Shoppers go wild as retro favourite sweet from 80s returns to supermarkets

Colourful sweets on an image of a supermarket aisle
The OG is back in supermarkets (Picture: Getty; Shutterstock)

A number of retro treats have returned to supermarket shelves over the last few months – from the 80s Tunis cake to chocolate bars discontinued in the 90s.

And now another firm favourite is back and shoppers couldn’t be more excited to nab themselves a pack.

If you were born before 1998, you might remember sweets called Opal Fruits – which today are better known by a very different name, as they were rebranded as Starburst in the late 90s.

Well good news if you miss the OG version, as Mars Wrigley has just brought the original Opal Fruits back and they’ll be available to buy in Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons stores.

A packet of Opal Fruits which have returned to their original name. Makers Mars have returned Starburst to their original name - Opal Fruits - for a limited period in a move to publicise that the sweets now contain no artificial flavours or colourings.
The original product first launched in 1960 (Picture: MARS Wrigley)

However, there is a catch. Opal Fruits will only be back for a limited time, so you’ll have to be quick if you want to enjoy a hit of fruity nostalgia.

The sweets, which were incredibly popular in the 70s and 80s, will be sold in 138g pouches containing strawberry, lemon, orange and lime flavours. 

First launched in 1960, the rebranded treat has made several brief comebacks over the years, being sold in 2021 and 2024.

Mars Wrigley previously said the last time would be the ‘final time’ they returned, but clearly they’ve had a change of heart.

A packet of Starburst sweets with a packet of Opal Fruits below. Makers Mars have returned Starburst to their original name - Opal Fruits - for a limited period in a move to publicise that the sweets now contain no artificial flavours or colourings.
Opal Fruits were rebranded as Starburst in the 90s (Picture: REX SHUTTERSTOCK)

Florence McGivern, Skittles Senior Brand Manager commented: ‘Our new limited-edition Opal Fruits will be as iconic as it was in the 90’s, giving fans the chance to revisit the strawberry, lemon, orange and lime flavours from decades ago. 

‘The nostalgia trend continues to resonate strongly with consumers, and we are giving them the chance to reconnect with memories from that time.’

She added: ‘This limited edition follows successful runs in 2021 and 2024, and we are especially excited about this release as we continue to celebrate the rich heritage of an iconic brand.’

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Shoppers were thrilled by this, with many saying they ‘needed’ to grab a bag, the sweets ‘made their mouth water’ and that it was a ‘reset’.

For those that don’t manage to get their hands on the sweets, you could always head over to your nearest Iceland, where Opal Fruits ice lollies are being sold.

And if you’re more of a chocolate person that a sweet lover, you might prefer to know that a discontinued chocolate bar also made a comeback recently.

Caramac, was axed by Nestlé in 2023 after being produced for more than 60 years and many were distraught to see it go.

However, it has since been spotted in Heron Foods. The retailer is currently selling the chocolate bar in packs of three for just £1 – and with more than 340 stores nationwide, you’ll likely be able to nab yourself some.

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