McVitie's Discontinues Choc Gems After Four Decades
McVitie's has discontinued its beloved Choc Gems biscuits after 40 years on shelves, sparking outrage among fans who have threatened to boycott the company. The product has been replaced by a new version featuring cocoa-flavoured icing instead of milk chocolate.
Key Changes to the Recipe
According to the ingredients list, the original Choc Gems contained 40% milk chocolate, while the new version is made with fat-reduced cocoa powder and natural cocoa flavouring. The individual bag size has increased from 19g to 23g, with a recommended retail price of £2.30. Tesco previously sold five packs of Choc Gems for 95p, but the updated version is now priced at £1.50.
Fan Reactions and Boycott Threats
Fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment. One Reddit user claimed McVitie's "have totally ruined them!!" Another said, "I'm genuinely devastated." A third wrote: "Oh dear just discovered the same, McVitie's what have you done? They have ruined a much loved snack for so many. How sneaky and unfair to their customers. Will definitely be boycotting."
Company Statement
Pladis, which owns McVitie's, said in a statement: "We have made changes to the McVitie's Iced Gems range and McVitie's Milk Chocolate Iced Gems are no longer available. In their place, we have introduced Iced Gems Chocolate Flavour, which features the same crunchy biscuit base as the rest of the range with a cocoa-flavoured icing swirl." The company added that "the appearance and taste of Iced Gems Chocolate Flavour are now in line with the rest of the range."
