The UK could soon be suffering a chocolate shortage with some of the country's favourite varieties hit by the drought.

It has been reported that the Mars factory, in Slough, Berkshire, which manufactures chocolates like Galaxy, Maltesers, Bounty and Snickers, has been hit with a mechanical glitch causing production restrictions.

Manufacturer Mars Wrigley confirmed to foodmanufacture.co.uk  that brands such as Snickers and Milky Way have not been affected by the issue.

A spokesperson said: "We're sorry some people able to find their favourite chocolates at the moment. We've had a mechanical breakdown which means that we aren't able to make as many treats as we would like."

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Twitter users have noticed the shortage, and have taken to social media to express their concern.

"When all you want is minstrels but apparently there a shortage on galaxy chocolate," complained one chocaholic.

"1st it was the bad weather then it was floods and damages to the uk then the coronavirus now theres a shortage of chocolate in the uk," said another disgruntled shopper.

Mars UK told The Independent that “for the time being”, consumers may not be able to find products including Maltesers, Revels and some Galaxy treats including Minstrels, Counters, Galaxy Milk and Ripple in stores.

“No other treats are affected,” the firm's spokesperson went on.

“We know it’s not ideal and we hate to disappoint, but please be assured that our engineers in the factory are working around the clock to ensure that we are back up and running to full capacity as soon as possible.

“Thank you for bearing with us.”