All the dupes for your favourite products being discontinued this year – can you tell the difference?

Scottish Sun

4 days ago

Scroll to see the copycat items you need to add to your food cupboards
SWAP SHOP All the dupes for your favourite products being discontinued this year – can you tell the difference?
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EVERYONE has favourite food and drinks that are on their shopping lists week after week.
However, food brands are continually changing lines and sometimes decide to suddenly axe products altogether.
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We reveal the dupes for some of the most-missed products on your shelves
It can be hugely disappointing when you find that your go-to comfort drink or grub has been removed from the shelves.
Already this year, brands have confirmed the end of plenty of much-loved lines.
The companies often blame the changing tastes of customers, meaning that the line may not have been popular enough to continue.
However, in many cases there are rival brands offering similar items.
So we have hunted down copycat items for items for some of the favourites that are disappearing from shelves.
Here's where you should be swapping...
Twinings No22 Dark Caramel Tea
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Twinings has got rid of its dark caramel tea
The tea brand has retired its much-loved No22 Dark Caramel Tea.
The dark caramel tea was described as a luxurious black tea blend infused with the rich, indulgent flavours of toffee and golden syrup.
Brewed in three minutes, it is best enjoyed black or with a splash of milk, including hazelnut milk for an extra creamy finish.
The product's was confirmed as finished after a customer asked Twining's on social media where it had gone.
In response, the brand said: "Hi there! We're so sorry to let you know our Dark Caramel (No22) is no longer available as it has been discontinued and we've sold through all our remaining stock.
"Our apologies for any disappointment caused."
Anyone else who is upset about the tea's departure could give Yorkshire Tea Caramelised Biscuit Brew a go instead.
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Yorkshire Tea has a caramelised biscuit brew tea
Credit: Sainsburys
The drink is sold in Sainsbury's for £2.50 for a box of 40.
It has the same caramel flavours, and customers have left some glowing reviews.
One describes the drink as "absolutely delicious".
Another adds says its their "go to tea bag" and "tasty to say the least".
Alpen light cereal bars
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Alpen Light summer fruits has been axed
Alpen cereal bars have now permanently disappeared from supermarket shelves.
The snack, usually topped with chocolate or yogurt, has been a staple for many Brits.
The treat was low in calories so many relied it when following selected diets.
However, the brand confirmed it had gone when approached by The Sun.
A spokesperson said: "As part of our focus on long term growth and simplifying the business, we made the decision to discontinue Alpen bars in 2024.
"This change enabled us to redeploy our teams toward our most valuable products, supporting the continued growth of our core operations."
For anyone looking for a replacement option could try Kellogg's Special K Red Berry Cereal Bars.
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Special K red berry bars could work as an alternative to Alpen
Credit: Ocado
These snacks can be found for £1.35 for a box of six in Ocado.
Like Alpen, they're low in calories coming in at 83 calories a bar.
The snack is also a source of vitamin B3, vitamin B6, as well as vitamin B9.
One reviewer says, "These are not bad. Like a berry granola or muesli bar dipped in a vanilla layer."
Another says the item is "delicious".
Branston chutneys
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Branston is getting rid of its chutney range to focus on pickles
Credit: Amazon
Branston has discontinued its chutney range, letting down fans who loved the condiment in sandwiches and as a dip.
Instead the brand is focusing on its better-known pickles.
Pickles and chutneys are both made from preserved vegetables but chutneys tend to be cooked to a softer consistency, while pickles are crunchier.
One fan said on social media: "I'm just about to open my last jar. Can't find it anywhere now.'
Food manufacturer Mizkan, which owns Branston, said: 'We can confirm our Mediterranean tomato chutney has been discontinued.
'It was part of a small range of chutneys including orchard fruit and caramelised onion.
'Due to rising costs and retailers reducing ranges we made the decision to stop production earlier last year.
'Our core range of Branston pickle, with over 100 years of history, remains our key focus and continues to be a family favourite.'
Anyone upset about the change could head to Tesco or its tomato chutney.
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Tesco sells a chutney which has a lot of fans
Credit: Tesco
A jar of the chutney comes in at a reasonable £1.40.
And customers have left lots of happy reviews of the product.
One says: "We love this so much, so tomatoey and not overly sweet like some chutneys.
"Great in sandwiches on a cheeseboard, add a dollop to your gravy, the uses are endless. We even prefer this to ketchup on top of a burger, so, so good."
Another adds: "Very nice and versatile chutney.
"Nothing too complicated but nice overall taste that livens up a sandwich and can be added to pasta sauce ) and most probably other dishes) Just the right amount of heat without being overwhelming. This is a repeat purchase for me."
Cadbury Frys coffee cream bars
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Cadbury dropped the limited edition Fry's coffee cream flavour just two years treat after introducing it in the summer of 2023.
A spokesperson told The Sun: "We continuously adapt our product range to ensure it meets changing tastes whilst supporting growth for our customers and our business.
'Our Fry's Coffee Cream multi-packs were introduced as a limited-edition product in summer 2023 for fans to enjoy while stocks lasted.
"They have since been discontinued but we still have plenty of other delicious Fry's products for consumers to choose from, including Fry's Chocolate Cream and Fry's Peppermint Cream Multipacks."
But you are yearning for a a chocolate coffee flavour since the bar was pulled, you could go try Cadbury's Dairy Milk iced latte flavour.
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Turn to Cadbury for your chocolate coffee fix
Credit: Cadburys
The sweet treat is a mixture of milk chocolate with smooth coffee flavoured cream and digestive biscuits pieces.
The chocolate bar has been posted online and many chocolate fans are keen to give it a try.
Many have said they "can't wait" to try the new edition.
However, this is also a limited-edition flavour so if you try it and like it, you may want to stock up on a few bars as it's not set to be around for ever.
You can currently find it in Morrisons for £1.75.