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A staple of children’s birthday parties, Marks & Spencer first launched Colin the Caterpillar back in 1990.
In the 30 years since Colin first hit the shelves, the celebration cake has become somewhat of a British icon. M&S now stock a whole range of Colin the Caterpillar products, from mini swiss rolls and fruit sweeties to shopping bags and a Colin the caterpillar shaped backpack.
But none of the additional products, not even Connie the Caterpillar, have had the same level of impact as the original Colin the Caterpillar cake.
The simple chocolate sponge roll cake, with its chocolate buttercream filling, hard chocolate shell and edible decorations is - according to M&S - a guest at around 450,000 birthdays annually.
In addition, Colin has inspired countless supermarkets to create their own version with imitators including shops such as Asda, Waitrose and, perhaps most notably, Aldi.
In 2021 M&S launched legal action against Aldi in regards to the retailer’s Cuthbert the Caterpillar cake, which they claimed was too similar to the original Colin. It sparked a frenzy of online activity with Aldi taking to social media to declare “#FreeCuthbert”.
And while the brands have now called a truce on the matter - only after Aldi agreed to alter the appearance of their cake - what other caterpillar cakes are out there?
From Wiggles and Charlie to Colin and Cuthbert, here are all of the caterpillar cakes on sale in UK supermarkets.
1. Aldi – Cuthbert the caterpillar cake
Cuthbert the controversial caterpillar kept his cheeky chocolate grin and is available in Aldi for £5.49, serving up to 12 people. | Aldi
2. Asda – Letty the caterpillar cake
Letty the Caterpillar Cake isn’t as visually similar to Colin, with the name another departure from the M&S original, alongside the icing feet and face. Asda sell Letty for £7.50 to serve 12 people. | Asda
3. M&S – Colin the caterpillar cake
The original, Colin is a guest at around 450,000 birthdays annually according to M&S. His distinctive chocolate face and feet help set him apart from the crowd, along with the variety of additional Colin treats on offer, including a giant version which can serve 40. However if you’re looking to serve a smaller crowd, M&S retail Colin the Caterpillar Cake for £9.50 to serve 10. | Marks and Spencer
4. M&S – Connie the caterpillar cake
In 2016 M&S also began to sell Connie, Colin’s best friend, who wears a pink chocolate bow as well as pink shoes. Connie costs £9.50 and serves 10. | Marks and Spencer