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You might’ve indulged in some of the final bites and slurps of your favorite food and drinks without even realizing it. This year marked the end for many foods and drinks, most notably Panera’s controversial Charged Lemonade. We also said goodbye to a newly launched flop from Coca-Cola and a multicolored gum that was the cornerstone of many kids’ lives.
Restaurants and food manufacturers are constantly making changes based on what’s selling and what’s not, so it’s no surprise that these items are disappearing. But it doesn’t make their losses any easier for fans.
Here are some culinary creations that left us this year, listed alphabetically:
* Coca-Cola’s Spiced flavor: The company announced in September that it was discontinuing the flavor just six months after its launch, without providing a specific reason. Confusion about the flavor, which wasn’t actually spicy, likely contributed to lackluster sales.
* Fruit Stripe gum: Discontinued in January, the gum was perhaps best known for its fruit-inspired flavors and zebra-print packaging. The company cited “many factors” for its demise, including purchasing patterns and changing consumer preferences.
* Jif and Smucker’s Preserves and Jams: After nearly a century, the flavorful preserves and jams were discontinued in January. The company cited the change as aligning with its strategy to continuously evaluate its portfolio and focus on recently acquired Hostess products.
* Oreo O’s rings: One of the most iconic crossovers in the grocery store aisle, Oreo O’s rings will be replaced with puffs after nearly 30 years. A company representative told the Food Network that Oreo Puffs is a permanent addition to store shelves.
* Panera’s Charged Lemonade: The caffeinated beverage sparked multiple lawsuits and caused a public relations nightmare for the company, which pulled it from its menu in May after two years.
* Starbucks’ Olive-Oil Infused Drinks: The company nixed the drinks in October less than a year after their nationwide debut, due to largely negative responses from media and consumers. The company also removed its lineup of iced energy drinks just a few months after their June debut.
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