Shoppers at Coles supermarkets across Australia have been left dismayed after spotting the concerning 'reduced to clear' labels on a popular range of canned soups. The discovery has sparked widespread discussion among customers who rely on the product for convenient and healthy meal options.
Clearance Labels Spark Customer Concern
An observant customer first noticed the yellow clearance tags on Amy's Kitchen canned soups at the Coles Southland store in Melbourne. The items had been marked down from their regular price of $4.40 to $3.52, immediately raising questions about the product's future availability.
'Thought I'd share in case these are anyone else's lazy dinner regulars. For reference this at Coles Southland in Melbourne. It's a large busy store so I can't imagine they'd be the only ones clearing the range,' the customer explained in a Reddit thread that quickly gained attention.
Customer Reactions Pour In
The news prompted an outpouring of disappointment from loyal customers who have come to depend on the soup range. Many expressed particular concern about the impact on budget-conscious shoppers and those with busy lifestyles.
'This is a massive bummer, especially for those on a budget... Perfect easy meal for those who are super busy. These soups are actually good for you. Sadness,' one customer shared, capturing the sentiment of many.
Another devoted fan revealed: 'NO. These are my fave - they're so delicious. The kale and quinoa soup with a cup of microwave brown rice added - my favourite CBF (couldn't be bothered) anything meal.'
Additional comments included expressions of frustration and disappointment, with one customer asking: 'FFS (for goodness sake) will it ever end?' while another simply stated: 'Noooo! These are actually so good! What a shame.'
Expiry Date Confusion and Wider Sightings
Initial speculation suggested the products might be nearing their expiry dates, prompting the clearance pricing. However, the original shopper confirmed the cans displayed expiry dates extending to 2028, ruling out this possibility.
The phenomenon appears to be more widespread than initially thought. Another customer reported seeing the same clearance labels on Amy's Kitchen soups at their local Coles store in Perth, suggesting this might be a national rather than isolated store issue.
Possible Explanations Emerge
As discussion continued, several theories emerged about why the popular soup range might be receiving clearance treatment. Some customers suggested practical retail explanations that could offer hope to concerned shoppers.
'If there's a major redesign coming, it's to avoid confusion with mixing the labels up together,' one commenter proposed, suggesting packaging updates might be imminent.
Another offered a different perspective: 'Reduced to clear does not necessarily mean that it isn't coming back. Big chains often reduce to clear when overstocked and current supply will expire if not moved.'
A third hopeful customer added: 'Hopefully they're just clearing this lot out to make room for a new shipment,' indicating that many are clinging to the possibility that the products will return to shelves.
Uncertain Future for Popular Product
Despite the various theories circulating among customers, it remains unclear whether the Amy's Kitchen soup range is being permanently discontinued or if this represents a temporary clearance situation. The uncertainty has left regular purchasers in limbo, unsure whether they should stock up while the products remain available at reduced prices.
The situation highlights how supermarket pricing decisions and product availability can significantly impact consumer routines and meal planning, particularly for products that have developed loyal followings among busy households and budget-conscious shoppers.
As customers await official clarification, many continue to express their hope that the popular soup range will remain available in Coles stores across Australia, whether in current packaging or updated versions.
