Holy crap. I just spilled coffee all over my keyboard when I saw the news. Opal Fruits—the ACTUAL Opal Fruits, not that Starburst nonsense—are making their triumphant return to UK supermarkets after nearly three decades of being cruelly ripped from our childhoods.
Let me take you back to 1998. Titanic was sweeping the Oscars, everyone was terrified of the Millennium Bug, and Mars Wrigley committed what many of us consider an unforgivable crime: they killed off the Opal Fruits name and rebranded them as "Starburst." I was 9 years old and devastated. My pocket money went toward those little squares of joy every Saturday.
The Chewy Squares That Defined a Generation
For anyone born in the 80s or early 90s, these individually wrapped fruity chews weren't just sweets—they were currency in the playground. I once traded an entire pack of strawberry ones for help with my maths homework. (Worth it.)
The original flavours—strawberry, orange, lemon and lime—will be making their comeback in bright yellow 138g pouches. They'll be available at Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Morrisons. My local Sainsbury's manager looked at me like I was absolutely mental when I asked when exactly they'd be hitting shelves. Can't blame him... I may have been a bit too excited.
Wait... Didn't They Say "Never Again"?
This is actually the third time Mars Wrigley has brought back Opal Fruits in recent years. They made appearances in 2021 and again in 2024, with the manufacturer claiming last year would be teh "final time." Clearly, they were lying through their teeth.
Not that I'm complaining.
The Nostalgia Cash Grab (That I'm Totally Falling For)
Florence McGivern, who has the enviable job title of "Skittles Senior Brand Manager," said: "Our new limited-edition Opal Fruits will be as iconic as it was in the 90s, giving fans the chance to revisit the strawberry, lemon, orange and lime flavours from decades ago."
She added some corporate-speak about "nostalgia trends" and "reconnecting with memories," but let's be honest—they've realized we're all suckers for anything that reminds us of our childhoods. And they're right. I'm already planning to buy at least 5 packs. Maybe 6.
My wife thinks I'm ridiculous. "They're just sweets," she said yesterday. We're not speaking today.
The Great Retro Revival
This isn't the only blast from the past hitting supermarket shelves. Tesco recently went full 1995 to celebrate 30 years of their Clubcard scheme, bringing back classics like Wagon Wheels and Rocky Bars in their original packaging. Remember those Tango adverts where the orange man would slap people? God, the 90s were weird.
They also resurrected retro cans of Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup and vintage-looking Pepsi bottles. My mum nearly had a meltdown in the tinned goods aisle—said it was like walking through a time portal to when I was in primary school adn she was still paying off her mortgage.
The Brutal Economics of Childhood Memories
Look, I'm not naive. I know exactly what these companies are doing. They're weaponizing our nostalgia to make us spend money on sugar we don't need. The cynic in me (which is most of me after working in marketing for 12 years) knows this is calculated emotional manipulation.
But I don't care.
In 2025, with the world being... well, *gestures broadly at everything*... sometimes you just need to taste something that reminds you of being 8 years old with no responsibilities beyond keeping your Tamagotchi alive. If that costs me £1.50 for a bag of renamed Starburst, so be it.
I've already set a calendar reminder for my next supermarket run. If you see a 36-year-old man buying an unreasonable amount of Opal Fruits while making small whimpering noises of joy, please pretend not to notice. It's been a long three decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
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An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.
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What is the difference between saving and investing?
Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.
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What are the different types of money?
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To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.
Statistics
- A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
- According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
- Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that individuals who receive financial education are 25% more likely to save than those who do not.
- The average cost of raising a child in the U.S. is estimated to be around $233,610, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
- According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
- A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
External Links
How To
How To Set Financial Goals That Stick
Setting financial goals that stick begins with defining what you want to achieve, whether it’s saving for a home, paying off debt, or building retirement savings. Use the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound—to structure your goals effectively. Write down your goals and break them into smaller, actionable steps to make them less overwhelming. Establish a timeline for each goal and regularly review your progress to stay motivated. Adjust your goals as necessary to reflect changes in your financial situation or priorities, ensuring they remain relevant and attainable over time.
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