Irn Bru, Scotland’s national drink and the ‘other’ fizzy orange beverage, is no longer the same. Fans of the beloved soft drink may have noticed that it has a different taste and colour than they remember. But not everyone knows why. So, here’s the deal – the makers of Irn Bru, AG Barr, have quietly changed the recipe of this iconic soda. This change has not gone unnoticed, and for some, it spells the end of an era.
The new recipe of Irn Bru is the result of a sugar tax introduced by the UK government in 2018. AG Barr, the makers of the iconic drink, have been scrambling to find a way to reduce the sugar content of their product in order to avoid the tax. The new recipe uses a blend of low-calorie sweeteners instead of sugar, which has had a significant impact on the taste of the drink. In fact, some fans of Irn Bru have described the new recipe as “vile” and “too sweet”.
So, how do the makers of Irn Bru plan to deal with the backlash from their loyal customers? Well, they seem to be optimistic. According to AG Barr, the new recipe has already started to gain acceptance, and sales have been increasing. However, for many, Irn Bru will never be the same again – it has lost the unique taste and charm that made it famous. Despite this, there are still many who remain staunch supporters of the drink, and who will continue to choose Irn Bru over any other soft drink. Either way, this change has caused a stir in Scotland and beyond, and it remains to be seen whether Irn Bru’s new recipe will be accepted by its once-loyal followers.
Irn Bru Recipe Changes
For years, Irn Bru has been a beloved soft drink among the Scottish population. It was so popular that it managed to outsell Coca-Cola in Scotland for some time. However, in recent years, the recipe for Irn Bru has gone through some significant changes. These changes have left many fans of the drink feeling disappointed and calling for a return to the original formula.
The biggest recipe change that has upset fans is the reduction of sugar in the drink. The original recipe contained 10.3 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters, while the new recipe contains only 4.7 grams per 100 milliliters. This change was a result of the UK government’s sugar tax, which aimed to reduce the amount of sugar consumed by the population in order to combat obesity and other health problems.
- Reduced sugar content from 10.3 grams per 100 milliliters to 4.7 grams per 100 milliliters
- Replacement of sugar with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame K
- Color changes due to the removal of the artificial coloring agent Sunset Yellow FCF
In order to compensate for the reduction in sugar, Irn Bru’s manufacturers, AG Barr, replaced some of the sugar with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame K. This change in sweeteners has also been a major issue for some fans, as some people are particularly sensitive to the taste of artificial sweeteners and find them to be unpleasant.
In addition to the reduction in sugar and the use of artificial sweeteners, the recipe change also involved the removal of the artificial coloring agent Sunset Yellow FCF. This change is due to concerns over the health effects of artificial coloring agents, which have been linked to hyperactivity in children and other health problems.
| Original Recipe | New Recipe |
|---|---|
| 10.3 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters | 4.7 grams of sugar per 100 milliliters |
| Contained sugar | Contains artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and acesulfame K |
| Contained artificial coloring agent | Does not contain artificial coloring agent Sunset Yellow FCF |
The changes made to the recipe of Irn Bru have resulted in a different taste and texture of the drink. Some fans have claimed that the new recipe tastes more like a diet soda and lacks the unique flavor that made Irn Bru so popular in the first place. The controversy over the new recipe has even led to a petition to bring back the original recipe, which has gained over 50,000 signatures.
It remains to be seen whether AG Barr will eventually listen to the demands of fans and bring back the original recipe, as the company has stated that the recipe change was necessary in order to comply with government regulations. However, for those who miss the original taste of Irn Bru, there are some independent manufacturers that claim to produce a drink that tastes quite similar to the original recipe.
Public Reaction to Irn Bru Recipe Changes
The announcement that Irn Bru was changing its recipe sent shockwaves around Scotland. The orange-colored soda has been a beloved national treasure since its creation in 1901, and people were outraged that its famous taste was going to be altered. Twitter was flooded with reactions, ranging from disbelief to anger.
- Many fans of Irn Bru vowed to never drink the new recipe, and some even stockpiled the original recipe cans. The hashtag #SaveIrnBru trended on Twitter, and a petition to stop the recipe change gained over 50,000 signatures in a matter of days.
- Some fans took to social media to voice their concerns about the impact on Scottish identity. They argued that Irn Bru was more than just a soda; it was a symbol of Scotland and its culture.
- Others questioned the need for the recipe change, especially since Irn Bru had already been reducing its sugar content over the years. They wondered why the company couldn’t just stick with the original recipe and offer a lower sugar alternative for those who wanted it.
The Impact on Sales
The backlash against the recipe change was not just limited to social media. When the new recipe was rolled out in early 2018, many fans reported that it didn’t taste the same as the original. Sales of Irn Bru dropped by as much as 9% in Scotland, and the company’s profits took a hit.
To make matters worse, a sugar tax introduced by the UK government in April 2018 meant that the company had to reduce the sugar content in its soda to avoid the tax. This meant that even the new recipe had to be altered, angering fans even more.
The Future of Irn Bru
The recipe change was undoubtedly a risky move for Irn Bru, and it remains to be seen whether it will pay off in the long run. The company has tried to appease fans by offering an “Original Taste” version of the soda in limited quantities, but this has done little to quell the backlash.
| Original Recipe (per 100ml) | New Recipe (per 100ml) |
|---|---|
| 10.3g sugar | 4.7g sugar |
| 8.5g calories | 20 calories |
Despite the initial negative reaction, Irn Bru remains a beloved Scottish icon, and it’s doubtful that the recipe change will have a lasting impact on its popularity. However, the company may have learned a valuable lesson about the importance of listening to its customers.
Financial Reasons Behind Discontinuing Irn Bru
For many years, Irn Bru was a popular drink in Scotland and other parts of the world. However, in 2018, the makers of Irn Bru, AG Barr, made changes to the recipe that was met with widespread criticism. This led to a significant drop in sales, and the company had to come up with reasons why they were discontinuing the original recipe.
- Increased Sugar Tax: One of the key reasons behind the discontinuation of the original recipe was the introduction of the sugar tax. This tax was introduced to encourage soft drinks manufacturers to reduce the sugar content in their products. Irn Bru, as a high-sugar drink, was hit particularly hard by this tax. Rather than change the recipe, AG Barr decided to discontinue the original recipe altogether and replace it with a reduced-sugar version to avoid the additional tax burden.
- Financial Losses: As a result of the backlash against the new recipe, sales of Irn Bru dropped significantly. Consumers were either turned off by the new taste or boycotted the brand in protest. This led to financial losses for AG Barr, who had to find a way to recoup their losses and maintain profitability. Discontinuing the original recipe was seen as the best option to cut losses and move forward with a new product line.
- Consumer Trends: The makers of Irn Bru also had to consider changing consumer trends. Many consumers are now health-conscious and are looking for low-sugar, low-calorie drinks. Irn Bru was seen as an old-school drink that was not in line with these changing consumer preferences. Discontinuing the original recipe was a strategic move to align with these new trends and appeal to a wider audience.
The Future of Irn Bru
Despite the uproar over the discontinuation of the original recipe, AG Barr has continued to innovate and come up with new products in the Irn Bru range. The company has focused on reduced-sugar versions, which have been well-received by consumers. They have also experimented with new flavors, such as Irn Bru Xtra and Irn Bru Energy, to expand their product line and appeal to a new generation.
It remains to be seen whether the original recipe will ever make a comeback. For now, however, Irn Bru fans will have to settle for the new reduced-sugar version, which still packs a punch and is a beloved drink in Scotland and beyond.
| Financial Reasons Behind Discontinuing Irn Bru |
|---|
| Increased Sugar Tax |
| Financial Losses |
| Consumer Trends |
Overall, the discontinuation of the original recipe of Irn Bru was a strategic business decision made by AG Barr. Financial considerations, such as the increased sugar tax and financial losses, played a significant role in the decision. Consumer trends also had a part to play, as the company had to appeal to changing consumer preferences. Despite the controversy, AG Barr has continued to innovate and expand the Irn Bru product line to appeal to a new generation of consumers.
Impact on Scotland’s Economy
The removal of the original recipe for IRN-BRU may have a significant impact on Scotland’s economy, both from a production and consumer perspective. Here are some potential impacts:
- Job Losses: AG Barr announced that there would not be any job losses due to the change. However, If sales continue to decline, then it’s possible that they may need to cut jobs at some point, which would not be good for the economy.
- Export Revenue: IRN-BRU is popular not only in Scotland but all over the world. If sales continue to fall and people are unhappy with the change, that could lead to a decrease in export revenue. This could potentially impact the Scottish economy as well as AG Barr’s revenue as a whole.
- Tourism: IRN-BRU has become an iconic beverage in Scotland, and tourists often seek it out as a part of their Scottish experience. If the product changes too much or sales continue to fall, Scotland may lose a part of its quirky identity, which could impact the tourism industry.
Lastly, in addition to the economic impact, there is also a social impact as well, and the table below outlines some of the potential implications for Scotland:
| Potential Implications | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Loss of traditional Scottish identity | IRN-BRU has been a part of Scottish culture for generations; with the new recipe, some Scottish people may feel they’ve lost a part of themselves. |
| Decrease in Scottish pride | As Scotland becomes increasingly part of the larger UK identity, IRN-BRU served as a symbol of Scottish pride. With the recipe change, some Scottish people may feel like they’ve lost another piece of their cultural expression. |
| Potential increase in obesity rates | The new recipe has almost as much sugar as Coca Cola. With Scotland already having a high obesity rate, the new IRN-BRU recipe could exacerbate this problem, leading to negative health outcomes and further strain on Scotland’s healthcare system. |
Overall, the change to the original recipe of IRN-BRU may have a significant impact on Scotland’s economy, social identity, and health outcomes. It remains to be seen how consumers will react to the change and whether the new recipe will stand the test of time.
Alternative Scottish Soft Drinks
When it comes to Scottish soft drinks, Irn Bru is undoubtedly the king. However, there are several alternative Scottish soft drinks that are worth a try. These drinks feature unique flavors and recipes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
- Barr’s Lemonade – This sweet and tangy drink has been around since the 1800s, making it a true Scottish classic. Made with real lemons, this fizzy beverage is perfect for a hot summer day.
- Tizer – This bright orange soft drink is a cult favorite in Scotland. Its unique flavor is described as fruity and citrusy, making it a great alternative to traditional cola.
- Irn Bru 32 – Although Irn Bru has stopped making its original recipe, the company released Irn Bru 32 as a replacement. This new drink is said to have a more intense flavor and a higher caffeine content.
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are even Scottish soft drinks made with unusual ingredients. For example, Walter Gregor’s Scottish Tonic Water is infused with locally sourced kelp, giving it a distinct savory flavor.
If you’d like to explore more Scottish soft drinks, try visiting a local market or specialty store. You might just find a new favorite beverage that rivals Irn Bru.
| Drink | Description |
|---|---|
| Strathmore Spring Water | This award-winning sparkling spring water is sourced from the Scottish Highlands. |
| Stag Bakeries Seaweed Water | This unique soft drink is made with seaweed sourced from the Scottish coast. It has a slightly salty taste. |
| Highland Spring | Another Scottish bottled water brand, Highland Spring is known for its crisp and refreshing taste. |
Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and try new Scottish soft drinks. You might just discover a new favorite beverage that rivals the beloved Irn Bru.
Brand Loyalty
Scotland is known for many things, one of which is its love for Irn-Bru. The drink has been a staple in Scottish culture for over a century and has remained a firm favorite amongst locals.
For many people, Irn-Bru is more than just a fizzy drink – it’s part of their identity. It’s something they grew up drinking and have continued to consume throughout their adult lives. This kind of brand loyalty is hard to come by, and it’s what has made Irn-Bru such a successful brand over the years.
- Many people have stuck with Irn-Bru through thick and thin, even when it wasn’t the most popular drink on the market. This kind of loyalty is what many brands can only dream of, but for Irn-Bru, it’s been a reality for decades.
- Brand loyalty is often a result of emotional connections that people make with a product. For Irn-Bru, this connection has been built up over generations of Scots who have grown up with the drink.
- The brand has also been successful in creating a unique identity for itself that people can relate to. From the irreverent advertising campaigns to the bright orange packaging, everything about Irn-Bru screams Scottish pride and individuality.
It’s clear that brand loyalty has played a huge role in the success of Irn-Bru over the years. So, it’s no wonder that when the recipe was changed, many loyal fans were left feeling betrayed.
The new recipe was a clear departure from the traditional flavor that many had grown to love. It was a risky move by the brand, and it’s clear that it didn’t pay off. The backlash was swift and severe, with many fans calling for the original recipe to be restored.
| Pros of brand loyalty | Cons of brand loyalty |
|---|---|
| Creates a dedicated customer base | Can lead to blind loyalty which can be damaging to the brand in the long run |
| Encourages customer retention | Can result in complacency and a lack of innovation within the brand |
| Can lead to positive word-of-mouth marketing | Can be difficult to maintain if the brand makes changes that are not well-received by loyal customers |
While brand loyalty has undoubtedly played a significant role in the success of Irn-Bru, it’s also clear that it can be a double-edged sword. Blind loyalty and a lack of innovation can be damaging to a brand, as can making changes that are not well-received by loyal customers. It’s a delicate balance, and one that Irn-Bru has struggled to maintain in recent years.
Irn Bru’s Cultural Significance in Scotland
For Scots, Irn Bru is more than just a soda – it’s a cultural phenomenon that has become deeply ingrained in their psyche and identity. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Irn Bru is the national drink of Scotland, and it has been a staple in Scottish households for over a century.
- The unique taste of Irn Bru, which is difficult to describe and has been likened to bubblegum or cream soda, is beloved by generations of Scots who have grown up drinking it.
- Irn Bru is often referred to as “Scotland’s other national drink,” behind whisky. It is a badge of Scottish identity, and many Scots take pride in the fact that Irn Bru is made in Scotland and has never been successfully replicated elsewhere.
But despite its deep cultural significance, the production of Irn Bru has recently undergone a significant change that has left many Scots unhappy.
Previously, Irn Bru was made with high levels of sugar, which gave it its unique taste and distinct orange color. However, in 2018, the makers of Irn Bru, AG Barr, were forced to change the recipe to comply with the UK’s sugar tax legislation.
This decision was met with outrage from many Scots, who felt that tampering with the recipe of their beloved soda was sacrilege. AG Barr has tried to mitigate the backlash by assuring customers that the new recipe is as close as possible to the original, and that the taste is still unmistakably Irn Bru. But for many Scots, the damage has already been done.
The Future of Irn Bru in Scotland
Despite the change in recipe, Irn Bru still holds a special place in the hearts of many Scots, and it remains an enduring symbol of Scottish culture and identity. Whether or not the new recipe will catch on remains to be seen, but for now, Irn Bru is still a beloved Scottish institution.
History of Irn Bru in Scotland
Irn Bru was first introduced to the Scottish market in 1901 by AG Barr, a Glasgow-based company that had been producing soft drinks since 1875. Originally called “Iron Brew,” the drink’s popularity quickly grew, and it became known simply as “Irn Bru” in 1946. Today, Irn Bru is one of the most popular sodas in Scotland, and it has a loyal fanbase across the UK and beyond.
The Irn Bru Recipe Controversy
When AG Barr announced that they would be changing the recipe of Irn Bru to comply with the UK’s sugar tax legislation, many Scots were outraged. To make matters worse, AG Barr refused to release the new recipe, claiming that it was a closely-guarded secret. This only fueled the speculation that the new recipe was vastly different from the original, and that the taste of Irn Bru would never be the same again.
| Old Recipe | New Recipe |
|---|---|
| 10.3g of sugar per 100ml | 4.7g of sugar per 100ml |
| Non-nutritive sweeteners: Acesulfame K, Sodium Cyclamate and Aspartame | Sugar and Aspartame |
| Full calorie | Low calorie |
Despite the controversy, AG Barr has remained firm in their commitment to the new recipe, and the sugar tax legislation means that there is no going back to the old recipe. While the taste of Irn Bru may have changed, the cultural significance of the soda remains as strong as ever.
FAQs: Why Have They Stopped Making Irn Bru?
1. Why did they stop making Irn Bru?
The makers of Irn Bru, AG Barr, have changed the recipe to reduce the sugar content and adhere to new government guidelines on sugar taxation.
2. When did they stop making Irn Bru?
The new recipe was launched in January 2018, replacing the original formula that had been in use since the 1970s.
3. Why is the new recipe different?
The new recipe contains less sugar and sweeteners, resulting in a different taste and aroma than the original formula.
4. Can I still buy original Irn Bru?
The original Irn Bru is no longer available for purchase in the UK. However, some shops in Scotland may still have old stock.
5. What alternatives are available?
AG Barr has released a new version of Irn Bru that aims to taste as close to the original as possible while still adhering to sugar reduction guidelines. Other alternatives, including sugary soft drinks, are still available.
6. How has the public reacted?
The change in recipe has divided opinion among fans of the iconic Scottish soft drink. Some have embraced the new taste, while others have actively campaigned for the return of the original recipe.
7. Will the original recipe ever come back?
AG Barr has stated that they do not plan to bring back the original recipe, citing health concerns and the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Closing:
So there you have it – the reasons behind the new Irn Bru recipe. While some may mourn the loss of the original formula, there are still options available for those who crave a sweet, fizzy drink. Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back again for more updates on your favourite snacks and drinks.