CONFECTIONARY giant Nestle has axed a popular baking product, confirming the news on social media.
Its Carnation Vegan Condensed Milk Alternative has now permanently disappeared from supermarket shelves.
The substitute for its original dairy version was made with oats and rice and was used for baking sweet treats that were plant-based.
It was launched by the chocolate-to-coffee maker back in 2020, and was sold in supermarkets such as Asda and retailed for around £2.50.
Eagle-eyed shoppers took to social media to find out what had happened to the popular product.
Writing on X, formerly Twitter, one user said: What’s going on???!!! I’m desperately trying to find your Vegan Condensed Milk and it’s out of stock/discontinued in every supermarket I’ve spoken to, and I need it for my small business!! Is there a shortage or something?
While another desperate fan said: “Help! What’s happened to your vegan condensed milk? Can’t find it anywhere. need to make fudge for Christmas!.”
A spokesperson confirmed on X, that the product was no more.
They said: “We’re sorry to have to give you disappointing news, but unfortunately, Carnation Vegan Condensed Milk has been discontinued from our range.”
The news greatly upset customers with one replying: “Why on earth would they do that.”
Nestle still sells its original Carnation Condensed Milk, which is made with dairy products and is not vegan.
Shoppers still looking for a vegan alternative could try Organic Biona Sweetened Condensed Coconut Milk, which retails for £2.40 at Ocado.
It is not the first time Nestle has axed a product.
In October, shoppers were left distraught after learning the company had stopped making Smarties Buttons.
The treat comprised a tasty combination of milk chocolate buttons with crunchy bits, but maker Nestle said it now wants to focus on its core Smarties products.
The product was unveiled in 2020 as a “reimagined” treat for choc-lovers with “special memories” of Smarties.
But the manufacturer Nestle said last month: “We are waving goodbye to Smarties Buttons, which we know has been a beloved product and we appreciate the support it has received.
“However, we have made the decision to discontinue it as we focus on our main Smarties products.”
Last year, the sweet maker also discontinued Animal Bars in a blow to lovers of the chocolate.
However, some shoppers have spotted the beloved treat in Iceland and Poundland.
But it is important to remember that this is just old stock that is still in circulation.
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.