’Worst lolly ever’ returns to stores

An iconic Aussie lolly brand has come under fire for quietly bringing back a treat that is as hated as it is loved.

Nine years after quietly taking Spearmint Leaves off shelves in 2015, confectionary brand Allen’s is re-releasing the lolly in August.

Australian lolly lovers have erupted at the news it will be making a comeback.

The leaf-shaped gummy is a treat for those who love mint, with many likening the taste to toothpaste.

With the news coming just one year after the brand announced it would be discontinuing the production of Fantales, some Aussies exploded.

“So they’re bringing back Spearmint leaves but got rid of Fantales?” one user wrote on social media.

Another user took to Facebook to say Spearmint Leaves are “by far the worst lolly ever created”.

Another said they would often be disappointed to open a bag of mixed lollies and find a Spearmint Leaf.

“I always thought it was strange to make a lolly that tasted like toothpaste. No, they weren’t my favourite,” one user wrote.

Nestle Oceania head of confectionery marketing Melanie Chen said mint fans “love the sweet chewy tang” of the lollies.

But it was also a “favourite decoration” among bakers.

She added there was also “extra sweet, sweet news” and revealed the brand was relaunching Sherbies in its own bag for $5.

“Allen’s Sherbies are now back in their own bag. The first orange-chew bite with its pocket of sherbet is ready and waiting for chewy lolly lovers,” she said.

Australians were sent into a fury a year ago when the brand revealed it would no longer be producing Fantales.

The decision follows declining sales and the need for significant and expensive upgrades to continue to make Fantales at Nestle’s Melbourne confectionery factory, the company said.

“We know our decision to stop making Fantales will be sad news for many people,” Nestle Oceania confectionery general manager Andrew Lawrey said in a statement.

“Many of us grew up with Fantales and have fond memories of them.

“Despite the sense of nostalgia Fantales evoke, unfortunately people simply aren’t buying them as often as they used to.”