On April 18, 2025, Toblerone fans received disappointing news: the beloved dark chocolate version of the iconic triangular chocolate bar is being discontinued in the UK after nearly six decades on the shelves. Mondelēz International, the American company that produces Toblerone, announced that its 360g dark chocolate bar would no longer be available, attributing the "difficult decision" to changing consumer tastes. The company acknowledged that this news may be disappointing for some consumers, saying, "While we understand that this may be disappointing for some consumers, we continue to invest in Toblerone."
Despite the loss of the dark chocolate variant, UK buyers will still have access to other flavors, including the classic milk chocolate, white chocolate, crunchy almond, and orange twist versions. The original Toblerone bar was first introduced in 1908, and the dark chocolate version, which contains 50% cocoa, was launched in 1969. However, the discontinuation has left many fans feeling devastated.
Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions from disappointed customers. One user on X (formerly Twitter) lamented, "What is it with axing dark chocolate bars in the UK? First we lost Bounty, now we’re losing the pyramids. It’s baffling as dark chocolate is better for you than milk chocolate so this is a strange move." Another fan expressed their sadness on Reddit, stating, "As a lover of dark chocolate, it’s lovely that..."
The timing of the announcement coincides with the Easter bank holiday weekend, a peak time for chocolate sales. However, the chocolate industry has been facing challenges due to rising cocoa prices, which reached record highs in December 2023. According to the Office for National Statistics, the price of chocolate rose by 13.6% in the year leading up to March 2025. An investigation by Which? revealed that Easter egg prices had surged by as much as 50% compared to the previous year, while supermarket chocolate in general had increased by 16.5%.
Claire Burnet, co-founder of the premium chocolate company Chococo, explained that these rising prices are primarily driven by poor harvests from the two largest cocoa-producing countries, Ghana and the Ivory Coast. She noted that a combination of aging farmers, declining yields, and climate change has created a "perfect storm" affecting cocoa production. With cocoa being a key ingredient in dark chocolate, the rising costs may have contributed to Mondelēz's decision.
In addition to the discontinuation of the dark chocolate version, Toblerone has also made headlines in recent years for changes to its packaging. In 2023, the company removed the iconic Matterhorn mountain from its packaging after relocating some production to Bratislava, Slovakia, to comply with Switzerland’s "Swissness" Act. This legislation prohibits the use of national symbols on products that are not made exclusively in Switzerland. Consequently, the packaging now features a generic mountain instead of the Matterhorn.
The company has pledged to invest 65 million Swiss francs (£60 million) into its manufacturing plant in Bern, Switzerland, as part of its commitment to the Toblerone brand. This investment aims to enhance production capabilities and maintain the quality of its products. Mondelēz revealed that the Swiss flag would soon appear on the packaging of Toblerone chocolates produced in Switzerland, emphasizing the brand's heritage.
Despite the discontinuation of the dark chocolate variant, Toblerone continues to innovate. For Easter 2025, the brand launched its new "Toblerone Edgy Egg with Truffles," which aims to attract consumers looking for unique chocolate experiences. A spokesperson for Mondelēz stated, "We continuously adapt our product range to ensure it meets changing tastes whilst supporting growth for our customers and business, and as a result, made the difficult decision to discontinue our Toblerone Dark (360g) bars in the UK."
While the dark chocolate Toblerone may be leaving the shelves, the brand's commitment to quality and innovation remains strong. Fans are encouraged to keep an eye out for future announcements as the company has an "exciting pipeline of innovation ahead." This move reflects the evolving landscape of consumer preferences in the chocolate market, where the demand for healthier and more diverse options is on the rise.
As the news settles in, many chocolate lovers are left reminiscing about their favorite dark chocolate Toblerone moments. The bar has been a staple in gift boxes, holiday treats, and late-night snacks for generations. The decision to discontinue it marks the end of an era for a product that has brought joy to countless consumers.
In light of the discontinuation, some fans have begun to stock up on remaining supplies of the dark chocolate variant, with reports of multi-packs being sold online for as much as £25. The dark chocolate Toblerone has been a cherished treat for many, and its absence will undoubtedly be felt in the confectionery world.
As consumers navigate the changing chocolate landscape, it remains to be seen how other brands will respond to the challenges posed by rising cocoa prices and shifting consumer preferences. With the discontinuation of dark chocolate Toblerone, chocolate lovers may find themselves searching for new favorites to fill the void left by this beloved treat.
