Red Ripperz (formerly Redskins or Red Skins) are a red, raspberry-flavoured chewy confectionery manufactured in Australia by Nestlé under their Allen's brand.
The confectionery is sold as elongated bars which are individually twist-wrapped in paper, weighing approximately 10 grams each, although smaller sizes exist.
In June 2025, Allen's released apple and grape versions in a Ripperz Remix pack.[1]
Branding controversy
'Redskin' has been considered a racist term for Native Americans and First Nations Canadians since at least the 1800s.[2][3]
In 1996, a complaint was made to the New Zealand Advertising Standards Complaints Board about a Redskins advertisement aired on New Zealand television. The advertisement featured comedian Mark Wright dressed in Native American clothing and assuming an accent. A mock drumbeat featured on the soundtrack. Despite protest from Nestlé New Zealand that the advertisement was inoffensive, the board upheld the complaint.[4]
Red Skins packaging formerly featured a drawing of a Native American wearing a traditional headdress. This was replaced in the late 1990s by a more neutral red character.
In June 2020, along with Chicos, Nestlé announced that the name will be changed to "represent the inclusive nature of modern society". The company said the decision was made to ensure "nothing we do marginalises our friends, neighbours and colleagues".
See also
References
- Tom Oakley-Newell. Allen’s launches new chewy twist on fan favourite Convenience & Impulse Retailing, 12 June 2025, retrieved 27 September 2025^
- Red Skins and Chicos sweets to be renamed, with Nestlé calling brands 'out of step' the Guardian, 23 June 2020, retrieved 26 August 2020^
- Pallavi Singhal. Nestle to change names of 'Red Skins' and 'Chicos' lollies