Why $2 supermarket item has ‘vanished’ from Aussie shelves

Aussie shoppers are reporting a popular item is impossible to find, prompting the chocolate manufacturer to issue an urgent update.

If you’ve been struggling to pick up your favourite chocolate while at the supermarket, you’re not alone.

Australians recently spotted Bounty bars had disappeared from shelves, sparking fears the cult-confectionary item had been axed.

But despite concerns the popular bar, which contains a coconut centre encased in chocolate, had been discontinued, its manufacturer has explained why the product has “vanished” from Coles and Woolworths.

“Our much-loved Bounty is not going anywhere, however due to capacity constraints at our factory where Bounty is produced in Europe, Australian consumers may be experiencing stock shortages in some areas of the country,” a Mars spokesperson told news.com.au.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience, and we anticipate Bounty to be back on shelves by the middle of June.”

Bounty bars have ‘vanished’ from supermarket shelves recently. Picture: Supplied

Reports the sweet treat, which retails for around $2.20 in most stores, was facing stock issues first emerged last year when a concerned Aussie shared their frustrations on Reddit.

“What’s up with Bounty chocolate bars vanishing? Every time I go to Coles or Woolies, I can’t ever find them,” the tread shared.

“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?”

Many were quick to share their own struggles, but explained the shortage was down to issues with the supply chain.

“I’ve been having the same issue. Bounty bars have been unreliably coming in [to Australia] since Covid messed with imports,” one responded.

“Stock has frequently run out for months but they’re not a discontinued item. I assume it must be some sort of supply issue with an ingredient or manufacturing location perhaps,” another speculated.

Mars told news.com.au there was an issue with the factory where the chocolate bar was made in Europe. Picture: news.com.au

The spot where the beloved Bounty should be. Picture: news.com.au

As months passed, the issue continued, with fans recently taking to X, formerly Twitter, to ask what was going on.

“Just noticed the lack of Bounty chocolate bars in Woolies and Coles, where have they gone?” one pressed.

“I’ve been wanting a Bounty for weeks and every time I’m at Woolies there’s none to be seen,” another agreed.

As one simply asked: “Where are all the Bounty bars?”

While stock should be back on Australian shelves soon, Mars recently confirmed its dark chocolate Bounty had been discontinued.

Following the announcement in September 2023, a Change.org petition was launched to “bring back” the bar, to no avail.

Originally published as Why $2 supermarket item has ‘vanished’ from Aussie shelves