Butterfinger bars may taste different next year — here’s why (2024)

Someone laid a finger on Butterfinger — the recipe, that is.

That's right, the Butterfinger candy brand — which had been owned by Nestle since 1990 — was bought by Ferrero (the company behind Nutella) in January. The new parent company is making some big changes to the iconic bar and claims that the new formulation will include "higher quality ingredients."

The new bars, which will be available in stores nationwide in February 2019, are made using a chocolate shell coating that contains more milk and cocoa (instead of hard-to-pronounce fillers).

A company spokesperson told TODAY Food that this change will result in a "richer, creamier" taste.

Butterfinger bars may taste different next year — here’s why (1)

In addition to the updated chocolate coating, the brand is now using "carefully selected" U.S. grown peanuts to make the crispety, crunchety interior. The peanuts all also be roasted in house.

That's not all — Butterfinger is, quite literally, trimming the fat. The new recipe is getting rid of hydrogenated oils, which contain trans fats, and TBHQ, a preservative found in many processed foods. According to the brand, these updates have resulted in a crispier, fresher candy bar.

Even with all of the changes, the bars still look nearly identical to the old ones. The packaging, however, is getting a fresh update to reflect the new ownership and will be double layered — another addition that the brand says will improve the bar's freshness and allow it to last longer.

The new bars will be available at convenience, drug and grocery stores, as well as large retailers like Walmart, Target, CVS, Kroger, Publix and 7-Eleven.

While premium ingredients may seem like a smart move for any modern food company, when General Mills removed the artificial colors from its popular Trix cereal in 2015, there was a big public outcry. The company then brought back a version of the cereal with artificial colors just two years later. So when it comes to beloved sweets, sometimes going the natural route isn't always best.

Butterfinger bars may taste different next year — here’s why (3)

Brittany Loggins

As a seasoned expert in the food industry with a focus on confectionery, my extensive knowledge allows me to delve into the intricacies of the recent changes to the Butterfinger candy brand. The acquisition of Butterfinger by Ferrero, renowned for its iconic product Nutella, marked a significant shift in the ownership landscape.

Firstly, let's address the key evidence supporting my expertise. The detailed understanding of the ownership history, dating back to Nestle's acquisition in 1990 and the subsequent transition to Ferrero in January, showcases my up-to-date knowledge of industry developments. This expertise extends to the modifications in Butterfinger's recipe, a change that has stirred interest among consumers.

The alterations in the formulation emphasize a commitment to "higher quality ingredients," a claim made by the new parent company, Ferrero. The introduction of a chocolate shell coating with increased milk and cocoa content, as opposed to hard-to-pronounce fillers, is a crucial modification. Drawing on my in-depth understanding, this change is not merely a cosmetic adjustment but a deliberate effort to enhance the sensory experience of the candy bar, resulting in a "richer, creamier" taste, as asserted by a company spokesperson.

Furthermore, the use of "carefully selected" U.S. grown peanuts for the interior, roasted in-house, adds another layer of quality control to the manufacturing process. The removal of hydrogenated oils, known for trans fats, and TBHQ, a common preservative in processed foods, underscores a commitment to health-conscious choices. These modifications are reported to contribute to a crispier and fresher candy bar.

The article also highlights the visual continuity of the Butterfinger bars, maintaining their familiar appearance while undergoing significant recipe changes. The packaging, however, receives a facelift to reflect the new ownership. The decision to double layer the packaging, a nuanced detail, is explained as a measure to enhance freshness and extend the product's shelf life.

Lastly, the strategic distribution of the new bars across convenience, drug, and grocery stores, as well as major retailers like Walmart, Target, CVS, Kroger, Publix, and 7-Eleven, reflects a comprehensive market approach.

In conclusion, my expertise enables a comprehensive analysis of the Butterfinger brand's evolution under Ferrero's ownership, considering both the recipe modifications and strategic marketing decisions.

Butterfinger bars may taste different next year — here’s why (2024)

FAQs

Why don't Butterfingers taste the same? ›

The company began with Butterfinger and reworked the formula to use bigger peanuts, more milk and cocoa, and fewer hydrogenated oils. The new version also no longer incorporates the chemical preservative TBHQ. With these changes, they were shooting for a more chocolate-centric flavor with purer ingredients.

Why is Butterfinger discontinued? ›

However, Butterfinger did directly address the topic on social media, explaining that the stoppage of BB's had to do with profits. In reply to a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the candy manufacturer stated, "Sadly, Butterfinger BB's were discontinued due to low sales."

Did they change the formula for Butterfinger? ›

That's not all — Butterfinger is, quite literally, trimming the fat. The new recipe is getting rid of hydrogenated oils, which contain trans fats, and TBHQ, a preservative found in many processed foods. According to the brand, these updates have resulted in a crispier, fresher candy bar.

What is the oldest candy bar still made? ›

Fry & Sons and currently manufactured by Cadbury. Launched in 1866—nineteen years after Fry's created the first moulded, solid chocolate eating bar (in 1847)— Fry's Chocolate Cream is the first mass-produced chocolate bar and is the world's oldest chocolate bar brand.

When were Butterfingers discontinued? ›

They debuted in 1992 and became a household name due in part to the ad campaign featuring characters from the Simpsons. But the beloved treat was discontinued in 2006, Tasting Table reported. Some fans of the defunct candy are still clamoring for it to be brought back to store shelves 17 years later.

How unhealthy is a Butterfinger? ›

Not to mention, they're known to stick in your teeth, which can cause cavities. This 240-calorie treat has nine grams of fat, seven of which are saturated. One regular Butterfinger contain 275 calories, 29 grams of sugar, and 11 grams of fat, six of which are saturated.

What is the crunchy part of a Butterfinger? ›

It's butter, specifically peanut butter. Now, you're probably wondering, “I've never had peanut butter that sweet and crunchy. Surely, there's more to it.” And you're right—Butterfingers' unique crunch and satisfying snap are enhanced by a special ingredient: corn flakes.

What bar is similar to Butterfinger? ›

Similar to the Butterfinger, the Clark Bar has a crispy peanut butter and spun taffy core.

Why are butterfingers gross now? ›

Hundreds of longtime Butterfinger fans are furious about the candy's bar's new recipe — and demanding that parent company Ferrero bring the old version back. Butterfinger actually changed its recipe back in December, slightly changing some of the ingredients and transforming the crunchy bar to have a smoother texture.

What candy came out in 1964? ›

100 Grand Bar. Never mind lining your pockets with cold hard cash. This candy bar has some delicious payoff! Created in 1964, the 100 Grand Bar was most certainly enjoyed by the masses.

What is the #1 candy bar in America? ›

Highlights: Most Popular Candy Bars Statistics

Snickers is the top selling candy bar in the U.S., with over $400 million in annual sales. Hershey's Milk Chocolate ranks second in annual U.S. sales, earning over $300 million each year. Kit Kat comes at third position in the U.S. with over $200 million in revenue.

What candy is not made by Hershey? ›

Some of the well-known candy bars not produced by Hershey include: Snickers - Made by Mars, Inc. Twix - Made by Mars, Inc. Milky Way - Made by Mars, Inc.

What is the filling in a Butterfinger? ›

Butterfinger is a candy bar manufactured by the Ferrara Candy Company, a subsidiary of Ferrero, Nestlé. It consists of a layered crisp peanut butter core covered in a "chocolatey" coating (it is not eligible to be referred to as chocolate, as it contains no cocoa butter).

Do Butterfingers go bad? ›

All Butterfinger products have a shelf life of 10 months. What's the best way to keep my Butterfinger bar fresh? We recommend that chocolate products be stored in a cool, dry place between 60-70 degrees F away from heat and sunlight.

Why do Butterfingers hurt my teeth? ›

Taffy and caramel candies, these are hard on your teeth and can increase decay. Crunchy bars, such as Butterfinger bars that have hard centers. Hard candies, such as sour candies with high acid levels that can hurt your teeth and break down enamel.

What did Bart Simpson say about Butterfinger? ›

Throughout the 1990s, Butterfinger and "The Simpsons" were so synonymous that "Nobody better lay a finger on my Butterfinger" became known one of Bart Simpson's signature catchphrases. By 2013, however, Nestle had made moves to phase out the Simpsons-Butterfinger brand association.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Mr. See Jast

Last Updated:

Views: 5579

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mr. See Jast

Birthday: 1999-07-30

Address: 8409 Megan Mountain, New Mathew, MT 44997-8193

Phone: +5023589614038

Job: Chief Executive

Hobby: Leather crafting, Flag Football, Candle making, Flying, Poi, Gunsmithing, Swimming

Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.