COFFEE fans have been left devastated after Nescafé discontinued “lovely” drinks from its plant-based range.
The coffee giant confirmed it had axed almond, oat and coconut milk flat white coffee pods from its Dolce Gusto range.
Nescafe has axed its plant-based coffee range[/caption]
The pod range had been the first plant-based offering on the market[/caption]
The plant-based pods had been described as having “a great taste” and being “lovely for vegans”, by fans.
One shopper said the pods were “better than a coffee shop coffee”, and added “smooth and creamy! Absolutely delicious”.
Another said: “I’m beyond happy there’s finally a coffee pod that I can drink.”
The reviews were not universally positive though and others described the pods as “watery” and “bland”.
One said: “Awful taste and texture. I was really excited to try these too but please do not get it its nothing like the original flat white pods.”
The range had been launched in January 2021 and was the first plant-based pod offering in the UK and Ireland.
At the time brand manager Brandon Primozic said: “The pods are ideal for vegans or those looking for a more plant-based diet.”
Boxes of 12 pods were sold for around £4.75 on the Dolce Gusto website and through major supermarkets.
A spokesperson for Nescafé owner Nestlé said: “We made the decision to say goodbye to this range as part of a portfolio review.
“Whilst we understand that fans will be disappointed to see it go, this move allows us to concentrate on our best-performing products and develop exciting new innovations to delight consumers’ tastebuds.
“Plant-based coffee drinkers can still enjoy a cup of their favourite Nescafé Dolce Gusto with their own plant-based milk of choice.”
Brands frequently discontinue products or lines that aren’t performing.
Earlier this week Quorn confirmed it had axed its Uniquorns meat-free pieces to the disappointment of parents.
Last month Heinz removed its easy-to-use spray salad dressings from shelves, despite it being described as “fabulous” by shoppers.
Chocolate fans were also left disappointed in June when the popular Colin the Caterpillar in a jar disappeared from stores.
Why are products axed or recipes changed?
ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders.
Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether.
They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers.
There are several reasons why this could be done.
For example, government regulation, like the “sugar tax,” forces firms to change their recipes.
Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs.
They may opt for a cheaper alternative, especially when costs are rising to keep prices stable.
For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018.
It has recently returned after six years away but as a sugar-free version.
Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year.
Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks.
While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose.
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