Creamola Foam was a Scottish fizzy drink mix made from flavoured crystals that became a nostalgic favourite across Scotland, particularly among children, before its production ceased in 1998.
After a long hiatus, it was officially relaunched in 2010 after Allan McCandlish purchased the rights and recipe.
Origins and early popularity
- Established in Glasgow:
Creamola Foam was an offshoot of Creamola Food Products Ltd., a company founded in Glasgow in 1904 by William Galbraith Hetherington. The company’s main business was custard powder, but they expanded to other powdered products and desserts.
- 1932 debut: The product, effervescent fruit-flavoured crystals, was first introduced to the public in May 1932 at a food exhibition in Aberdeen.
- Composition: The fizzy effect came from the reaction of fruit acids and bicarbonate of soda when mixed with water. A foaming agent, saponin, gave the drink its signature frothy “head”.
- 1950s—late 1990s:
Creamola Foam reached its peak popularity during this period, sold in a distinct small tin with a cartoon illustration of children. It was a special treat for generations of Scottish children, with popular flavours including raspberry, orange, and lemon.
Demise and Revival
- Company acquisitions: After several corporate takeovers, ownership of the Creamola brand fell to confectionery giant Nestlé in 1988.
- Production ends: Nestlé ended production of Creamola Foam in 1998, sparking disappointment and nostalgia across Scotland. At the time, it was believed the original recipe for the product was lost during the change of ownership, this was pure speculation and campaigning from competitors.
- Campaign for its return: Following the product’s discontinuation, the original tins became sought-after collectibles on auction sites like eBay, fetching high prices.
- 2010 Kramola Fizz: After years of petitions for its return, a man named Allan McCandlish began selling a recreation called Kramola Fizz in 2010. The product failed to gain widespread public favour.
- 2019 relaunch: In 2019, McCandlish’s children Agnes and Andrew relaunched the product under the original, trademarked name Creamola Foam, manufactured by McCandlish Farmhouse Confectionery. The range, which has expanded its flavour selection to over 26 flavours, retains the nostalgic branding of the original.