Oh, those delicious Kudos bars. Remember them? The granola snacks that were marketed as a healthy candy bar? They were chewy and sweet and the perfect snack for people who didn’t want to feel terrible about themselves after eating a candy bar. You don’t see them around anymore, do you? And I’m not talking about in grocery stores, either — they’re gone from our collective memory as well?
I am by no means an expert on the history of Kudos granola bars, but I do remember noticing their absence from store shelves one day. It was like someone had wiped all traces of them from existence. I never heard any explanation for why they disappeared, but one day they were there and the next day they weren’t. It’s been bugging me for years!
What were Kudos Granola bars?
To jog your own memory: Kudos bars were granola bars covered in chocolate; each bar featured oats, chocolate and other ingredients. They came in three flavors (Nutty Fudge, Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter) and contained fewer calories than their counterparts at the time, Kudos bars were marketed as a guilt-free indulgence.
Reviews of Kudos bars were generally positive, with consumers praising their delicious taste, you can find reviews upto 2014 like this one on Amazon :
“These are a great little snack / treat. I like the variety package a lot so that I have a little variety when I want one. They are great for a coffee break or a bedtime snack. They are made with real milk chocolate and granola. I like that they are chewy and not brittle like some snack bars. They have only 100 calories each. I like to buy them in bulk so that I have a good supply and they are less expensive that way. An added point: they don’t skimp on the chocolate. They often satisfy that “sweet tooth” so you don’t really need that cream-filled donut after all. I highly recommend them.”
These snacks quickly became a favorite among both kids and adults.
The Rise and Fall of Kudos Bars: The Snack’s History
In the 1980s and 1990s, Kudos bars were all the rage. These snacks became extremely popular due to their appealing taste and nutritional value.
Here is an advert from c. 1987 :
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Kudos bars weren’t your average snack, they were marketed as a healthier option than other treats of its kind. Made with oats, chocolate, and other wholesome ingredients, these bars were promoted as a tasty way to satisfy cravings. The advertisements suggested that you could take them on the go for an energy boost without feeling guilty about it.
The ads worked wonders for the company. Customers came running from all directions hoping to get their hands on one of these supposedly healthy snacks.
Why were Kudos bars discontinued?
But like most trends in life, consumer tastes and preferences eventually started to change.
The market became more competitive and healthier alternatives began to emerge. Kudos bars failed at adapting to this new environment which caused their customer base to dwindle.
In 2011 when Mars started producing them again after a short hiatus, they made many changes to the original recipe.
In an effort to make them seem like a healthy snack there was no longer a top layer of milk chocolate coating that we all knew and loved so much. They also removed nuts from some of the recipes which had previously been one of their selling points as a protein source.
These changes didn’t sit well with fans and Kudos bars have fallen off our radar completely ever since around 2015. .
When were Kudos bars discontinued?
The exact date of Kudos bars discontinuation is uncertain, as there was no official announcement or public statement regarding their discontinuation. However, based on reports and consumer experiences, it is believed that Kudos bars started disappearing from store shelves in the around 2014. Some consumers have reported not being able to find Kudos bars for purchase since the mid-2000s. While Kudos bars may still be available in certain locations or through online marketplaces, their widespread availability had significantly declined.
Kudos Bars Now: Collectors’ Items and Fan-Led Comebacks
Although Kudos bars have been discontinued, they have amassed a dedicated following among nostalgic snack enthusiasts like myself. Many fans actively seek out and collect vintage Kudos bars packaging and merchandise, cherishing them as collectors’ items. These items hold a special place in our hearts, reminding us of the joy and satisfaction these delicious bars once brought us.
Over the years, there have been sporadic grassroots campaigns calling for the return of Kudos bars. As passionate fans, we hold out hope that one day these beloved snacks will make a comeback. However, so far, no official announcement has been made regarding their revival..
If you’re craving a taste of the past, you may be wondering where you can find Kudos bars now. They are next to impossible to find so if you really fancy the taste of a Kudos Granola bar this recipe is excellent and pretty close!
