The Twister, originally known as Tangle Twister and made by The Magnum Ice Cream Company, is one of the most recognisable ice creams in the UK.
Typically, the lolly has pineapple ice cream and lime-flavoured fruit ice on the outside, with strawberry fruit ice on the inside.
The spiral-shaped treat was well-known for being vegan-friendly, but this has changed as of this month.
Twister ice cream changes its recipe and adds milk
As of February, The Magnum Ice Cream Company has changed the recipes of its Twister tropical, Twister mallow and Twister pineapple.
The change means that the product will now contain milk, which was not previously present in the recipe.
The Anaphylaxis UK website revealed the change, warning those with a tolerance to milk not to eat it.
Confirming the news, a spokesman told Newsquest: “From February 2026, we have updated the recipe for our Twister core range in the UK.
“As part of this refresh, the ice‑cream swirl now contains milk, meaning the product is no longer suitable for vegans.
Twister ice creams are often bought in multipacks and come in a few different flavours (Image: Newsquest)
“The change was made to deliver a more balanced, refreshing product with improved texture and visual appeal.
“As milk is a recognised allergen, we have clearly updated on-pack labelling and communicated the change through our brand channels and relevant consumer groups, so shoppers have the information they need.”
Shoppers disappointed at change in Twister recipe
Vegan eaters were quick to spot the change and discuss their disappointment on social media.
On the r/VeganUK page on Reddit, one user wrote: “Oh, great. The shop at work will go from having one vegan ice cream to zero.
“Still, at least I have the choice of exactly two chocolate bars.”
Another said: “They tasted literally no different using the dairy free recipe but now they’re limiting the market, whyyyy.”
A third added: “Why do they do this?! Surely excluding customers (dairy intolerant as well as vegan) isn’t good business sense?”
“I just love having all the foods I like taken away from me one by one,” said a fourth disappointed shopper.
Another said their son would be “devastated” by the news.
One fan also described how they “always had their freezer stocked with Twisters”, due to it being a “good low-calorie snack for my sweet tooth”.
They continued: “I buy them each week as both me and my autistic son love them and are one of the few foods that both me and him (he’s not vegan) can enjoy together!”
Nestle Toffee Crisp and Blue Riband no longer classed as ‘chocolate’
The tweak to the Twister is not the only recipe change to popular sweet products in recent times.
Towards the end of last year, Nestle made major changes to the recipes of its Toffee Crisp and Blue Riband.
Both now contain less cocoa mass and a higher proportion of vegetable fats.
The move was introduced due to the “significant increases” in cocoa costs, the confectionery giant has revealed.
A spokesman said: “These changes have been carefully developed and sensory tested with taste and quality being our top priority at all times.
“As always, we keep our ingredients up to date and clearly labelled on pack, so confectionery fans can continue to enjoy our products with confidence.
Recommended reading:
Krispy Kreme’s ‘best’ doughnut discontinued 6 years ago to return for limited time
Discontinued Kinder chocolate fans ‘have been waiting for’ back in UK after 7 years
Rare Nestle chocolate like discontinued favourite back at Home Bargains for £1.49
“Like every manufacturer, we’ve seen significant increases in the cost of cocoa over the past years, making it much more expensive to manufacture our products.
“We continue to be more efficient and absorb increasing costs where possible. To continue to offer shoppers great value and enjoyment, it is sometimes necessary to adjust the recipes of some of our products.”
What is your favourite ice cream or ice lolly? Let us know in the comments below.
