What is a Cherry Ripe?
Cherry Ripe is an Australian chocolate bar with a filling of cherries and coconut covered in dark chocolate. First made by MacRobertson's in Melbourne in 1924, it is often called Australia's oldest chocolate bar.
MacRobertson's, founded by Macpherson Robertson, was a famous Melbourne confectionery company that also created Freddo Frog and Old Gold chocolate. Cherry Ripe was one of its most successful products.
The bar's filling combines chopped glace cherries and desiccated coconut, giving a sweet, chewy texture balanced by the dark chocolate coating. Its red wrapper is instantly recognisable in Australian shops.
Owned by Cadbury
Cadbury bought MacRobertson's in 1967, and Cherry Ripe is now made by Cadbury in Australia. The bar has regularly been listed among Australia's best-selling chocolate bars.
Cherry Ripe flavour has been extended into ice creams, block chocolate, biscuits and baking products. Many Australians abroad name it as one of the snacks they miss most.
Despite its popularity in Australia, Cherry Ripe is little known in most other countries, making it a uniquely Australian treat. Fans debate the ideal ratio of chocolate to cherry filling.
Did You Know?
Macpherson Robertson also funded the MacRobertson Air Race from England to Melbourne in 1934.