Australian consumers are expressing widespread delight as the beloved Bounty chocolate bar makes a triumphant return to supermarket shelves across the country. The coconut-filled confectionery favourite had been conspicuously absent from stores since late 2023, sparking concerns among loyal customers that the iconic treat might have been permanently discontinued.
The Disappearance That Caused Concern
The vanishing act of Bounty bars formed part of what shoppers described as a worrying trend of iconic Australian confectionery items becoming increasingly difficult to find. This pattern followed similar disappearances of popular Allen's chocolate products and the much-loved Five Flavours Lifesavers, creating anxiety among sweet-toothed consumers about the future availability of their favourite treats.
Mars Wrigley, the manufacturer behind Bounty, had previously acknowledged the situation, with a company spokesperson confirming that while production issues were affecting availability, the popular coconut chocolate would eventually return to supermarket shelves. That long-awaited moment has now arrived, bringing relief to chocolate enthusiasts nationwide.
A New Recipe and Manufacturing Origin
Melbourne food enthusiast Kati Keksi shared photographic evidence of Bounty's return in January 2025, revealing an important development in the product's formulation. The newly available bars now carry a gluten-free designation, marking a significant change for consumers with dietary restrictions.
Kati documented Bounty's manufacturing journey, noting: "Bounty has had quite the journey over the last few years. First it was Aussie made (may contain gluten), then Netherlands (gluten-free) and now... Egypt (gluten-free)!" This shift in production location represents the latest chapter in the chocolate bar's evolving story.
Shoppers Express Their Joy
The chocolate's return has generated enthusiastic responses from Australian consumers across social media platforms. One delighted shopper exclaimed: "I just spent $3 on one at Coles and I'm in heaven," while another noted: "The small twin pack is my go to hiking chocolate."
For consumers with gluten sensitivities, the return represents particularly good news. One mother shared: "When I was first diagnosed 26 years ago, Bounty and cherry ropes were some of the only GF chocolates around. There have been many versions over the years and I have been caught out. Happy to see they are GF again!"
Understanding the Supply Chain Challenges
Mars Wrigley had previously explained the production gap to the Daily Mail, attributing it to significant supply chain constraints. A company spokesperson stated in May 2024: "Our much-loved Bounty is not going anywhere, however due to capacity constraints at our factory in Europe, Australian consumers may be experiencing stock shortages in some areas of the country."
During the shortage period, Australian shoppers took to online forums to express their frustration. One Reddit user questioned: "What's up with Bounty chocolate bars vanishing? Every time I go to Coles or Woolies, I can never find them. I went to Big W and the only area they had them was in the grab stands at the registers. Are they being discontinued or something?"
Alternative Solutions During the Shortage
While Bounty bars were unavailable, resourceful consumers explored various alternatives. Some recommended supermarket competitors, with one suggesting: "Sorry to be cliché and recommend Aldi, but the Aldi versions are good and made in Europe - so you're getting the good chocolate." Another proposed: "Whittaker's coconut chocolate!" as a worthy substitute.
The most creative solution came from a woman who began making her own version at home, sharing: "You can make your own with three ingredients: condensed milk, shredded coconut, and melted chocolate. It tastes the same." This homemade approach kept the Bounty spirit alive during the product's absence from shelves.
The return of Bounty chocolate represents more than just the reappearance of a popular confectionery item. It demonstrates the resilience of consumer favourites in the face of global supply chain challenges and highlights how manufacturers adapt their production processes to meet changing consumer needs, particularly regarding dietary requirements like gluten-free certification.
