Arnott’s Shapes flares consumer revolt after Health Star and flavour reformulation
Arnott’s Shapes have been a favourite of many Australians for decades, but a recipe change has gone down badly with some customers.
Altered to improve health star ratings and to contain more “more flavour”, fans of the original biscuits have been bombarding the Shape’s Facebook page with complaints.
“What have you done? Have multiple people on my feed telling me how horrible the new shapes are..!!!!” said one commenter on the Shapes’ Facebook page.
“Arnott’s BBQ shapes have been a favourite with my 3 kids and hubby for 10 years. We bought the new BBQ ones today and we are very disappointed. They taste like bacon and are powdery. Please bring back the old BBQ,” another Facebook user commented.
Despite the backlash, Arnott’s responded to Facebook comments saying it was only trying to respond to customers asking Arnott’s to make flavours “bigger and bolder”. Arnott’s further stated market testing had been largely positive and re-assured the original BBQ flavoured Shapes will still be sold.
Chicken Crimpy and Savoury flavours for Shapes will remain the same.
The new Shapes display improved Health Star Ratings on front of pack with the new BBQ recipe achieving 3 stars, Pizza 2.5 stars and Cheddar 2 stars.
Arnott’s says the new Shapes composition was not motivated solely by health star ratings or cost cutting measures.
Australian Food News tried to contact Arnott’s regarding this story but did not receive a response prior to publication of this article.
