The phrase 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' has worked pretty well over the years in the world of chocolate. For Mars, it is definitely an adage worth remembering: the company hasn't announced a new chocolate bar since 1997, preferring to rely on its existing products.
That's all about to change, however, and if you've been keeping up with developments in the world of junk food in the past 20 years, you might be able to guess the direction that Mars has gone in.
Yep - in the world of sugar-free Coca-Cola and the Maccies salad, you can now add the low-calorie Mars Bar. The new effort from the confectionary giant is the goodnessKNOWS bar, a dark chocolate bar packed with oats, fruits and nuts that limit the bad side while maintaining the sweet kick that we all know and love from Mars.
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There are no artificial preservatives or flavourings, and to cap off the health-conscious recipe, there's a socially conscious edge too: Mars says that it will donate 10 percent of all proceeds generated through sales to community projects up and down the United Kingdom.
"This is our biggest brand launch in 20 years - not only do our four snackable squares taste great, but we are also very proud that the brand will spread a bit of goodness in communities across the UK by donating 10 percent of its profits to good causes." says Rebecca Shepheard-Walwyn, brand director of the goodnessKNOWS brand.
Michele Oliver, vice president of marketing at Mars Chocolate UK, agrees, adding that the goodnessKNOWS bar "has been created to fit in with people's busy lifestyles, coming in four snackable squares that can be enjoyed all at once or eaten throughout the day.
"However, it is not just snacking on the go - consumers increasingly want products that match the values they live by, and this is where goodnessKNOWS comes in."
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Clearly Mars likes the idea of giving back to its customers. Oliver continues: "Not only is it a great-tasting treat, it provides the consumer with that little bit more - a product that can help to spread a little bit of goodness in their communities by giving back to good causes in a small way."
So now you can have a dessert to go with your McDonald's salad and your Coke Zero.
I really, really want a Mars bar now.
Words: Mike Meehall Wood
Topics: Chocolate