done something like this, as Marathon bars were also briefly brought back in 2019 and 2020. These were also sold in Morrisons.

The throwback treat caused a big stir with shoppers at the time, so much so that Morrisons was forced to implement a limit on the number of chocolate bars customers could buy at one time.

Hopefully this time around, there will be less chaos in the shops. 

This comes after Mars recently teased the return of another popular item that’s been missing from the chocolate aisle.

It’s been 10 years since White Maltesers were axed from the company’s product line-up, but despite the time that’s gone by, fans are still begging for them to make a comeback.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), @colepalmerss said: ‘As a society we need White Chocolate Maltesers back imo.’

Similarly, @Amberdaly_x wrote: ‘White Chocolate Maltesers, I will avenge you.’ While @faemass posted: ‘They just need to bring the White Maltesers back. It’s time.’

Those hoping to see the malt treat return to supermarkets might want to keep their eyes peeled just in case, as Mars Wrigley has been teasing several other big comebacks for old favourites soon.

A spokesperson for Mars Wrigley recently told Sky News: ‘We’re always listening to the fans of our chocolate and fruity treats, which is why we’re constantly innovating our ranges.

‘Whilst White Chocolate Maltesers aren’t currently on shelves, we’re pleased to offer many delicious alternatives such as M&M’s and of course, our original Maltesers.

‘We’ve always got an ear to the ground and recognise the enduring love for old favourites, so stay tuned for some epic comebacks that could be happening soon… Watch this space!’

It’s not clear what exactly the brand will be relaunching, but we’re excited to see what happens next.

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