'I will never forgive you for this': Whole Foods' Berry Chantilly cake recipe has changed

The recipe for a beloved bakery staple at Whole Foods has changed, and people aren't taking it very well.

It all started a few days ago when rumors began to circulate online about Whole Foods "discontinuing" their Berry Chantilly cake, an affordable vanilla cake made with fresh fruit, berry compote and cream cheese mascarpone that is sold by the slice or whole.

A TikTok user named Lisa broke the news online over the weekend, sharing in a now-viral video that she "just received the worst news ever, in my entire life. Whole Foods is discontinuing the Berry Chantilly cake that we all know and love."

Not only was the recipe changed, much to Lisa's dismay, but a Whole Foods employee revealed that the new Berry Chantilly cake slices were delivered frozen and had no fruit in the middle. And top it all off, Lisa says, it costs more.

"Whole Foods if you see this, I'm really really disappointed. I think all of America is disappointed and you should reverse your decision," Lisa said.

It didn't take long for the distressing news to spread, with many accidentally thinking that Whole Foods was going to do away with the Berry Chantilly cake altogether. Don't worry, USA TODAY got all the tea about the cake for you.

A cake display at a Whole Foods Market bakery in Springfield.
A cake display at a Whole Foods Market bakery in Springfield.

Whole Foods confirms change in Berry Chantilly Cake recipe

Whole Foods shared with USA TODAY that they will not be discontinuing the Berry Chantilly cake, or any of the cakes sold whole or by the slice available in Whole Foods Market bakeries across the country.

The recipe used to make Whole Foods' Berry Chantilly cake has changed, the organic supermarket chain confirmed on Friday.

"Previously, our Berry Chantilly by-the-slice cake program varied by store location," Whole Foods Market said in a statement. "We recently aligned the flavor profile, size, packaging, and price so customers will have the same high-quality experience in each of our stores."

While there are differences between the single slices of the cake and the whole cake, like the placement of berries, Whole Foods insists that both versions "maintain the signature almond flavor and light, fluffy texture that customers look for from the classic Berry Chantilly cake."

The grocery chain didn't respond to claims about whether the new cake is frozen or more expensive.

The Berry Chantilly cake, which debuted about 20 years ago, is available for purchase year-round, while other cakes like the Mango Yuzu and the Figgy Foggy Chantilly are only available seasonally.

"A team member developed the recipe that is still used today," Whole Foods spokesperson Nathan Cimbala shared in a statement. "After Hurricane Katrina, some team members relocated to Houston and brought the recipe with them, which led to its adoption across stores outside of Louisiana and eventually nationwide."

The Whole Foods logo displayed at a Whole Foods store on September 16, 2024, in Glendale, California.
The Whole Foods logo displayed at a Whole Foods store on September 16, 2024, in Glendale, California.

Internet up in arms over Whole Foods Market 'Berry Chantilly' cake recipe change

Lisa has made two additional videos about the Berry Chantilly cake situation in the days following the viral video, one that includes a review of the whole cake she purchased and another reacting to another woman's impression of a slice of Berry Chantilly cake she purchased.

Some have taken to social media to express their disdain with the change, while others are still confused about whether or not Whole Foods actually plans on discontinuing the Berry Chantilly cake. (They're not.)

A minority have used the space to share their grievances over changes made in general, specifically the recipes to other baked goods.

Here's what people online are saying about Berry Chantilly "cakegate."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Whole Foods' Berry Chantilly cake recipe has changed. People aren't OK