In a humorous twist that has left social media users in stitches, the beloved Cadbury Freddo frog has become the latest subject of jokes about the popular weight loss drug, Ozempic. The viral post, shared on the social media platform X, has sparked a wave of laughter and commentary, with many joking that the iconic chocolate character has undergone a dramatic transformation thanks to the ‘skinny jab.’
The post, shared by a parody account named ‘Manic Kieth Preachers,’ featured a before-and-after image of the Freddo frog. The first image showed the frog looking a bit chubby, while the second image depicted a noticeably slimmer and more athletic version. The caption humorously read, “Another British icon lost to Ozempic,” and quickly amassed an impressive 46,000 views along with a plethora of amused comments.
One user quipped, “We used to be a real country,” while another chimed in with, “Liposuction strikes again.” The playful banter continued with comments like, “What has happened to this country?” However, not everyone was on board with the joke. Some users were quick to point out that Freddo is not actually a British icon, but rather an Australian creation.
“Freddo Frogs are Australian, not British,” one user corrected, while another added, “Britain, stop stealing from your colonies.” According to historical records, Freddo was invented by Harry Melbourne, an 18-year-old working for MacRobertson Chocolates in Australia during the 1930s. The character was later sold to Cadbury in 1967.
Interestingly, the size of Freddo has fluctuated over the years. In 2007, the chocolate frog grew from 17g to 20g, only to shrink back down to 18g four years later. And if that wasn’t enough, reports suggest that in Australia, the bars have been reduced to a mere 12g. This phenomenon is part of a broader trend known as ‘shrinkflation,’ where companies reduce the size of their products while maintaining the same price to boost profits.
Cadbury, now a multinational confectionery giant valued at approximately £2.9 billion, has faced similar accusations with its Dairy Milk sharing bars, which were reduced by 10 percent. Mondelez, Cadbury’s parent company, attributed these changes to rising production costs, including ingredients, energy, and packaging, as well as inflation.
A Mondelez spokesperson explained, “We’re facing the same challenges that so many other food companies have already reported when it comes to significantly increased production costs – whether it’s ingredients, energy or packaging – and rising inflation.”
Cadbury’s journey from a small grocer’s shop in Birmingham 200 years ago to a global confectionery powerhouse is a testament to its enduring popularity. The company, which started by selling cocoa and drinking chocolate, has grown exponentially over the years, partnering with other family-run businesses like Fry and Sons and Trebor Bassett to offer the best value for money.
“Since 1824, Cadbury has gone from a Birmingham-based chocolate shop to a national favourite,” the company states. “In this time, the Cadbury family has partnered with other family-run companies like Fry and Sons and Trebor Bassett to provide the best value for money, from corner shops to supermarket aisles… We’ve come a long way in 200 years but one thing that will never change is the generous spirit we bring to everything we do.”
The viral post about Freddo’s supposed transformation has not only provided a good laugh but also highlighted the cultural significance of the chocolate character. While some may argue about its origins, there’s no denying that Freddo holds a special place in the hearts of many, whether in the UK or Australia.
The phenomenon of Ozempic, a brand name for semaglutide, has indeed taken the world by storm. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, the medication has gained popularity for its weight loss benefits. Celebrities like Sharon Osbourne and Oprah Winfrey have openly discussed their use of the drug, further fueling its fame.
Ozempic works by mimicking the action of the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion, slowing down gastric emptying, and reducing appetite. Typically injected once weekly, it is often prescribed alongside diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, semaglutide has been studied for its potential benefits in weight management and cardiovascular health.
The social media platform X, where the Freddo post went viral, has become a hub for such humorous and viral content. Launched in July 2006 by American Jack Dorsey, the platform allows users to share text-based posts of up to 280 characters, known as ‘tweets.’ With millions of users worldwide, X handles billions of searches per day, making it a powerful tool for spreading news, humor, and everything in between.
As the internet continues to buzz with jokes about Freddo and Ozempic, it’s clear that the combination of a beloved chocolate character and a trending weight loss drug has struck a chord with many. Whether you’re laughing at the idea of a slimmed-down Freddo or debating the origins of the chocolate frog, one thing is certain: the internet never fails to deliver a good laugh.
What do you think about Freddo’s supposed transformation? Let us know in the comments below!
