There’s something undeniably nostalgic about tearing open a chewy, tangy Wham Bar. For many across the UK, this iconic strip of fizzy taffy takes them straight back to school lunchboxes, corner shop runs, and carefree afternoons in the 1980s and 90s. It’s no surprise, then, that the Wham Bar is having a revival in 2025.
But in a market now full of organic snacks, protein-packed treats, and gourmet confections, does the Wham Bar still hold its own? Is it genuinely good, or are we all just caught in a wave of retro food sentimentality? Whether you’re a sweet-toothed millennial or a curious Gen Z snacker, this article takes a close look at why the Wham Bar is back—and if it’s really worth the hype this time around.
The Origins of the Wham Bar
The Wham Bar was originally launched in the early 1980s by McCowan’s, a Scottish confectionery company that also produced Highland Toffee. Its bright packaging and fizzy, tangy taste made it an instant hit with kids across the UK. A thin, chewy strip packed with tongue-tingling sherbet crystals, it offered a sensory experience that set it apart from more traditional sweets like Fruit Salads or Black Jacks. At its peak, Wham sold tens of millions of bars annually and became a staple in sweet shops nationwide. But like many childhood favourites, the brand faced turbulence as the confectionery market evolved. McCowan’s collapsed into administration in 2011, and the future of the Wham Bar looked uncertain—until Tangerine Confectionery (now part of Valeo Foods Group) stepped in to save it. That move kept the iconic sweet alive, though it gradually faded into the background of modern snacking. Until recently, that is.
What Sparked the Wham Bar Comeback?
Several factors have combined in 2025 to give the Wham Bar a new lease of life. One of the biggest is the wider cultural obsession with nostalgia. From TV reboots to retro fashion trends, the appetite for throwbacks is stronger than ever. And food, perhaps more than any other industry, has capitalised on that.
Social media has also been instrumental. TikTok and Instagram are filled with creators doing “taste test” challenges, often comparing today’s versions of 80s and 90s treats with how they remember them. The Wham Bar frequently features in these videos, often met with wide eyes and enthusiastic thumbs-up from influencers rediscovering it—or introducing it to a new generation.
Retailers have caught on. In 2025, shops like B&M, Home Bargains, and even larger supermarkets have leaned into the retro sweets revival, offering expanded selections of nostalgic treats. That includes multipacks, jumbo-sized Wham Bars, and even Wham-flavoured sherbet dippers and sour sprays.
What Does a Wham Bar Taste Like?
If you’ve never had one—or haven’t had one in decades—it’s fair to ask: what does a Wham Bar actually taste like?
The original flavour is a tart, raspberry-like base infused with small pockets of fizzy sherbet that pop as you chew. It’s chewy, sticky, sweet, and intensely flavourful. In short, it’s an assault on the taste buds—in the best possible way. Over the years, several flavour variations have been released, including cola, strawberry, sour apple, and extreme sour editions. Some come with added layers of sherbet or extra chew for prolonged flavour hits. But the classic raspberry remains the bestseller by far, and it’s what most people associate with the Wham name.
Is It the Same as It Was in the 80s?
This is the big question for many returning fans: is the modern Wham Bar just as good as it was 30 or 40 years ago?
The answer is both yes and no. While the flavour profile remains largely faithful to the original, some die-hard fans claim that the bar is now slightly less chewy or less sherbety than it used to be. Manufacturing processes and ingredients have changed over the decades due to modern food regulations and production costs. That said, most people agree that the essence of the Wham Bar is still very much intact. It’s still neon pink. It’s still shockingly sour in the best way. And it still sticks to your teeth like only a good retro sweet can.
How Popular Is the Wham Bar in 2025?
The Wham Bar has seen a noticeable spike in popularity throughout the past year. This resurgence is backed up by increased retail stocking, better online availability, and rising mentions on social media platforms. Search interest for “Wham Bar” in the UK reached a five-year high in early 2025, and retailers have reported a sharp uptick in sales of retro sweets in general. In fact, one UK-based wholesaler noted a 35% increase in Wham Bar orders year-on-year. Online, TikTok videos featuring the Wham Bar have gained hundreds of thousands of views. From sweet hauls to blind taste tests, it’s clear that the public appetite for this nostalgic favourite has returned in full force.
Can You Still Buy Wham Bars Easily?
Yes—more easily now than during the late 2010s and early 2020s. Wham Bars are widely available in the UK through:
- Convenience stores and newsagents
- Supermarkets like ASDA, Tesco, and Morrisons (often in the confectionery or kids’ section)
- Discount stores such as Poundland, B&M, and Home Bargains
- Online platforms including Amazon, Retro Sweet shops, and bulk sweet retailers
They’re usually sold individually (with prices hovering around 25–30p) or in multipacks, which often represent better value. Jumbo versions and gift boxes are also available, making them a fun option for party favours or retro-themed events.
Are Wham Bars Still Worth Eating?
This depends on what you’re after. If you’re looking for a guilt-free health snack—definitely not. But if you want a quick hit of nostalgia, a playful sour-sweet experience, or something that brings back childhood memories, the Wham Bar still delivers. It’s also worth noting that many people now see Wham Bars as part of a larger return to “fun foods.” In contrast to the overly curated, clean-eating culture of the past decade, there’s a growing movement in 2025 around indulgence without guilt—eating foods because they make you feel good. And the Wham Bar fits squarely in that category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes Wham Bars today?
As of 2025, Wham Bars are produced by Valeo Foods, which took over from Tangerine Confectionery. The bars are still manufactured in the UK.
Are Wham Bars vegan or vegetarian?
Most Wham Bars are suitable for vegetarians, but they are not vegan due to the inclusion of certain food acids and colourings. Always check the label for up-to-date dietary information.
What flavours of Wham Bar are available?
The classic raspberry is the most popular, but you can also find sour apple, cola, strawberry, and extreme sour versions. Limited edition flavours occasionally appear.
Why are Wham Bars popular again in 2025?
Nostalgia, TikTok trends, and the retro sweet revival in UK shops have all contributed to their comeback. They’re now enjoyed by both older fans and new generations.
How much does a Wham Bar cost in 2025?
Prices vary slightly, but the standard bar usually costs between 25p and 35p. Multipacks and jumbo bars offer better value per unit.
Final Thoughts
The Wham Bar isn’t just a sugary treat—it’s a cultural memory preserved in chewy, fizzy form. In 2025, it’s more than deserving of its place among the UK’s most beloved retro sweets. Its recent comeback isn’t simply the result of clever marketing or a social media push—it’s because the product still offers something fun, flavourful, and deeply nostalgic. Whether you’re reliving your school days or tasting one for the first time, the Wham Bar proves that good things don’t have to change to stay relevant. In a snacking world obsessed with the new, it’s refreshing to know that sometimes the old favourites really are just as good as we remember.
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