The comeback kids: Arnott’s joins nostalgic trend by reviving iconic discontinued biccie

Arnott’s is bringing back its iconic Quatro biscuits, 15 years after they were originally discontinued.

This has triggered hope other discontinued treats may also return, as we’ve seen recently with nostalgic products including In A Biskit Crispy Potato, Polly Waffle chocolate bars in the form of ‘Bites’, and Banana Nesquik.

Even fast food retailers now understand the value in reviving throwback menu items. KFC recently brought back the popular Hot Rods, and McDonald’s has seen success from the return of its Creme Brulee Pies.

However, Arnott’s Quatro – a biscuit base topped with caramel and peanuts and covered in chocolate – isn’t back in the way you remember.

It’s undergone a radical overhaul and now comes in the form of bars, so you won’t find it in the biscuit aisle anymore.

The range includes three flavours – Caramel & Peanut, White Choc Caramel & Peanut, and Fruity Pieces Caramel & Peanut – and will be stocked exclusively by Woolworths.

One Quatro fan, upon learning they would return to supermarket shelves, toldnine.com.au, “I can’t believe they’re back. This was my family’s go-to ‘fancy’ biscuit in the ’90s and ’00s, I have so many fond memories of us sharing a packet in front of the TV.”

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Arnott’s Australia said of the new range, the Caramel & Peanut bars are the most faithful to the original Arnott’s Quatro recipe.

“[It] delivers Quatro’s signature combination of soft caramel and crunchy peanuts, coated in smooth milk choc. Building on these classic flavours, the range also introduces a White Choc variant and a bar with sweet Fruity Pieces,” they told nine.com.au.

“Each bar features a biscuity base made with real Arnott’s biscuit pieces, delivering the Quatro taste Aussies love, now in a convenient bar format.”

”We know Australians are looking for snacks that balance convenience with delicious flavour,” Kate Bean, Category & Marketing Director for ANZ Snacking at Arnott’s, said.

“Arnott’s Quatro Bars deliver the nostalgic taste of the Quatro biscuit with the added benefit of 5g of protein and less than 150 calories per bar.

“The new format fits seamlessly into busy, on-the-go routines, and delivers the flavour Australians know and love.” 

Each packet of Arnott’s Quatro bars comes with five bars and costs $6.70.

With the Quatro making a comeback, could other beloved discontinued biscuits follow suit?

Triple Wafers, Lattice, Full O’ Fruit, Creamy Chocolate, Honey Jumbles, Custard Creams and Tim Tam Strawberries & Cream are some of the other Arnott’s varieties that have disappeared from shelves.

When we asked the office which of these Arnott’s biscuits they’d love to see return, it was clear nostalgia plays a large part.

“I miss Honey Jumbles!” one sweet tooth told nine.com.au.

“They were such a delicious and whimsical biccie.

“A friend and I used to always ‘go for a walk’ that would involve stopping at a corner store to buy a packet of Honey Jumbles and then demolishing them as we sat and gossiped in the park. The best kind of cardio.”

“Second this,” another said, “I miss them so much, especially the pink.”

“I loved Triple Wafers as a kid,” another said.

“I always tried to use my teeth to separate the wafer from the cream and keep everything intact. I don’t think I ever actually succeeded, though.”

The Arnott’s Group was founded in 1865, with its first factory opening in Newcastle, however this closed in 1942.

Its main factory is now in Homebush in Sydney.

Arnott’s Biscuits is currently owned by the American global private investment Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, which purchased the company in 2019.

The company’s most popular biscuits based on sales are Tim Tam, followed by Shapes, then Jatz, Salada, Mint Slice, Scotch Finger, and Monte Carlo.