Ice-cream flavour with 50-year Australian history back on supermarket shelves
An iconic Australian ice cream flavour is back on supermarket shelves just in time for the warmer months, but it has undergone a complete makeover.
Beloved Barney Banana has officially made its return, this time arriving in the form of a Maxibon – just the latest twist in its storied history spanning over five decades.
The Barney Banana ice cream has officially made its return in the form of a Maxibon. Supplied/Peters
The treat launched in 1958 under Peters Ice Cream, quickly securing cult status in milk bars and school canteens.
Marketed in its early decades as containing real banana puree, it was immediately recognisable by its yellow banana-shaped design and cartoon monkey mascot on the wrapper, earning a spot as a budget-friendly staple for kids alongside favourites like the Billabong and Twin Pole.
After 45 years on the market, Nestlé Peters quietly discontinued the original Barney Banana bar in 2003 due to declining sales. The decision triggered backlash and even social media petitions from nostalgic fans who were not ready to say goodbye.
The frozen treat has a five-decade history in Australia. Supplied/Peters
That persistent campaign prompted Peters to bring the treat back in 2009, though the comeback proved short-lived when it was pulled from shelves again in 2012.
Popular demand forced another limited-edition run in 2017, with modern iterations shifting toward standard banana-flavoured dairy ice cream made without artificial colours or flavours.
In the years since, the calls for its return never faded. Fans kept the flame alive with petitions, hundreds of social media comments, and dedicated Reddit threads lobbying to bring back the nostalgic favourite.
The divisive flavour has returned just in time for the warmer months. Nine/Jo Abi
That decades-long passion has finally paid off, with Peters periodically leaning into the flavour's strong nostalgia value to give the public what it wants.
Although, this Maxibon is limited release and won’t be around forever, sadly.
The brand regularly cycles through different varieties that are here for a good time not a long time including Maxibon Peanut Jams with Butter.
Other banana icecream products in Australia
While banana isn’t the most popular ice-cream flavour in the country, it does maintain a constant presence for those who enjoy it.
The most famous of these is Streets Paddle Pop Banana, which is a classic and is widely available in supermarkets in a pack of eight.
Peters Banana Split is also available in supermarkets. Coles/Peters
Paddle Pop has also come in choc banana limited releases. Jo Abi
Peters also sells Peters Original Banana Split in a two litre tub in major supermarkets.
Then there are Allen’s Bites Banana multipacks, usually stocked at Aldi. These are delicious creamy ice cream sticks coated in chocolate.
