Gossip: Mentos Cola returns and new Nestle KitKat flavours

Just a couple of new releases to report:

A previous limited edition Mentos flavour, Cola, has made a return for another period. We only saw it a year or so ago but it's back again. Somehow I missed reviewing it last time, so I will be picking up a roll for analysis soon.

Grape Mix has also become available in a roll (from its debut in the resealable share pack) so this will be reviewed soon, too.

In more exciting news, Nestle has just released images of their new KitKat flavours (plural) to distributors. Choc Mint Whirl and Choc Whirl are two completely new flavours and styles. It appears that the top layer of the finger will have a marbled effect, giving the product its name. So far I have found images of Choc Mint Whirl available across medium and king size bars, and family blocks, but Choc Whirl seems to only be available in the family block. I'm not sure if that's permanent or if it will be released to the other sizes as well.

Have you seen anything new and exciting released?

[Mod post] Two week hiatus

Hi lolly addicts!

Just a note to let you know I'm travelling for the next two weeks and won't be posting any reviews during that time.

See you in a fortnight!

Cadbury Marvellous Creations Limited Edition 2 x Stars

Believe it or not, I've actually reached the last Marvellous Creations product in my review basket - at least until Cadbury puts out another round of flavours! Let's take a look at newcomer Stars.

Mars Limited Edition Caramel

Mars has gone back in time with their 2014 seasonal release of the classic Mars Bar, and given us 'Mars Caramel'. They didn't have to go back too far - we last saw this just two years ago in 2012. Must have been popular. Let's see how it rates on the Lolly Addict scale.

Gossip: Allen's Killer Pythons size change review

So this isn't a review per se, but rather a look at old vs new. Earlier this month, Nestle, the Allen's parent company, announced it was halving the size of their Killer Python snakes. The day after I read that article, I went on the hunt to find an old packet to do a comparison, but do you think I could find one anywhere? Both Coles and Woolies had the new stock in already. I took me until a few days ago, when I was in a Big W, to find an old bag hanging on the shelves behind the new stock (clearly someone doesn't know proper stock rotation). So, finally, let's compare!

Epic and Epic Nuts Bars

Part bargain bin delight and part oddment, these Epic bars were released by BP petrol stations a few months ago, selling for the hugely expensive price of $1 each. Given those facts and the lack of a brand name, I'm starting to have my doubts on the awesomeness of these bars.

Cadbury Dairy Milk Bubbly Honeycomb

During the recent evolution to their Marvellous Creations range, Cadbury have quietly sneaked a new flavour of Bubbly onto confecitonery shelves: Honeycomb.

Haribo Mega-Roulette

Common around the world but new to Australia, Mega-Roulette is a roll of disc-shaped gummis from German company Haribo. Google tells me they are pretty popular, going by the number of places where you can buy a whole box!

Cadbury Cherry Ripe In A Block

I'm more than a little late with this review; these limited edition blocks from Cadbury are no longer available. Forgive my tardiness and enjoy the review anyway!

Mars Milky Way Banana Choc

A favourite of kids everywhere, Milky Way bars (not to be confused with Milky Ways from the US) are still as popular now as they were when I was at school (oh no that makes me sound old!). The newest seasonal release flavour is Banana Choc.

Cadbury Marvellous Creations Jelly Zingers

We're chugging along on the train to Joyville, steadily checking Cadbury's new additions to the Marvellous Creations range. Next up are Jelly Zingers.

Darrell Lea Liquorice Choc Stix Strawberry

At the start of this year, Australian brand Darrell Lea added a new product to their range: Stix. The famous liquorice makers have taken some of their favourite flavours and added a chocolate centre or outer layer. My introduction to the filled type of liquorice was actually through a New Zealand brand, RJ's, and their Raspberry Choc Logs, which we sold at my old job. Since RJs can only be found as imported stock, it's good to see an Aussie brand bringing their own version to the table.

Cadbury Marvellous Creations Toffee Nutters

Cadbury's Marvellous Creations range just keeps on growing! In the brand new bitesize bags, the brand has just released three new flavours. We've already looked at Caramel Shakes - now, it's Toffee Nutter time.

Haribo Happy Cola

Haribo is a well-known gummi brand all around the world. The German brand's most popular product would have to be their Gold Bears, but they and the rest of their gummi brethren have only become available in Australia over the past five years or so. So while the Haribo products I review aren't new to the rest of the world, they are new to the Australian market.

 Head after the jump for more!

Gossip: New Mars seasonal release, new Sour Patch gummis, and more!

I have new releases coming out of my ears! Let's jump right in.

Cadbury Marvellous Creations Caramel Shake

Cadbury exploded into September with not only three new flavours in the Marvellous Creations blocks, but a new sub-range of bite-size lollies that follow the Marvellous Creations idea, but are perhaps a little simpler than their bigger siblings. First up is Caramel Shakes.

Head after the jump to read more!

Trolli iDots

In a recent Gossip post, I talked about a new product by Trolli called iDots, and then promptly forgot all about it. Mostly because I don't have access to those beautiful milk bars that are a treasure trove for all sorts of quirky, wonderful lollies - now all my lollies come from supermarkets and other majors. So imagine my surprise when I came across iDots, tucked away on the bottom shelf of the confectionery aisle of Big W!

 Head after the jump to read more!

Cadbury Marvellous Creations Orange Lolly

It's time we took a look at the final new flavour for the Marvellous Creations block and bar range from Cadbury. The full title is 'Orange Lolly Orange Chew Fizzy Crunch' - let's see if the chocolate is better than the mash-up of words that is that name!

Head after the jump to read on!

Mars M&M's Pineapple

This time last year, Mars released M&M's Raspberry. Although there's been another seasonal release between now and then (Vanilla Shake), it seems Mars has returned to fruit for flavour inspiration with its new release, M&M's Pineapple.

Follow the link to read on!

Cadbury Marvellous Creations Cola Popping Candy

After the not-so-fun combination of Toffee Apple Chew (please don't hurt me Cadbury), I'm looking forward to trying the next new flavour in the stable of Cadbury's Marvellous Creations range. Like the rest of its brethren, Cola Popping Candy is a wacky combination of ingredients, mixed through Cadbury's Dairy Milk chocolate.

Head after the jump to read more!

Sour Patch Kids

Sour Patch Kids are a worldwide favourite, especially in the US. They only reached Australian shores earlier this year, and are available here in three formats; a 170g bag, a medium-size 65g single serve, and mini 'funsize' bags that are about 20g each. The flavours are a generic mix - the packet doesn't elaborate but the flavours are fruit-inspired. In other countries, specialised flavours are available, including Blue Raspberry, Berries, Extreme, and other flavours.

Head after the jump to read more!

Cadbury Marvellous Creations Toffee Apple Chew

Intent on making a splash, and capitalising on the loyalty gained last year with the initial launch of the Marvellous Creations range from Joyville, Cadbury have released three new flavours into the carnival-inspired range, plus additional products. The large blocks see the three new flavours: Toffee Apple Crunch, Orange Lolly Chew and Cola Popping Candy, with two of those also introduced into the 45g medium bars (cola and orange), and all three in the ice creams range. In addition, a bagged 'bitesize' range has debuted, with another three new flavours. All will be reviewed in time!

Let's dive in with the most interesting block - Toffee Apple Crunch. Head after the jump to read more!

Gossip: New Marvellous Creations products in store!

That was quick!

Have a look below for images of the new flavours in the large blocks and medium-sized bars, and the brand new bitesize flavours as well! The blocks were spotted in Woolworths and the bitesize bags in Coles, but I imagine they will be available across all channels relatively quickly.

Gossip: New M&M's, new Marvellous Creations, new Wonka - oh my!

Hey! - followers of my Twitter account and/or Facebook page get new release gossip as I find it on the shelves, but it can take me a little while to compile it all here for blog readers, so make sure you follow me on Twitter, or like the Facebook page to get up-to-date info!

Where oh where do I begin? It's been a little while since I've pulled everything together for a gossip column, but I think we should go straight to the most exciting one:

Mars M&M's in pineapple!

Lindt Creation Sublime Mint

Last year, Lindt & Sprungli added yet another version of their Swiss chocolates to their constantly growing range: Creation. The initial release of the flavoured 100g blocks included Velvety Vanilla Almond, Creme Brulee, Divine Hazelnut and Sumptous Dark Orange. The first three are milk chocolate, while the later is made using dark chocolate. Recently Lindt added another dark chocolate block to the range: Sublime Mint.

Follow the link to read more!

Nestle Kit Kat Bites

My first experience with Kit Kat Bites wasn't today - it was actually a few years ago. Flash sale site Grocery Run (an off-shoot of the more popular Catch of the Day) was selling imported confectionery, and among them were a medium-sized bag of Kit Kat Bites. Intriguied, I bought them (alongside other American candy), and when they arrived I promptly devoured the bag. This was before my days as a lolly reviewer, so I don't have the wrapper and can't even tell you the country of origin, but I remember that I enjoyed them enough to go searching my local stores for the red foil bag. Of course I was sorely disappointed and came home empty-handed. Now they're here - so let's see if they are as good as I remember.

Head after the link for more!

Chupa Chup Fairy Floss Bubble Gum

Lollypops are a little bit of a niche product that doesn't get a lot of attention in the Australian confectionery market. Aside from Starburst Sucks, Chupa Chups don't really have any real competitors, and for goo reason. There isn't a whole lot that you can do with a lollypop, except play with flavours a little. So imagine my surprise when I spotted the new Chupa Chups Fairy Floss Bubble Gum on the shelf recently.

Follow the link for more!

Cadbury Limited Edition Dairy Milk Strawberries & Creme

After being teased with this new release (and it's brethren Crackle and Toffee Crisp) back in May, I'm glad to say it's finally in my hot little hands! Cadbury's limited edition Dairy Milk Strawberries & Creme is an odd little fellow, and very different to the current Cadbury products you can find on your shelves at the moment. Let's dive in and have a look!

Follow the link for more!

Mentos Very Berry

Mentos seem to be developing a habit of mixing flavours for new releases, rather than producing something entirely new. Very Berry is a perfect example of this, combining existing flavours of strawberry, raspberry and blackcurrant into a themed roll. (Remember Berry Blast? I can't remember the flavour combo used but I'm betting it's very similar to this release.)

Head after the jump to read more!

Starburst Squirts Crazy Babies

Well, here's a blast from the past! Way back in 2003, Starburst introduced us to Squirts, their signature Gummi Fruits with a liquid-filled centre. They were revolutionary, bringing the liquid-filled lolly to the Australian market for the first time. (View the commercial here; note the plastic tray packaging.) The release expanded to include Squirts Crazy Babies; the same idea, used on the Starburst Babies. And then, inexplicibly, the product faded from the market in 2009-2010. Google the  product name to see a number of forum posts lamenting their disappearance

Luckily for us, Squirts Crazy Babies seem to be back! Head after the jump to read more!

 

Tic Tac Tropical

In May, Ferrero, the creators of Tic Tac in Australia, released a new flavour combination: Tropical, a mix of pineapple, passionfruit and mango pieces. The company also ran a tropical holiday competition to ensure the release was noticed. Let's take a look and see if it was worth the hype.

 
Head after the jump for more!

Gossip: Cadbury Dairy Milk Crackle and Mars Snickers Almond land on shelves, and Mentos Tutti Fruitti launched

First up: while travelling in rural WA a couple of weekends ago, I stumbled across one of Cadbury's five new Dairy Milk blocks: Crackle. (I laugh because it still hasn't arrived in my metro supermarkets yet!)

The block didn't survive the journey home so all I have is this wrapper, but I promise a review as soon as I can find another block!

While out on the same trip, I spotted a new Mentos flavour: Tutti Fruitti. Like many Mentos flavours, this one has been available internationally for some time, but seems to have only just made the jump here. I didn't have the chance to take a picture, so thanks to the internet for supplying.

Finally, Snickers Almond from Mars has begun to arrive on shelves. Again, this release isn't a world-exclusive; the US has been sitting on this flavour for years. Review coming soon!

Wonka Cookie Creamery

Nestle's Wonka subbrand has broken into the medium bar range with a brand new flavour, Cookie Creamery.  It's a new take on the popular cookies and cream flavour, but will it resonate with fans?

Follow the jump to read more!

Gossip: Whittaker's L&P Slab, New Snickers LE, New Big Boss Flavour and More

More new releases!

New Zealand chocolate brand Whittaker's is releasing a 'truly Kiwi' variety of their famous chocolate, called the L&P Slab. The small slab will be made from white chocolate infused with L&P soft drink flavour, and mixed through with popping candy. L&P is made from a mix of lemon and 'carbonated mineral water from the town of Paeroa'. Lemon-flavoured white chocolate? This will surely be a challenge to the tastebuds! The flavour has been available in NZ for a little while now, but soon it will be reaching Australian shores.

Remember Big Boss, the giant lolly cigars which are now just sticks? They were originally released in caramel flavour, and about five years ago we saw Tutti Fruitti (blue) released. Now a new flavour range is joining the ranks: Sours, which contain sticks in the flavours of Blackcurrant Blast, Atomic Apple, Gob-Puckering Grape and Wuss-Out Watermelon. (I love those names!) I think these may only be available as the single piece as sold in milk bars etc - I doubt we'll be seeing them in retail bags sold at larger stores. If you do manage to get your hands on them, please send me a review!

Following on from above, remember Fizzers? From the original flavours of Creaming Soda, Strawberry and Orange, the range has expanded to include lots of new flavours, and the newest is Blue Buzz Mixed Fruit.

Haribo will be launching a new product here in Australia: Mega-Roulette, a roll of small gummi pieces in assorted flavours. As with most Haribo products, Mega-Roulette is not new to the rest of the world.

It's that time of year, when Mars Snickers appears in a brand new limited-edition flavour. This year we're seeing Snickers Almond, available in both medium and king-size bars. The flavour has been available in the US for some time, but I don't think we've had it here in Australia before.

Cadbury Cherry Ripe Dark Ganache

2014 marks 90 years since Cherry Ripe was first released in Australia. It's clearly a favourite with the general public, but Cadbury still likes to mix it up and give us a seasonal release based on old faithful. This year they've fancied it up and offer Cherry Ripe Dark Ganache, a twist on last year's seasonal release Cherry Ripe Burst.

Head after the jump for more!

Skittles Tropical

The Tropical flavour of Skittles isn't a new one; Wikipedia indicates it was released in the US way back in 1989. However, it's the first time it's hit Australian shores as a regular product (that is, not via import stores).

Head after the jump to read more!

Gossip: Lots of new Cadbury flavours, plus more!

It's been a bit quiet here at Lolly Addict as I've been busy in school, but the confectionery and chocolate companies have kept the new releases rolling! Expect to see reviews of these in the coming weeks.

Cadbury is getting the party started with five brand new flavours to their large block range, plus the return of fan-favourite Black Forest. The new flavours are Dairy Milk and Picnic, Cherry Ripe, Dairy Milk and Toffee Crisp, Dairy Milk and Strawberries and Cream, and Dairy Milk and Milk Crackle.

Cherry Ripe has already landed (as part of the 90th anniversary of Cherry Ripe), and Picnic has just arrived. The other new flavours are sure to be close behind!

(This isn't official gossip, but while in IGA a few weeks ago I spotted some Dairy Milk and Tropical Pineapple blocks with fresh expiry dates (2015)  but old packaging. Any theories as to the sudden and silent appearance of these? They may just be old(er) stock that IGA has bought to clear out the warehouse. Who knows?)

Lindt's Excellence range just keeps on growing. This time around is a unique flavour - 'Zest of Lime' with dark chocolate.

Nestle's Wonka subbrand has just put out a new flavour and a new size - 'Cookie Creamery' in a medium bar (45g).

I also just discovered today that Cookie Creamery will also be released in the larger ~140g blocks, so that suggests to me that we may also see the other Wonka block flavours released in the medium bar size too.

I'm starting to think that Woolworths has some sort of deal going on with gummi manufacturer Haribo. Late last year we saw the pallet lot of The Smurfs come and go; now we've got three new (to Australia at least) flavours.

Finally, way back in August of 2012, Starburst released 'Mixed Berries' as one of their Limited Edition bags, which I reviewed. It seems the flavour has made a comeback into the regular lineup, as spotted at an IGA store recently. If you'd like to read the review, just click the link there.