The iconic SpongeBob Popsicle has new eyes, and social media isn't having it
- Popsicle brand recently changed the eyeballs on its SpongeBob SquarePants Popsicle.
- Some customers are upset with the change and took to social media to express their dismay.
Popsicle brand recently changed the eyes on its popular SpongeBob SquarePants Popsicle, and social media users aren't thrilled.
The fruit punch and cotton candy-flavored frozen treat has been around for years, and was known for its large — and often off-center — gumball eyes.
There was even a challenge of sorts to see if you could get a SpongeBob SquarePants Popsicle with perfectly placed eyes since they seemed so rare. TikTok user @raheel_arsenal found one such Popsicle and posted his feat to TikTok.
But controversy arose earlier this month when customers began to notice a change in the ice pop's appearance.
One customer took to Twitter to ask about the eyes, and Popsicle confirmed that the gumballs had been replaced.
"Unfortunately, there will no longer be gumballs on the SpongeBob SquarePants Popsicle," the company wrote. "The Popsicle brand is always looking for ways to improve their products, and made the decision to remove the gumballs. We hope our fans will enjoy the new and improved design."
According to Popsicle's website, the popular cartoon character now has "chocolatey eyes." The company did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
The eyeball conversation was not just contained to Twitter, and soon TikTokers were chiming in.
TikToker @brenttelevision went viral earlier this month when he reacted to the news.
In his video, which has over 8.1 million views and 760,000 likes, Brent bought one to see the Popsicle's new look for himself.
"Popsicle what are you doing?" Brent asked upon opening the package. "I cannot believe after 21 years they would replace the iconic gumball eyes. Popsicle you gotta fix this."
Another user, @ridge.x, took matters into his own hands and called the company directly.
In the video, he lets viewers listen in on his conversation with a customer service representative who says the eyes were switched after a recent "formulation change."
In the comments, one major concern with the "chocolatey eyes" seems to be that their flavor conflicts with the Popsicle's fruity taste. Others speculated that it could be because the gumballs were a choking liability.
Needless to say, Popsicles are serious business.