Coles and Woolworths axe popular lollies from shelves

Australians with a sweet tooth or two are shattered to learn popular confectionary brand Starburst has been removed from supermarket shelves due to “poor sales”.

Coles confirmed on Tuesday it made the difficult decision to axe the well-loved lollies from its shelves nationally, in line with Woolworths, which removed the range back in December 2015.

Aside from the iconic square fruit chews, the Starburst range also included lollipops, gummies and snakes.

The news was met with widespread disappointment, as consumers took to social media on Tuesday to express their pain.

“Unfortunately we can confirm that Starburst varieties have been removed from our national range,” a Coles spokesperson wrote in response to a consumer’s Facebook query.

“We understand how frustrating it can be to see a favourite product disappear from the shelf and we can assure you that this decision is not one made lightly.”

In response to another social media query, a Coles spokesperson revealed the lollies were removed to make way for other brands.

Many consumers have expressed their dissatisfaction in the supermarket giant’s suggested alternatives of Coles or Allen’s branded lollies.

Woolworths confirmed to Yahoo7 the brand was removed from its shelves almost three years ago.

“We discontinued ranging starburst products in late 2015. We continue to stock a wide range of delicious chocolates and sweets which are very popular with our customers and great value,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

A Change.org petition has been created in a bid for Coles and Woolworths to restock the Starburst range.

It is understood IGA supermarkets will continue to stock the Starburst range.