San Pellegrino has changed its recipe – and internet claims it 'tastes like poison'
Fans of San Pellegrino’s sparkling fruit drinks are in uproar after learning that manufacturer Nestlé has changed its famous recipe to avoid paying sugar tax.
The company recently adapted all six Italian flavours – including the popular Limonata and Pompelmo – by using plant-based sweetener stevia instead of sugar.
Back in April, the sugar levy was introduced meaning manufacturers are now required to pay 18p per litre of drink if the product contains more than 5 grams of sugar per 100ml. If the beverage contains more than 8 grams of sugar per 100ml, there is an additional 24p charge.
But fans of the brand are less than impressed with the company’s decision to alter its recipe with many taking to Twitter to vent.
One social media user wrote, “San Pellegrino sodas seem to have adapted to the sugar tax by adding stevia, with the result they now taste like nasty diet drinks, while still having sugar. Sad choice.”
San Pellegrino sodas seem to have adapted to the sugar tax by adding stevia, with the result they now taste like nasty diet drinks, while still having sugar. Sad choice, @SanPellegrino! pic.twitter.com/KxpRBfjP9y
— Stian Westlake (@stianwestlake) June 4, 2018
Another joked: “Does anyone have any numbers for some pre-sugar tax San Pellegrino? I’m willing to go to jail to be honest.”
does anyone have any numbers for some pre sugar tax san pellegrino, im willing to go to jail to be honest
— Mike Townsend (@townsendyesmate) October 17, 2018
Just realised that the sugar tax is the reason even San Pellegrino comes with sweeteners now and honestly where do I pledge my fealty to regular ol sugar to the tune of 10p a can bc trust, I cannot be made to take Brexit AND the taste of underwhelm haunting the back of my throat.
— Julia Errens (@JuliaErrens) October 14, 2018
I have the last remaining full-sugar cans of @SanPellegrino lemon at work. The new artificially sweetened ones taste like poison. Savouring every last one of the good cans!
— Sam Bowman (@s8mb) July 20, 2018
Sugar tax sucks. Sanpellegrino orange is dead to me now
— nathan bevan (@nathbevan) April 28, 2018
Even San Pellegrino has been ruined by the sugar tax. Is nothing safe?
— Curtis E. Bear (@simontreanor) October 11, 2018
@SanpellegrinoUK I’m glad I’m not the only one appalled at your sugar recipe change. Why not let the consumer decide if they wanted to pay more? Sadly no more of your drinks will be purchased by us. #GoBackToOriginalRecipe #HappyToPayMore
— Emily Rittner (@EmilyRittner) October 29, 2018
Others took to the digital platform to point out that consumers should have been given a choice in the changes with many prepared to dig deep into their pockets for the original recipe.
One unhappy customer tweeted, “I’d rather pay extra for real sugar because I can’t stand fake sugars.”
I’d rather pay extra for real sugar because I can’t stand fake sugars. Fans of posh Sanpellegrino complain it’s been hit by sugar tax https://t.co/W3RDpfqeT8 via @Femail
— D. Sinclair Pearson (@alienbirthright) October 29, 2018
According to the San Pellergrino website, the change in recipe means that its range of fizzy drinks now contain an average of 9 grams of sugar per 100ml. The reformulation has removed an average of 40% of the total sugar content reducing it to less than 5 grams per 100ml.
Now, there are on average 70 calories per can – 60 calories less than in previous recipes.
Though the change may not have gone down well with fans, the sugar tax has certainly made its drinks range healthier for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth.
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