From Panera’s Charged Lemonade to Fruit Stripe, here are 6 foods and drinks we lost in 2024 | CNN Business

CNN - Dec 29th, 2024

In 2023, several beloved food and drink items were discontinued, marking the end of an era for fans. Notable among these are Panera's Charged Lemonade, Coca-Cola's Spiced flavor, and Fruit Stripe gum. Coca-Cola's Spiced flavor, launched with much fanfare, was pulled just six months after its introduction due to consumer confusion and low sales. Panera's Charged Lemonade, a caffeinated beverage embroiled in lawsuits, was removed along with other menu items in a significant menu overhaul. Meanwhile, Starbucks' olive oil-infused Oleato drinks failed to capture consumer interest and were discontinued within a year of their debut. Post Consumer Brands also replaced its iconic Oreo O’s cereal with Oreo Puffs after nearly 30 years, and Knott’s Berry Farm jams were retired after almost a century. This wave of discontinuations reflects ongoing changes in the food industry as companies respond to shifting consumer preferences and sales data.

These changes highlight the food industry's constant evolution, driven by consumer tastes, market trends, and strategic business decisions. The removal of these products underscores the challenges brands face in maintaining relevance in a competitive market. For instance, Ferrara's decision to discontinue Fruit Stripe gum after decades suggests a broader shift in consumer preferences towards new confectionery trends. Similarly, Starbucks' withdrawal of Oleato drinks demonstrates the risks involved in introducing innovative yet untested concepts. These developments also have broader implications for brand loyalty, as companies seek to balance innovation with nostalgia. As brands continue to refine their offerings, consumers may see more beloved items disappear, signifying a dynamic and ever-changing culinary landscape.

Starbucks Panera Bread Coca Cola Discontinued Products Charged Lemonade Spiced Coca Cola Fruit Stripe Gum Oreo O's Cereal Knott's Berry Farm Jam Consumer Preferences Howard Schultz

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RATING

6.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides an interesting overview of food and drink items that have been discontinued in recent years. While it offers a straightforward presentation of facts, it lacks depth in terms of providing a comprehensive analysis or a variety of perspectives. The piece is clear and easy to read, but it would benefit from more robust sourcing and transparency to give readers a fuller understanding of the context and implications of these discontinuations. The article successfully engages readers with its topic but could improve in areas of balance and source quality to become a more informative and reliable piece.

Accuracy

The article appears to be factually accurate in its reporting of discontinued food and drink items. It provides specific examples, such as the discontinuation of Panera's Charged Lemonade and Coca-Cola's Spiced flavor, which can be verified with public announcements from the respective companies. However, the article does not provide detailed evidence or data to support its claims about consumer preferences or sales trends, such as why these items were not selling well. The article could improve its accuracy score by including more detailed information and references to specific data or studies that support its statements.

Balance

The article lacks balance in terms of presenting a variety of perspectives. It primarily focuses on the companies' decisions to discontinue products without delving into consumer reactions or expert opinions on market trends. For instance, while it mentions lawsuits related to Panera's Charged Lemonade, it does not explore the reasons behind these legal actions or offer viewpoints from stakeholders involved. The article could benefit from including more diverse perspectives, such as consumer reactions or insights from industry analysts, to provide a more balanced view of why these items were discontinued.

Clarity

The article is well-written, with clear language and a logical structure that makes it easy to follow. The tone is neutral and professional, avoiding emotive language that could detract from its factual presentation. Each product discontinuation is presented in a straightforward manner, with brief explanations that are easy to understand. However, the article could enhance clarity by providing more context or background information for less familiar brands or products, which would help readers fully grasp the significance of their discontinuation.

Source quality

The article does not cite any specific sources for the information provided, which raises questions about the credibility and reliability of its content. While it mentions statements from companies like Coca-Cola and Panera, it does not provide direct quotes or references to press releases or official reports. This lack of sourcing weakens the article's overall reliability. To improve, the article should cite authoritative sources or include hyperlinks to official announcements, providing readers with a way to verify the claims made.

Transparency

The article provides a basic overview of the discontinuation of various products but lacks transparency in explaining the underlying reasons and potential conflicts of interest. It mentions factors like 'consumer preferences' and 'purchasing patterns' but does not delve into how these conclusions were reached. The piece would benefit from a more detailed explanation of the methodologies behind these decisions, as well as any potential affiliations or biases of the companies mentioned. Improved transparency would enhance the reader's trust in the article's content and conclusions.