The chocolate sponge roll known as the caterpillar cake is more than just a dessert in the United Kingdom; it is a cultural institution. Originally conceived as a children’s birthday staple, these segmented chocolate logs have found their way into office boardrooms, retirement parties, and high-profile legal battles. While many people refer to them collectively as "Colin," most major UK retailers have launched their own versions, each with a distinct name, personality, and recipe.

Knowing these names is essential for anyone navigating the British supermarket aisles, whether you are looking for the original classic, a budget-friendly alternative, or a version that caters to specific dietary requirements.

The Definitive List of Caterpillar Cake Names by Supermarket

If you are looking for a quick reference to identify which caterpillar belongs to which store, here is the current lineup across the UK’s major retailers:

  • Marks & Spencer (M&S): Colin the Caterpillar (and his female counterpart, Connie)
  • Aldi: Cuthbert the Caterpillar
  • Tesco: Slinky the Caterpillar (Curly is the dairy and gluten-free version)
  • Sainsbury’s: Wiggles the Caterpillar (Eric is the gluten-free version)
  • Asda: Clyde the Caterpillar (Letty is the female version; Frieda is gluten-free)
  • Morrisons: Morris the Caterpillar
  • Waitrose: Cecil the Caterpillar
  • Co-op: Charlie the Caterpillar (Vic is the vegan version)
  • Lidl: Ciara the Caterpillar
  • Poundland: Chris the Caterpillar
  • One Stop: Clive the Caterpillar

The Original Icon: Colin the Caterpillar from Marks & Spencer

The story of the caterpillar cake begins in 1990 at Marks & Spencer. Colin is widely considered the "gold standard" of mass-market chocolate logs. Since his debut, over 15 million cakes have been sold, and his design has remained remarkably consistent: a chocolate sponge roll filled with chocolate buttercream, encased in a thick milk chocolate shell, and decorated with a white chocolate face and feet.

In our practical assessments of Colin, the most notable feature is the quality of the chocolate shell. It provides a satisfying "snap" when sliced, a textural element that cheaper rivals often lack. M&S claims that it takes 38 people to assemble each cake from start to finish, and the attention to detail is evident in the symmetry of the sugar-coated milk chocolate beans on his back.

The Expanding Colin Family

M&S has successfully turned Colin into a brand of his own. In 2016, they introduced Connie the Caterpillar. Connie is decorated with pink chocolate hearts and a bow, catering to a slightly different aesthetic while maintaining the same core flavor profile.

The range has since expanded to include:

  • Giant Colin and Connie: Serving up to 40 people, these are the ultimate party centerpieces.
  • Wedding Versions: Known as "Colin the Groom" (with a top hat) and "Connie the Bride" (with a veil).
  • Seasonal Variants: "Count Colin" for Halloween (featuring green accents and chocolate maggots) and "Festive Colin" for Christmas (complete with a Santa hat and candy canes).
  • Mini Colins: Small, snack-sized versions often sold in packs of five.

The Rebel Rival: Cuthbert the Caterpillar from Aldi

Aldi’s Cuthbert is perhaps the most famous caterpillar after Colin, but not necessarily for his flavor alone. In 2021, Cuthbert became the center of a high-profile legal dispute when M&S sued Aldi for trademark infringement, claiming that Cuthbert was too similar to Colin and was "riding on the coat-tails" of the M&S reputation.

The "Free Cuthbert" social media campaign that followed was a masterclass in reactive marketing. Aldi poked fun at the legal proceedings, and the hashtag trended globally. Eventually, the case was settled out of court, and Cuthbert returned to shelves with a slightly tweaked face.

From a tasting perspective, Cuthbert is the budget champion. Retailing significantly lower than Colin (often around £5.49 compared to M&S's £9.50), the value proposition is hard to ignore. In our experience, the sponge in the Aldi version can be slightly drier than the M&S original, but the cost savings make it a top choice for casual gatherings or children’s parties where the brand name matters less than the sugar rush.

The Heavy Hitters: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda

While Colin and Cuthbert dominate the headlines, the "Big Three" supermarkets offer solid alternatives that have their own loyal followings.

Tesco: Slinky and Curly

Tesco’s primary caterpillar is Slinky. Slinky is easily identifiable by his bright orange white-chocolate face, a departure from the traditional pale white chocolate used by M&S.

For those with dietary restrictions, Tesco offers Curly the Caterpillar. Curly is a dairy-free and gluten-free version, ensuring that no one is left out of the celebration. In our taste tests, Curly’s sponge is surprisingly moist for a gluten-free product, although the chocolate shell is slightly thinner than the standard Slinky.

Sainsbury’s: Wiggles and Eric

Sainsbury’s Wiggles looks very similar to the original Colin, which makes him a popular choice for those wanting the classic aesthetic without paying the M&S premium. Wiggles is often praised for the thickness of his chocolate shell.

Sainsbury’s also caters to the "Free From" market with Eric the Caterpillar. Eric is a gluten-free chocolate log that holds up well under the weight of the chocolate decorations.

Asda: Clyde and Letty

Asda’s caterpillar duo, Clyde and Letty, are known for being among the largest by weight in the mid-range category. Clyde has a green-tinged face and feet, giving him a more "earthy" caterpillar look. Asda also provides Frieda, a gluten-free option. However, some tasters have noted that the buttercream-to-sponge ratio in the Asda version can be a bit lean, leading to a less decadent mouthfeel.

The High-End Alternative: Cecil the Caterpillar from Waitrose

For those who want a more "premium" experience without going to M&S, Waitrose offers Cecil. Cecil is the heaviest caterpillar cake on the market (excluding giant versions), typically weighing in at 720g.

Cecil’s chocolate shell is notably rich, and the cake uses high-quality cocoa. However, data from nutritional panels shows that Cecil is also one of the sweetest, containing more sugar per 100g than almost any other rival. If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor over pure sweetness, Cecil might be your preferred choice.

The Surprise Winner: Charlie the Caterpillar from Co-op

In blind taste tests conducted by consumer groups like Which?, Co-op’s Charlie the Caterpillar has frequently emerged as a surprise champion, sometimes even beating the original Colin.

The secret to Charlie’s success seems to be the balance. The sponge is consistently moist, and the chocolate buttercream has a depth of flavor that avoids being cloying. Co-op also leads the way in inclusivity with Vic the Vegan Caterpillar. Vic is one of the few vegan caterpillar cakes available on the high street, replacing dairy with plant-based alternatives that still deliver a creamy texture.

Comparing the "Crunch" Factor and Technical Specs

When choosing a caterpillar cake, the "crunch" of the chocolate shell and the "moistness" of the sponge are the two most critical factors. Here is how they stack up based on our technical observations:

Chocolate Shell Thickness

  1. M&S Colin: Thickest and most consistent. Requires a sharp knife to cut without shattering.
  2. Waitrose Cecil: Very thick, with a high cocoa butter content.
  3. Aldi Cuthbert: Thinner shell, easier to slice but lacks the premium "snap."
  4. Tesco Slinky: Moderate thickness, with a focus on sweetness over cocoa depth.

Sponge Moisture Levels

  1. Co-op Charlie: Regularly cited as the most moist sponge in the category.
  2. M&S Colin: Very reliable, though best consumed within 24 hours of opening.
  3. Asda Clyde: Can be prone to dryness if stored in a fridge that is too cold.
  4. Sainsbury's Wiggles: Mid-range; benefits from a generous amount of buttercream to offset the sponge.

Serving Sizes

While most supermarket packaging claims these cakes serve 12 people, the reality depends on the slice thickness.

  • Cecil (Waitrose): 720g (Best for generous portions).
  • Colin (M&S): 625g (The standard).
  • Cuthbert (Aldi): 625g (Matches Colin in size).
  • Letty (Asda): 615g (Slightly smaller, despite looking bulky).

Why the Names Matter: The Sociology of the Caterpillar Cake

The naming of these cakes is a fascinating exercise in brand personality. By giving these desserts human names—Colin, Cuthbert, Charlie—retailers create a sense of familiarity and "friendship." It is much easier to say, "I'm bringing Colin to the party," than "I'm bringing a supermarket-brand chocolate roll."

This personification has allowed the cakes to become characters in their own right. When M&S sued Aldi, the public didn't see it as a corporate litigation; they saw it as "Colin vs. Cuthbert." The names evoke nostalgia for childhood birthdays and create a shared cultural language among Brits.

Dietary Variations: Who Makes the Best Vegan or Gluten-Free Version?

In the past, having a dietary requirement meant missing out on the caterpillar cake tradition. That has changed significantly in the last five years.

  • Best for Vegans: Vic from Co-op is the standout. It successfully replicates the milk-chocolate flavor using dairy alternatives without leaving a waxy aftertaste.
  • Best for Gluten-Free: Eric from Sainsbury's and Curly from Tesco are the top contenders. Eric tends to have a slightly better structure, making it less likely to crumble when you try to lift a slice onto a plate.
  • Best for Dairy-Free: Tesco's Curly is the most widely available and offers a consistent flavor that kids won't distinguish from "normal" chocolate.

Buying Guide: Which Caterpillar Should You Choose?

Choosing the right caterpillar depends on your specific needs:

  • For the "Wow" Factor: Choose Colin the Caterpillar (M&S). The brand recognition and the quality of the white chocolate face are still unmatched.
  • For the Office on a Budget: Choose Cuthbert (Aldi). At nearly half the price of Colin, you can buy two for the price of one, which is essential if you have a large team.
  • For the Best Taste (According to Experts): Try Charlie (Co-op). If you can find a Co-op store, this cake is often the dark horse that wins over gourmands.
  • For the Kids with Allergies: Go to Tesco for Curly or Sainsbury's for Eric.

How to Serve and Store Your Caterpillar Cake

To get the most out of your caterpillar cake, consider these tips:

  1. The Slicing Technique: Because the chocolate shell is hard, using a cold knife often causes it to shatter into irregular shards. To get a clean cut, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing. The heat will melt through the shell cleanly.
  2. Temperature Matters: Do not serve the cake straight from the fridge. The buttercream will be hard and the sponge will feel dry. Let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 to 60 minutes before serving to allow the fats in the chocolate and cream to soften.
  3. Storage: Once cut, the sponge is exposed to air and will dry out quickly. Use a piece of cling film or parchment paper to cover the "exposed" end of the caterpillar before putting it back in the box or an airtight container.

Summary of Caterpillar Cake Brands

The world of caterpillar cakes is surprisingly competitive. What started as a single product at Marks & Spencer has evolved into a diverse market where every major UK supermarket has its own "spokes-caterpillar." Whether it's the litigation-tested Cuthbert, the premium Cecil, or the inclusive Vic, there is a chocolate log for every occasion and every budget.

While Colin remains the undisputed original, the "Cake Wars" have forced all retailers to improve their recipes, leading to better quality, more variety, and more fun for the consumer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the first caterpillar cake? Colin the Caterpillar, launched by Marks & Spencer in 1990, was the first mass-produced caterpillar cake in the UK.

Who won the lawsuit between M&S and Aldi? The case was settled out of court in February 2022. Both parties reached a confidential agreement, and Aldi’s Cuthbert returned to the shelves with a slightly modified appearance to distinguish him from Colin.

Which caterpillar cake is the biggest? In the standard size category, Cecil from Waitrose is typically the largest by weight at 720g. However, M&S and other retailers sell "Giant" versions that can weigh over 2kg.

Are there vegan caterpillar cakes? Yes, Co-op offers "Vic the Vegan Caterpillar," and other retailers occasionally release seasonal vegan variants. Always check the labels as supermarket ranges change frequently.

Why are they all named with the same letter as the supermarket? This is a common branding tactic to make the names memorable and associate them with the store. For example, Colin at M&S (an outlier, but the original), Cuthbert at Aldi (originally used a "C" for Caterpillar), Morris at Morrisons, and Cecil at Waitrose.

What is the price difference between the cakes? Colin (M&S) is usually the most expensive at around £9.50. Cuthbert (Aldi) is often the cheapest, sometimes priced as low as £5.49. Most other supermarket versions (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda) sit in the £7.50 to £8.50 range.