Marmite has discontinued a popular cupboard staple as gutted shoppers say ‘I really loved it’
CONSUMER goods giant Unilever has axed a breakfast staple that shoppers say was ‘really loved’.
Marmite peanut butter first appeared on shelves in 2019 – and it caused a stir.
But just five years later Unilever has discontinued the item and some shoppers are very unhappy.
‘I’ve been to 2 big Tesco, 2 big Sainsbury’s, ASDA, but they have none on the shelves,’ panicked one Reddit user.
Another Reddit user said: ‘Just read it’s been discontinued. I’m gutted. Tried marmite and crunchy peanut butter together. Nothing like it. Sad times.’
While a third added: ‘I literally have it every day for breakfast, I’m gutted!.’
However, its popularity was not enough to save the product, which cost £3 for a 225g tub.
A Unilever spokesperson said: ‘We’re always reviewing our ranges to make sure our products reflect shopper preferences, whilst also focusing on new innovations,’ said a Unilever spokesperson.
‘Whilst we will no longer be making Marmite peanut butter, we are working on some new and exciting launches within our licensing range to bring our iconic Marmite flavour to shoppers in new ways and formats.”
Unilever added that it will ‘continue to add to our Marmite limited editions range, including our recent Marmite Elton John jars.’
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.