Just as the summertime temperature heats up, the manufacturer behind the popular ice cream treat, the Choco Taco, has announced the product has been killed to protect other frozen treats in their product line-up.
In a statement on their website, the manufacturer wrote, “The Klondike Choco Taco has unfortunately been discontinued in both 1ct and 4ct pack sizes. Over the past 2 years, we have experienced an unprecedented spike in demand across our portfolio and have had to make very tough decisions to ensure availability of our full portfolio nationwide. A necessary but unfortunate part of this process is that we sometimes must discontinue products, even a beloved item like Choco Taco. We know this may be very disappointing. We hope you’ll try our other delicious frozen treats, including Klondike Cones, Shakes, Sandwiches, and of course, our signature Bar available nationwide.”
The Choco Taco was invented in 1983 in Philadelphia by Alan Drazen at Jack & Jill Ice Cream. In 1989, Good Humor and its parent company, Unilever, bought the license to manufacturer and distribute the treats under the Klondike brand. In addition to being sold at various ice cream outlets, the frozen treat was also offered as a dessert item at Taco Bell fast food restaurants. In 1993, Unilever acquired the Isaly Klondike Company entirely and the Klondike brand became a part of Good Humors – Breyers line. Beyond Good Humors, Breyers, and Klondike, Unilever is also the parent company over ice cream brands Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum, and Wall’s. While Unilever bought the license and manufacturing rights of Choco Taco, Drazen and Jack & Jill Ice Cream still retain the patent.
While social media fans of Choco Taco have been vocal on Klondike’s and Unilever’s social channels, other ice cream treats have been identified as iconic favorites on the Weatherboy Weather Facebook page. Karen Cheers wrote, “Rita’s all the way!” while David McCann offered-up “Dairy Queen” as the home to his favorite ice cream. Deborah Ketchum wrote, “Abbott’s frozen custard, served up at Charlotte beach. If you know how to pronounce Charlotte, you know what this tastes like.” Paula Ellan said she doesn’t remember brands as a child, but wrote, “I remember having vanilla ice cream and stirring in Nestle Quick powder.”
