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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Entertainment
Sheena McStravick

Creamola Foam alternative now on sale in Northern Ireland and fans say 'it tastes the same' as childhood favourite

It was the glorious sweet and fizzy drink we adored as children (stop pretending you don't remember it!) but Creamola Foam sadly hasn't been in production for more than 20 years.

But one Northern Ireland sweet shop has been bringing people back to those innocent times with an alternative of the popular classic which fans say tastes 'the same' as the original.

First manufactured in Glasgow the 1950s, many were left devastated when production was brought to a halt at the end of the 90s.

Packaged in a colourful metal tin, hundreds of mini crystals would combine to a sweet drink when mixed with cold water.

Now, The Candystore in Ballymoney is stocking a new alternative brand known as 'Krakatoa Foam' and it's been flying off the shelves as fans clamour to get their hands on the drink.

Speaking to Belfast Live, owner Mark Steen said such has been the demand for the product he's already lined up another delivery.

He added: "We have sold it before, years ago, but it's very,very hard to get, basically we're being constantly asked for it and I decided I would have to sit down and source where I could get it again, such was the demand. I got in touch with a company who sell it and they sent it over but I'm pretty much almost sold out so I have another order submitted.

"I bought an original tin years ago, I sort of collect wee things like that so I think the picture of the old tin when we posted it on our social media must have triggered people to order it from the website as sales started to come in thick and fast, there were 40-50 sales with multiple tins ordered on Sunday alone."

"I already have a second order placed to meet demand," he added.

But the all important question on many people's lips is, does it taste as good as the original?

Mark said: "You do get the odd person who tries it and says it's not the same but I can honestly say I only ever remember the raspberry one and it doesn't fizz as much but the taste is really not far away.

"They do Iru Bru, Cola, Orange, Strawberry, Raspberry and we do a pack of five, so one of each flavour at a reduced cost so people can try them, I only ever remember orange and raspberry in the original, some people remember strawberry but raspberry was the most popular."

Despite the Covid restrictions the 34-year-old who has owned the store for more than 13 years said business is still doing well.

He added: "We do offer a free local delivery within five miles of the shop as well to those who can't get out, we've been very lucky and things are going well both online and in store.

"It's always been like an old fashioned sweet shop and we've always done all the big jars and then we've introduced some of the American and different style sweets, we're always looking for the next thing that's going to be a hit as well."

Although fads may come and go with confectionery, Mark said there's a clear winner when it comes to his most popular product.

"On a day-to-day basis, Lyon's Midget Gems, they always win, the original midget gems are the clear favourite," he added.

You can see The Candy Store's full range of products on their website.

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