Everyone knows the classic Mars Bar. It’s been a staple in lunchboxes and corner shops across the UK for decades. But what many people don’t realise is that this iconic chocolate treat has taken some truly odd and unexpected turns around the world. From fruity infusions to minty experiments, Mars has never been shy about mixing things up.
Here are ten of the most bizarre and rare Mars Bars you’re unlikely to find in your local sweet aisle. Some were regional exclusives, others limited editions, and a few are just downright strange.
1. Mars Lava (Limited Edition, UK)
This molten version featured a gooey, lava-like caramel centre that oozed with every bite. It was more of a dessert than a standard chocolate bar and briefly available in select UK petrol stations. While it didn’t stick around for long, it left quite the impression on those who tried it.
2. Mars Midnight (USA)
Mars Midnight offered a dark chocolate twist with a vanilla nougat centre. It was a fan favourite among American snack lovers but was pulled from shelves not long after its release. With its striking contrast in flavour and colour, it became a cult classic.
Read more on Snack History.
3. Mars Maple (Canada)
This Canadian-exclusive version swapped the classic caramel for maple-flavoured goodness. It perfectly captured the essence of a Canadian autumn in chocolate bar form. Sweet, rich and undeniably unique, it remains one of the most sought-after limited editions.
4. Mars Honeycomb Crunch (Australia)
Combining crunchy honeycomb pieces with the traditional Mars Bar formula, this version felt like a mix between a Crunchie and a Mars. Popular in Australia, it added an extra layer of texture that many fans absolutely loved.
If you enjoy unusual sweet combinations, you might also like our Top 10 Australian Sweets.
5. Mars Raspberry Smash (New Zealand)
Bright pink nougat with a raspberry twist made this New Zealand exclusive one of the boldest Mars Bars ever made. The fruity layer gave a surprisingly tangy edge to the usual chocolate-caramel combo.
6. Mars Chill (Europe)
A minty Mars Bar might sound like a recipe for disaster, but this European version offered a refreshing take on the classic. With a cool mint flavour running through the nougat, it was perfect for chocolate lovers with a taste for something a bit different. Sadly, it didn’t last long.
7. Mars Bar with Banana (Japan)
Japan is famous for its wild and wonderful snack variations, and this banana-infused Mars Bar is no exception. The banana flavour was blended into the caramel layer, offering a sweet and tropical spin on the original.
Explore more oddities from Japan at the Japan Centre.
8. Mars Protein Bar
Designed to appeal to gym-goers and health-conscious snackers, the Mars Protein Bar is packed with added protein and less sugar. It still tastes surprisingly close to the original but feels a bit too wholesome to be a proper treat. Available in many UK health food shops and online.
9. Mars Ice Cream Bar – Salted Caramel
This chilled delight replaced the chewy centre with smooth ice cream and added a salty twist. The salted caramel made it incredibly moreish. While not as widely available, it does pop up now and then in UK freezer aisles.
10. Mars Red (Russia)
With strawberry nougat and a white chocolate coating, Mars Red was a complete departure from the norm. Only released in Russia, it was a bold move that some fans loved and others… not so much. Today, it’s a rarity among collectors and sweet enthusiasts.
From maple-infused centres to banana surprises, Mars Bars have had quite the journey across the globe. It’s fascinating to see how a familiar favourite can be reinvented in so many surprising ways. Whether you’re a chocolate collector or just curious, these bizarre and rare versions prove that there’s always more to discover when it comes to sweets.
Tell Us What You Think!
Have you ever come across a Mars Bar flavour that blew your mind? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget to share this list with your fellow sweet-toothed friends. Who knows what they might remember (or crave)!