Few things get shoppers as excited as the return of a much-loved childhood treat. Chocolate fans have been delighted to spot Cadbury Astros back on shelves at B&M, years after they disappeared from UK shops. The colourful, crunchy sweets have been notoriously hard to find in Britain for a long time. Here’s what makes them so popular, how much they usually cost and where you might find them.
It’s been a big year for retro sweets. Earlier in the summer, M&S brought back four old-fashioned chocolate bars, leaving many shoppers thrilled. Other brands have also been reviving classic treats from years gone by.
Nostalgia is a powerful pull, as familiar flavours can bring back happy memories. Many people love the chance to share sweets from their own childhood with their children or grandchildren. The latest find in B&M has given chocolate lovers another reason to smile.
What are Astros, anyway?
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Astros are small, colourful sweets with a crunchy biscuit centre. The biscuit is covered in smooth milk chocolate and finished with a crisp, sugary coating. They’re a little like Smarties or M&Ms, but with an added crunch in the middle. They first launched in South Africa in the mid-1990s, where they’re still a popular treat today. They were also sold in the UK for a number of years. In 2008, they were discontinued in Britain, leaving many fans disappointed.
Since then, getting hold of Astros in Britain has been tricky. Some retro sweet shops occasionally stock them, and others order them from South African food shops online. Prices for a 40g box online can range from around £1.65 to £2.25. On top of that, postage costs can add up, and you might have to wait several days for delivery. That’s why many fans were so excited to spot them in their local B&M. Being able to pick them up while doing the weekly shop is far easier.
How shoppers reacted to the return of Astros
News of Astros appearing in B&M quickly spread online. Many people said they couldn’t believe their eyes, with some saying it had brought back fond childhood memories. Others tagged friends and family, urging them to head to the shops straight away. Some fans described Astros as a crunchier, tastier version of M&Ms. Others went even further, claiming they’re better than Smarties. As with any sweet, opinions are divided, but plenty of people are keen to try them again.
This isn’t the first time Astros have turned up at B&M. Back in 2022, shoppers spotted boxes on sale for just £1 each. They proved popular and quickly disappeared from shelves. Because they’re often only stocked for a limited time, it’s best to pick them up when you see them. Prices may vary, so check in store. Compared with ordering online, buying them at B&M could save you money.
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Tips for tracking them down
Not every B&M store has Astros in stock. Some shoppers, including a couple in Scotland, said they’d visited their local branch and gone home empty-handed. Stock can vary from store to store and may sell out quickly. Calling your nearest branch before making a trip could save you a wasted journey. Larger stores may be more likely to have them. If you can’t find them in B&M, retro sweet shops and online South African food shops are other options to try.
If you do manage to find a box, Astros make a fun treat for a film night or to share with family. They could also be a lovely surprise for someone who remembers them from childhood. A box tucked into a Christmas stocking might go down well too.
As with all sweets, they’re best enjoyed in moderation. Check the packaging for allergy information, as they contain milk and wheat. However you enjoy them, it’s a small taste of nostalgia that many fans thought they’d never see again.
