Allen’s call to drop beloved Spearmint Leaves, Green Frogs leaves sour taste

UPDATE: LOLLY lovers have gone sour over Allen’s axing of Spearmint Leaves and Green Frogs — but the company is standing by its decision, saying the treats simply weren’t selling.

LOLLY lovers have gone sour over Allen’s axing of Spearmint Leaves and Green Frogs — but the company is standing by its decision, saying the treats simply weren’t selling.

Hundreds of sweet-tooths have stormed social media to mourn the green treats, which were quietly discontinued last year. Others begged for them to be given a reprieve, while hardcore fans pledged to boycott the brand for ditching the Aussie favourites.

A call for Spearmint Leaves, a popular cake decoration, to be brought back as a Christmas treat is also gaining momentum online.

Allen’s parent company Nestle says while such a limited edition release could be considered down the track, it has no plans to indulge the Christmas wish at this stage.

Nestle spokeswoman Margaret Stuart said she was surprised so many people were seeing green over the cuts, as neither Spearmint Leaves or Green Frogs had been available in supermarkets or major stores — both had only been supplied in bulk to lolly shops.

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Sales of Allen’s Spearmint Leaves had also been declining for some time, and the lime-flavoured Green Frogs had never reached the popularity of their red counterpart.

“It’s been surprising to see the amount of passion for the Spearmint Leaves,” Ms Stuart said.

“And in recent times, Red Frogs have been outselling the green 10 to one.

“If (a product) is not selling, it makes no sense to continue it.”

Ms Stuart said some of the dumped lollies may still be found in stores, but no new ones had been produced since late last year.

Allen’s had not made a public announcement when it decided to cut the treats because it believed people weren’t interested in the products anymore, she said.

It appears lolly lovers disagree — Allen’s Facebook page was yesterday flooded with complaints, with some calling the axing of the dumped sweets “un-Australian”.

“Axing these classic legendary lollies is going to the beginning of the end for you,” Kimberley Wood wrote.

Karen Rofet said there would be “no more Allen’s lollies in my house”, while Jodie Sims called the axing a “travesty”.

Allison Crozier suggested bringing back popular cake adornment Spearmint Leaves as a “limited edition Christmas treat” — an idea backed by several others.

“Not only are they yummy, they’re great for decorating Christmas desserts,” Samantha Tippelt posted.

Nancy Mackenzie agreed: “Please do the spearmint leaves as a Christmas line because we need them to make ... cute little xmas puddings — our family tradition.”

Allen’s also copped flack last October when it shrunk its giant Killer Python lollies from 47g to 24g to make them more appropriate for children.

Australia’s largest lolly manufacturer also recently removed gelatine from Chico Babies to make them vegetarian and changed the blue colour in snakes and cars to purple.

But Allen’s has assured customers Redskins will not be downsized and Marella Jubes, Sherbies and Oddfellows mints will remain available, despite reports suggesting otherwise this week.

Its parent company Nestle and its competitor Cadbury have also downsized several products in recent times, including some of Nestle’s KitKat Chunky bars and Cadbury’s Caramello Koalas, Freddo Frogs and family chocolate block.