Searches for Caramac on the Ocado website are up by a whopping 3,497% as fans desperately try to track down the old favorite

Online searches for the axed Caramac bar have risen by a whopping 3,497 percent for one grocer, following fans’ outcry over the chocolate’s discontinuation.

Ocado, Britain’s largest online supermarket, has seen a surge in interest from passionate shoppers since the week following Nestle’s controversial announcement to ax the sweet treat.

Customers are desperate for the chocolate bar while also looking for alternatives to assuage the loss of their beloved delicacy, which has been around since 1959.

Sales of Cadbury ‘Caramilk’ have also more than doubled by 184 per cent, while sales of M&S’s Golden Blond Chocolate have increased by 185 per cent.

Rich Sharpe, the supermarket’s Senior Buyer for Confectionery, says this reflects the growing interest in blonde chocolate.

‘[It] is becoming increasingly popular with our customers,” he added. “So it’s no surprise that news of Caramac’s shutdown has sparked a flurry of searches locally. Fortunately, we have plenty of other options to satisfy hunger.’

Nestle UK confirmed last week it will discontinue a popular chocolate bar due to falling sales, leaving fans in an uproar.

A petition to stop the chocolate bar from being discontinued has since gained the support of more than 27,000 people in less than a week.

The fan favorite sweet treat has been axed as the brand claims it is not as popular as other products in their range.

However, some Britons are outraged by the decision; they joke that they are ‘revolting’, while others claim that the decision is ‘ageist’.

One fan has gone that far set up a petition on Change.org, which quickly collects signatures.

Organizer Gary Millar urged Nestle to reverse its choice, arguing that axing the chocolate bar would be a “significant loss to our cultural heritage.”

Ocado – Britain’s largest online supermarket – has seen a huge surge in interest from passionate shoppers since the week after its controversial announcement (stock image used)

Explaining his reasons, he wrote: ‘Of course there are more important causes, but this nostalgic sweet petition is gaining national interest… As a lover of Caramac bars, I am deeply saddened by the possible discontinuation of this beloved treat.

‘The unique blend of caramel and white chocolate has been delighting taste buds for over 50 years since it was first produced by Mackintosh’s in 1959.

‘Its soft texture and toffee-like flavor have made it a favorite among many, including myself. Unfortunately, there is increasing concern that production will cease due to changes in consumer preferences and market trends.

‘This would be a significant loss not only for those who love Caramac bars, but also for our shared cultural heritage.

‘The UK confectionery industry is worth £1.1 billion annually (according to Mintel), and iconic products such as Caramac contribute significantly to its success.’

He pleaded: ‘We cannot let this piece of confectionery history disappear without a fight.

‘By signing this petition you are showing your support for maintaining the production of Caramac bars and ensuring that future generations can enjoy its unique taste just like us. Please sign this petition today to help save our beloved Caramac!’

Nestle UK confirmed last week it will discontinue a popular chocolate bar due to falling sales, leaving fans in an uproar. Stock image used

One fan who signed commented, “While there are much more important things going on in the world, something as simple as a sweet treat acts as a pick-me-up. Caramac has been mine for decades.

‘In a family with many who cannot eat cocoa, this little bar of treat has allowed them to be no different to those who can eat many other brands.’

Another promised: ‘One of my favorites. If so, I will NEVER buy Nestle chocolate again.’

Someone else added: ‘I can’t eat chocolate due to an allergy and this is the best alternative. Come on Nestle, listen to the people. We love it’.

Meanwhile, older supporters chimed in with “I’ve enjoyed Caramac for over 50 years” and “I’m tired of losing my past.”

The bar was also a staple for those allergic to cocoa – one customer said: ‘I can’t eat cocoa because it gives me migraines. Caramac is my treat and ensures that I don’t feel left out when others eat chocolate.’

It comes after brand and culture expert Nick Ede told FEMAIL: ‘It feels like Nestle is a bit old-fashioned to the product and has left it on their product shelves to die.

‘It is important for brands to evolve and create new products, but for many Caramac was a heritage product and very popular. It made a name for itself after the war and was super popular with baby boomers, but it seems to have fallen out of favor or taste, I must say!’

In addition, shortly after the announcement of Caramac’s death, the chocolate giant announced a further discontinuation: the Animal Bar.

Due to ‘poor performance’ it is being pulled from the shelves after 60 years, dealing another blow to shoppers.

A spokesperson told MailOnline that it is ‘being discontinued for the same reason as Caramac: a steady decline in sales’.

One social media user commented: ‘Woke up to the news that the Zodiac will become extinct soon. It brings back fond memories of my childhood, and I don’t know of any other chocolate bar that crunches in the same delicious, satisfying way,” a second added. Another begged: “Don’t you dare get rid of the Animal Bar or anything, help me God.”