Loyal fans of the iconic Arnott's Cheds crackers have been left reeling after the Australian snack giant confirmed it has altered the beloved recipe, swapping out a key cheese ingredient.
The Cheese Swap Confirmation
The controversial change came to light on Monday when Melbourne radio presenter Jacqui Felgate shared an email from the Arnott's Customer Care Team on her social media. The correspondence, sent to a concerned customer, stated plainly: 'We confirm the Cheds recipe has changed.' The brand revealed it is now using Parmesan cheese in place of the original Italian Pecorino.
This shift is also reflected on the product's new packaging. Where boxes once proudly proclaimed the crackers were made 'with real pecorino cheese', they now carry the more generic subtitle 'made with real cheese'.
A Nationwide Backlash Erupts
The announcement triggered an immediate and passionate backlash from Australians for whom Cheds are a pantry staple. The comments on Felgate's post were flooded with dismay, with phrases like 'no' and the classic adage 'if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it' summing up the public mood.
Brooke Warne, daughter of cricket legend Shane, commented emphatically: 'I KNEW THEY TASTED DIFFERENT.' ABC Radio Melbourne Breakfast host Sharnelle Vella expressed her shock, writing: 'Oh. My. Days. Why?? Cheds are the constant in my life I do not want changed - ever.'
Other reactions included:
- 'Why does everyone have to mess with everything that doesn’t need messing with?'
- 'Our office is literally fuelled by Cheds. This is not the start to 2026 I was hoping for.'
More Than a Cracker: A Cultural Staple
The social media storm quickly evolved into a wave of nostalgia, highlighting the cracker's deep-rooted place in Australian culture. One fan shared a heartfelt memory: 'Cheds are the best! Beautiful memories of my Nan and Pop sharing a long-neck Melbourne Bitter (in a seven ounce glass- because my Nan was classy) and some Cheds every night.'
This sentiment underscores that for many, the recipe change feels like an alteration to a shared heritage, not just a snack. Arnott's, a company built on tradition, now faces the challenge of balancing potential cost or supply chain decisions with fierce consumer loyalty to the original flavour profile.
The Daily Mail has contacted Arnott's for further comment on the reasoning behind the recipe change.
