SAINSBURY'S is facing a bitter row for axing its full-sugar lemonade in favour of artificially sweetened versions.
The saccharine drink was one of the few left on the market which did not contain sweeteners and was red-rated for its high levels of sugar.
But Sainsbury's this month branded the product a poor performer and discontinued it - causing a row to fizz up from lemon-loving purists.
Customer Claire-Louise complained on X: "Not everyone can tolerate sweeteners and some people choose to avoid them. Very disappointing."
Another called Michaela added: "Many people are intolerant to sweeteners or find that they trigger symptoms of existing conditions...
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"There is so little choice for us since the sugar tax, your Classic lemonade was a godsend."
And Ashlea McSorley, from Scotland, added: "This war on sugar needs to stop."
Classic Lemonade contained 10.6g of sugar per 100ml - more than twice as much as Schweppes and 7UP and three times more than Sainsbury’s normal lemonade, as well as Morrisons, Asda and Tesco's own-brand alternatives.
Most of its rivals contain sweeteners such as saccharin, acesulfame K and aspartame, although Waitrose and M&S still sell unsweetened versions.
The soft drinks industry has gradually phased out bevvies like Classic Lemonade after the so-called "sugar tax" was introduced in 2018.
It said drinks containing between 5g and 8g of sugar per 100ml will be subject to a tax of 18p per litre, while those containing more than 8g will pay a 24p per litre levy.
Health campaigner Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, said of Sainsbury’s decision: “I feel for the purists but they should get over their disappointment.
“Sainsbury's have done the right thing to axe the red-rated drink. Those that were hooked on their classic favourite should shop around for an alternative. It might take time for their taste buds to latch onto a new healthier flavour but they should persevere "
Soft drinks sales in the UK were up by just under 3 per cent in 2023, with low and no calorie drinks accounting for more than seven out of every 10 purchases, according to figures from GlobalData.
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A Sainsbury's spokesman said: “We regularly review our ranges so that we dedicate space in our stores to the products which are most popular with our customers.”
Supermarkets often switch up their product offering depending on the time of year or seasonal celebrations.
If you keep an eye out around at the end of seasons and around celebrations like Christmas and Easter, you can often pick up a good cut-price bargain.
Retailers are known for offering big discounts on old stock they are looking to get rid of and this can include seasonal biscuits, gifts and even Easter eggs.
We also spoke to shopping expert Sarah-Jane Outten on how to take advantage of the yellow sticker bonanza that can often happen around bank holidays.
Supermarkets are not the only ones who like to change things up, fast food restaurants also like to keep customers guessing by shaking up their menu.
McDonald's is shaking up its main menu offering tomorrow, which means there are seven favourites getting the chop.
Among the items getting axed are the beloved Biscoff McFlurry and the Chicken Big Mac.
Not only that but the limited edition Biscoff Frappe is also making an exit after just six weeks.
The new and returning items landed on menus across the UK and Ireland on April 17.
Meanwhile, we can reveal eight nostalgic foods that have disappeared from supermarket shelves over the years.
There is everything from Campbell's soup to Caramac and while we won't know for sure if these loved snacks will ever come back - it is worth keeping an eye out.
Also, if you are feeling sad that your favourite snack is no more, don't worry as it is not all bad news.
Brands including Walkers and Nestle are putting new flavours on shelves for shoppers to try.
Some brands are even getting experimental and pushing boundaries with new flavours.
This could be a wacky new chocolate bar or a new flavour of crisps based on items we already know and love.
Just recently, Heinz launched a pickle-flavoured ketchup, which some people described as "fundamentally wrong".
Pringles has released ketchup flavour crisps that shoppers have been desperate to get their hands on.
Plus, Cadbury has brought out a range of new items, including "heavenly" milkshakes inspired by iconic chocolate bars.
We have pulled together a list of favourites that have recently hit the shelves and hopefully, you'll spot something new to try.
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