Colin the Caterpillar Cake: History, Versions & Legal Battle

Few birthday cakes have sparked as much conversation – or legal drama – as Colin the Caterpillar. For over three decades, Marks & Spencer’s chocolate caterpillar cake has been a fixture at children’s parties across Britain, first hitting shelves in 1990 (Marks & Spencer). But the 2021 arrival of Aldi’s lookalike, Cuthbert, turned a simple sponge into a courtroom headline, and a national obsession with caterpillar cakes was born.

Year launched: 1990 (M&S) · Rival caterpillar cakes: 4+ (MFMac) · Retailer: Marks & Spencer

What kind of cake is Colin the Caterpillar?

Description of the cake

• A chocolate sponge cake filled with buttercream and coated in chocolate ganache (Marks & Spencer product page).
• Shaped like a caterpillar with white chocolate decorations.

Key ingredients

• Wheat flour, sugar, butter, eggs, cocoa powder, and chocolate (proprietary recipe).

Size and serving

• Serves approximately 12–14 people, weighing around 800 g.

The implication: Colin is a classic celebration cake, designed for convenience and visual appeal – a reliable party centrepiece.

Is Colin the Caterpillar Irish?

Origin of the name Colin

• The name Colin is of Irish/Scottish origin, but the cake itself is a British product from M&S.
• M&S sells Colin in Ireland, which may add to the confusion (Marks & Spencer product page).

M&S as a British retailer

• Marks & Spencer is a British retailer headquartered in London; all Colin cakes are produced in the UK.

Popularity in Ireland

• Colin is widely available in M&S stores in Ireland and has a strong following there.

The pattern: While the name might suggest an Irish connection, Colin is firmly British in origin and distribution.

What is Aldi’s version of Colin the Caterpillar?

Cuthbert the Caterpillar

• Aldi’s version is called Cuthbert the Caterpillar, launched in 2021 (Reuters news report).
• Very similar in appearance but priced significantly lower.

Legal dispute between M&S and Aldi

• M&S sued Aldi in April 2021 for trademark infringement and passing off (Reuters news report).
• M&S relied on its registered UK trademarks for Colin packaging and the caterpillar shape (Bristows legal analysis).
• Aldi denied wrongdoing and said it would defend the case (Reuters news report).

Similarities and differences

• Both are chocolate caterpillar cakes with buttercream and chocolate coating.
• Cuthbert is about 40% cheaper than Colin (price comparison).
• After the injunction, Aldi redesigned Cuthbert’s packaging and product appearance.

The trade-off: lower price for a nearly identical look, but at the cost of legal risk for the discounter.

What is the caterpillar cake called at Lidl?

Lidl’s version: Clem

• Lidl sells a caterpillar cake called Clem, part of a wider trend of supermarket versions.
• Competitive pricing places it near Aldi’s Cuthbert range.

Other supermarket versions

• Multiple UK supermarkets sell caterpillar cakes, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Asda (MFMac legal commentary).
• Each uses a different name but the design remains similar.

Price comparison

The table below shows how supermarket caterpillar cake prices stack up against the original.

The pattern: discounter versions undercut M&S by about 30-40%, while premium retailers price closer to Colin.

Did Aldi do Colin vs Cuthbert?

The legal battle

• M&S filed a trademark infringement claim in April 2021, arguing Cuthbert copied Colin’s look and name (Reuters news report).
• Aldi defended by noting caterpillar cakes existed before Colin (Bristows legal analysis).

Public reaction

• The case went viral, generating memes and widespread media coverage (WebTMS analysis).
• Many shoppers sided with Aldi on price grounds, while others defended M&S’s brand rights.

Outcome

• An interim injunction was granted, forcing Aldi to stop selling the original Cuthbert (Bristows legal analysis).
• Aldi later relaunched Cuthbert with modified packaging and design.

Comparison: Colin vs. Cuthbert vs. Other Versions

Three contenders, one clear pattern: discounter versions offer a nearly identical experience for less money, but lack brand heritage.

What this means: Colin remains the premium, original choice; Cuthbert offers the closest match at a discount; other versions fill the mid-range.

Specifications: Colin the Caterpillar Cake

Nine attributes show Colin is a standard celebration cake by weight and size, but its brand power sets it apart.

Pros and Cons of Colin the Caterpillar

Timeline of the Caterpillar Cake Saga

• 1990 – M&S launches Colin the Caterpillar (Marks & Spencer product page).
• 2021 – Aldi introduces Cuthbert the Caterpillar. M&S files a lawsuit for trademark infringement (Reuters news report).
• 2021 – Court grants an interim injunction blocking Aldi from selling Cuthbert in its original form (Bristows legal analysis).
• 2022 – Aldi relaunches Cuthbert with redesigned packaging and a slightly different appearance.

The implication: the legal action shaped the market but didn’t end the competition; copycats adapt.

Clarity: What We Know vs. What’s Uncertain

Quotes on the Caterpillar Cake War

M&S said its claim relied on the reputation of Colin the Caterpillar and the similarity of Aldi’s product branding and presentation.

— M&S statement, as reported by Reuters news report

Colin the Caterpillar first reached shelves in 1990 and has become one of M&S’s most iconic celebration cakes.

— Marks & Spencer product page

The pattern: M&S frames Colin as a beloved brand, while the media highlights the David vs. Goliath dynamics of the legal fight.

Summary

Colin the Caterpillar is more than a cake; it’s a cultural and legal landmark in British retail. The dispute with Aldi revealed how far a company will go to protect a 30‑year‑old brand. For the average birthday shopper, the choice is clear: pay a premium for M&S’s original or save with a copycat. For budget‑conscious families, the discount versions offer a tempting alternative, but the legal risks for supermarkets remain. The cake war shows that brand loyalty alone may not hold the line against cheaper imitators.

Related reading: M&S Cake – Colin the Caterpillar Complete Guide

Frequently asked questions