‘Is this real?': Arnott's drops big Shapes announcement
Arnott's released a gluten-free version of Barbecue Shapes last year, but after the move captured the heart of Australia's coeliac community, it left some wondering if other favourites would follow suit.
Now, more than a year on, a new gluten-free flavour is set to hit the market — Chicken Crimpy.
Australians who follow a gluten-free diet, or who can't eat the protein found in wheat, barley and rye for health reasons, have been begging for a coeliac safe version since Arnott's first launched its allergen-friendly range.
'Hope you will be making other flavours like Pizza and Chicken in gluten free. My little girls love them and can't have them at the moment,' one said.
Another pleaded: 'Please bring out Chicken Crimpy Shapes.'
'Please do gluten free Chicken Crimpy, I'm begging,' someone else asked.
Another said: 'I miss Chicken Crimpy.'
The brand has listened, with the item set to hit a range of stores including Coles, Woolworths and independent retailers later this month.
Ranita Cowled, Arnott's Growth & Innovation Director, told news.com.au: 'Arnott's Shapes Chicken Crimpy has long been one of the top performers in our Shapes range. It's a flavour Aussies know and love, so when we first set out to expand our gluten free savoury range, it was always on our radar.
'After successfully launching Arnott's Gluten Free Jatz and Barbecue Shapes, we felt the time was right to bring Chicken Crimpy into the mix. It has a unique and much-loved melt-in-your mouth texture, making it a natural next step in making more of our most-loved snacks accessible to everyone.'
Ms Cowled said a range of factors go into deciding what products are adapted from the standard to the gluten-free range. This includes consumer insights, but also whether the flavour and standard can be created with the same texture.
A box of the Gluten Free Chicken Crimpy Shapes will set customers back $5.50, with Ms Cowled stating the brand is always trying to keep the range as 'accessible as possible'.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the higher cost of gluten-free products. 'First, the special gluten-free ingredients are significantly more expensive,' she said.
'Second, our gluten-free products are made in our dedicated smaller scale gluten-free bakery in Marleston, South Australia.
'Third, we have very strict process and allergen controls, taking extra measures to ensure our gluten free status. These are all essential to delivering the highest standards of quality and care, but they do come at a premium cost.'
Gluten-free content creators expressed their excitement over the new product announcement.
Christopher Tsalikis, also known as Melbourne Coeliac, broke the news on Instagram and called it the best thing he'd heard all year.
'My absolute favourite flavour of Shape, I am so excited for this. Firstly, huge shout out @nectoriouspapi for sharing this photo,' he said.
'But guys, check this out. Get excited. I know my Pizza lovers out there are gonna be disappointed.'
Kati Keksi, who spruiks a lot of gluten-free products on social media, also shared her thoughts on the Shapes.
'Well well well, pretty sure I called it. I knew the next Shapes would be gluten free chicken crimpy, it's the biggest seller in NSW after all,' she said.
Social media users lost their minds over the cracker aisle addition.
'I used GF BBQ shapes in the food processor to make GF breadcrumbs for Schnitty,' one said.
Another added: 'Bacon and cheese next I hope.'
'If this is some sick April fools joke in May I'm going to cry because these were MY FAVOURITE FLAVOUR,' one weighed in.
Someone else commented: 'Omg every time the kids have them I look at them jealous and think it is worth eating just one lol so I just smell them and walk away – confessions of a coeliac.'
'Is this real? I saw comments on a TikTok that the creator had mocked up an image to try to convince Arnotts to do them. I really hope it's true though,' one said.
Another commented: 'STOP I'M SCREAMING.'
'Woohoo!!!!! This is awesome. They better hurry up with the Pizza Shapes,' was another reaction.
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