THE Co-op has axed a popular variety of festive crisps – leaving shoppers crying for their return.
The retailer’s Ultimate Roast Potato crisps were a hit with customers – although some laughed at the name and pointed out that all crisps are made from potatoes.
After getting rave reviews last year customers have since sadly realised they are not returning this December, leading to passionate pleas to the Co-op.
One said on X: “Finding out that @coopuk aren’t doing their Ultimate Roast Potato crisps this year has made me sad.
“In my humble opinion, they need to become a permanent fixture on the shelves!”
Another added: “Where did your roast potato crisps go?
“They are 10x better than the pizza flavoured crisps. Please can we have them back?”
While a third said: “Gutted that my favourite crisps ever are not to be seen this Christmas. Have you discontinued them?
“Please tell me you haven’t.
“I normally stockpile them each year.”
“I hope they’ll look into stocking them next year as all the other Christmas crisps are so highly flavoured.
“These were just perfect – the rosemary, garlic & salt – so uncomplicated. Gutted.”
The Co-op confirmed to The Sun that the flavour was no longer sold, having been replaced by its “Irresistible Camembert and Black Garlic Crisps”.
A spokesman said many of its sharing bags of crisps – including the festive Camembert ones, Pigs in Blankets, Turkey Tikka Masala and Serious Saucy – were currently on offer for £1.25 for Co-op Members, while non-members pay £1.75.
Retailers and brands often release Christmas-themed versions of their regular products to drive up sales before Christmas.
Some are bought back year after year, but it can upset customers’ traditions if they are discontinued in favour of a new variety.
In the case of Roast Potato crisps, The Co-op has been selling them every winter since 2019, leading to a substantial fanbase.
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.
Cadbury’s Festive Friends biscuits, which were this year phased out in favour of Festival Animals – caused a storm of protest.
One fan even started a petition on Change.org to reverse the decision.
This month, The Sun also revealed Cadbury is no longer producing its Dairy Milk Mousse Snowman and Dairy Milk Winter Orange Crisp bars, which again have been missed by fans.
M&S has also scrapped one of its popular Christmas drinks from shelves ahead of the big day.
The retailer confirmed the Clementine Hot Chocolate had been discontinued but did not rule out the possibility of a come back.
The popular hot chocolate featured Belgian chocolate flakes with some citrus notes.
Shoppers loved the sweet drink – but unfortunately won’t be able to get their fix this season.
One user on X begged for the retailer to bring the flavour back – saying her family “hasn’t stopped talking about it for two years since Christmas 2022.”
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
