Haribo releases its first ever chocolate bar but shoppers call it a ‘sensory nightmare’

Haribo has released a chocolate bar, but it’s unfortunately limited-edition (Picture: NurPhoto via Getty Images) Since 1920, those with a sweet tooth have lived and died by the wise words: kids and grown-ups love it so, the happy world of Haribo. And now, after more than 100 years, the confectionary giant is releasing a product entirely different to its other offerings: a chocolate bar. It’s part of a collaboration with another German brand, Ritter Sport, which sells square-shaped blocks of chocolates, and marks the first time in Haribo history that it’s been sold as part of a chocolate bar. Combining Ritter Sport’s milk chocolate with Haribo’s Balla Bites, which are fruit gummies in red, green, and yellow flavours, the bar also marks the first time the two names have been seen in the same packaging. The bars weigh 100g, and they’ll be retailing for £2 a pop, found on supermarket shelves at the likes of Lidl, Tesco, and Sainsbury’s. It’s part of a collab with fellow German brand, Ritter Sport (Picture: Haribo) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. They’ll be available in stores across the UK from September, but you’ll need to snap them up while they’re hot, because they’re a limited-edition snack. ‘A sensory nightmare’ Foodie fans have had mixed reactions to the announcement. On Facebook, Jessica Walker described news of the collab as ‘absolutely amazing,’ and Ebony Bray said they ‘need this’. But over on Instagram, @trishala.483 said: ‘The two textures sound like a sensory nightmare, ngl.’ @jadore1 added that while they’re ‘not a fan of sweets in chocolate,’ the ‘packaging is adorable.’ On Facebook, Callum Lawton said they like Balla Bites, but the thought of mixing them with chocolate is ‘nasty.’ Benedict Daniels, managing director of Ritter Sport UK and Ireland, is adamant it’s a match made in heaven though. ‘Some collaborations feel so natural that you wonder why nobody has done them before,’ he said. ‘We’ve spent more than 100 years making quality chocolate and Haribo has been creating moments of childlike happiness for generations. ‘Bringing the two together has allowed us to create something that’s genuinely surprising and fun.’ Ritter Sport is popular in Germany, and also available in the UK (Picture: Getty Images) Other recent foodie news Haribo and Ritter Sport aren’t the only two names in confectionery to team up on a new design lately. Biscoff and Toblerone recently released the Biscoff Toblerone Diamond Truffles. While it might not be the traditional Toblerone shape, instead made up of smaller chocolates, it retains much of the traditional flavour. This time around, there’s a caramelised biscuit filling (that’ll be the Biscoff), along with honey and almond nougat pieces many of us associate with the mountain-shaped chocolate, modelled on the Matterhorn in the Alps. The product is already available at the likes of Tesco, where it retails for £6 for one 180g packet, while Ocado and Sainsbury’s are charging £6.75. The description says the chocolates are ‘packed with luxury deliciousness as a sweet present,’ and ‘perfect for gifting or sharing at special gatherings.’ They also promise to ‘bring joy to every festive moment.’ Yes, we’re already talking about Christmas in August. Elsewhere in the world of chocolate news, last month, M&S revived four retro chocolate bars: Jet, Now, Sparks, and Coconut Grove. First sold as part of M&S’ 80s confectionery range, they’re a welcome return for those who remember snacking on them the first time around. Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you The bars, which are priced at just £1 each, feature the St Michael logo — a brand owned and used by M&S between 1927 and 2000. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: Ditch the Hugo Spritz — there’s a better elderflower cocktail for summer Arrow MORE: I’m a nutritionist — these are the worst foods to eat during a heatwave Arrow MORE: Asda launches new £4 lunch deal — including items from the rotisserie chicken counter The Slice Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.