Searches for Caramac on the Ocado website have gone up by a whopping 3,497% as fans desperately try to track down the axed favourite

• The UK’s online supermarket revealed a surge in searches for the sweet treat 
• READ MORE: Petition to save discontinued Caramac bar reaches 27,000 signatures in under a week

Online searches for the axed Caramac bar have soared by a staggering 3,497 per cent for one grocer, following fans’ heartbreak at the chocolate being discontinued. 

Ocado – the UK’s largest online supermarket – has seen a huge rise in interest from passionate shoppers since the week after Nestle’s controversial announcement to axe the sweet treat.

Customers are desperate to get their hands on the chocolate bar while also hunting for alternatives to satisfy the loss of their beloved delicacy, which has been around since 1959.

Sales of Cadbury ‘Caramilk’ have also more than doubled at 184 per cent, whereas M&S’ Golden Blond Chocolate sales have risen by 185 per cent.

The supermarket’s Senior Buyer for Confectionery, Rich Sharpe, said this reflects a growing interest in blonde chocolate.

Online searches for the axed Caramac bar have soared by a staggering 3,497 per cent for one grocer, following fans’ heartbreak at the chocolate being discontinued (stock image used)

‘[It] is increasingly popular with our customers,’ he added. ‘So it’s no surprise that the news of Caramac’s discontinuation has caused a flurry of searches on site.  Luckily, we have plenty of other options to satisfy cravings.’ 

Nestle UK last week confirmed that it will be discontinuing a popular chocolate bar due to declining sales – sending fans into uproar.

A petition to save the chocolate bar from being discontinued had since garnered the support of over 27,000 people in less than a week.

The fan favourite sweet treat was axed because the brand claims it’s not as popular as others in their range.

However, some Britons are outraged by the decision – joking they are ‘going to riot’ and others claiming that the decision is ‘ageist’.

One fan has taken it as far as to set up a petition on Change.org, which is quickly gathering signatures.

Urging Nestle to reverse its choice, organiser Gary Millar argued that axing the chocolate bar would be a ‘significant loss to our cultural heritage’.

Ocado – the UK’s largest online supermarket – has seen a huge rise in interest from passionate shoppers since the week after the controversial announcement (stock image used)

Laying out his reasons, he wrote: ‘Of course there are more important causes, but this nostalgic sweet petition is gaining national interest… As a lover of Caramac bars, I am deeply saddened by the potential discontinuation of this beloved treat. 

‘The unique blend of caramel and white chocolate has been delighting taste buds for over 50 years since it was first produced by Mackintosh’s in 1959. 

‘Its smooth texture and toffee-like flavour have made it a favourite among many, including myself. Unfortunately, there is growing concern that production may cease due to changes in consumer preferences and market trends. 

‘This would be a significant loss not only for those who enjoy Caramac bars but also for our shared cultural heritage. 

‘The UK confectionery industry is worth £1.1 billion annually (according to Mintel), and iconic products like Caramac contribute significantly to its success.’

He pleaded: ‘We cannot let this piece of confectionery history fade away without a fight.

‘By signing this petition, you are showing your support for preserving the production of Caramac bars and ensuring future generations can enjoy its unique taste as we have. Please sign this petition today to help save our beloved Caramac!’

Nestle UK last week confirmed that it will be discontinuing a popular chocolate bar due to declining sales – sending fans into uproar. Stock image used

One fan who signed, commented ‘Whilst many more important things are going on in the world, something as simple as a sweet treat acts as a pick me up Caramac has been mine for decades.

‘In a family with many who cannot eat cocoa this little bar of indulgence has enabled them to be no different to those who can eat many other brands.’

Another pledged ‘One of my favourites. If it goes I’ll NEVER buy Nestle chocolate again’.

Someone else added: ‘I cannot eat chocolate due to an allergy and this is the best best alternative. Come on Nestle listen to the people. We love it’.

Meanwhile, older supporters chimed in with ‘I’ve enjoyed Caramac for over 50 years’ and ‘I am fed up with losing my past’.

The bar was also a staple for those who are allergic to cocoa – one customer said ‘I cannot eat cocoa as it gives me a migraine. Caramac is my treat and means I don’t feel left out when others are eating chocolate’.

It comes after brand and culture expert Nick Ede told FEMAIL: ‘It feels that Nestle are being a bit ageist towards the product and have left it on their product shelves to die. 

‘It is important for brands to evolve and create new product but to many Caramac was a heritage one and very popular. It made its name for itself after the war and was super popular with baby boomers but it seems to have fallen out of favour or flavour should I say!’

What’s more, shortly after the announcement of Caramacs demise, the chocolate giant announced a further discontinuation – the Animal Bar.

Due to ‘low performance,’ it’s being pulled from shelves after 60 years, leaving shoppers hit with another blow.

A spokesperson told MailOnline it’s ‘being discontinued, for the same reason as Caramac – a steady decline in sales’. 

One social media user commented ‘I’ve woken to the news that the Animal bar will soon be extinct. It brings back fond memories from my childhood, and I know of no other chocolate bar that cracks in the same deliciously satisfying way,’ a second added. Another pleaded: ‘Don’t you dare get rid of the Animal bar or so help me god’. 

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