Whittaker’s new Gumdrop Block chocolate inspired by Tip Top’s Goody Gum Drops ice cream

Whittaker’s is playing into nostalgia once again with its latest limited-edition offering, inspired by one of the more contentious yet quintessentially Kiwi ice cream flavours.

With a tongue-in-cheek name of Gumdrop Block, Whittaker’s is hoping to stir up old memories associated with Tip Top’s Goody Gum Drops ice cream, easily recognised as one of Aotearoa’s most iconic summer sweet treats.

According to Whittaker’s, the new block is “made with 28% cocoa white chocolate, bubble gum flavour and colourful chewy gumdrops”.

It will be available in stores from Monday, July 20, until stocks run out.

Whittaker’s is also partnering with Duck Island Ice Cream, introducing a limited-run product made with the Gumdrop Block in the boutique scoop shop’s 10 stores nationwide the day before the chocolate goes on sale in supermarkets.

“We know our chocolate lovers enjoy seeing us push into new flavour territory, particularly with our limited editions,” said Whittaker’s chief marketing officer, Soraya Cottin.

“Gumdrop Block has got to be Whittaker’s at its most playful. It’s a flavour that’s a little unexpected, very nostalgic, and unlike anything we’ve released before.”

Tip Top first released the ice cream flavour in 1983 but made the surprising decision to discontinue its two-litre tubs in 2022, citing “significant cost pressures” on milk and cream through the Covid-19 years.

Fallout over the move – which also saw Cookies and Cream shelved – soon followed, with the company’s justification falling flat with many loyal fans.

Tip Top later revived the flavour in its smaller 1.2L tub, although at a premium price, prompting many social media users to accuse the company of “shrinkflation”.

Rival brand Much Moore has continued producing a two-litre version of the flavour.

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