The creepy ‘Fantales’ conspiracy theory that emerged just hours after being shut down by Allen’s
- Nestlé will stop production of Fantales in mid-July
- Terrifying conspiracy theory is popping up on social media
A creepy conspiracy theory has emerged just hours after Allen announced it would discontinue the Fantales lollipop after nearly a century of production.
The chocolate-covered caramel treats feature movie trivia on the wrappers and were once named “Australia’s most defining lollipop” by the New York Times.
But Allen’s announced on Tuesday that the beloved lollipops will no longer be around, saying sales had fallen and the equipment used to make them is breaking down.
Despite Allen giving a valid explanation behind the end of the lollipop, a conspiracy theory has sprung up, prompting speculation that it is a major publicity stunt for the Aussie icon.
The “publicity stunt” conspiracy theory first surfaced on social media, before being circulated on national television by Sunrise host Natalie Barr on Wednesday morning.
“Do you think it’s a publicity stunt,” she asked during an interview with Russ Eats, a popular influencer who reviews snacks
He replied, ‘They released it [the discontinuation], which is a bit odd. Usually someone like me will find out through an employee and leak it.
“Maybe it’s like ‘We’re getting ready if you don’t buy anymore,'” he explained, before Barr agreed, “Let’s hope it’s a publicity stunt.”
Nestle announced Tuesday that it will stop producing the classic Australian lollipop Fantales (above) in mid-July.
Russ Eats says that if it was a publicity stunt, it worked very well for Allen’s.
“I went to Woolies and Coles, and there were empty boxes everywhere because people flocked to buy the latest Fantales.”
Thousands of Fantales fans have called on Nestle to reconsider the decision.
“Why are the good old things discounted? Why can’t we still have our favorites in store?’ one person wrote online.
“What do you mean, they stop Fantales? They are the only lollipops I really like,” tweeted another.
Others said they didn’t understand how Fantales could have suffered a drop in sales, with many writing that the household item often sells out.
“I love them, but they’re never on the shelf!” I am always looking for it!” one woman wrote.
‘I don’t understand these ‘reducing’ sales. They put out absolutely ridiculous flavors that no one buys and keep them on the shelf,” said another.
Nestle will stop production of the lollipop in mid-July, but said Fantales production line workers will be given other roles within the factory.
“Many of us grew up with Fantales and have fond memories of them,” said Allen’s spokesperson Andrew Lawrey. “Despite the sense of nostalgia that Fantales evoke, unfortunately people don’t buy them as often as they used to.
‘Moreover, our Fantales equipment requires a considerable investment. It’s getting harder and harder to get the parts we need to maintain it, and with declining sales, replacement is not feasible.”