Jaffa Cake lovers have same complaint at they admit ‘something’s changed’

McVities Jaffa Cakes first arrived on the scene almost 100 years ago but recent fans of the sweet treat have expressed their disappointment after sampling them and coming to the same conclusion

Jaffa Cake fans have shared a common complaint after spotting a ‘difference’ in the sweet treat’s overall taste. The popular McVities snack is a quintessential British favourite. They’re made up of a sponge base with a layer of orange flavoured jam topped with dark chocolate.

They were first concocted almost 100 years ago, with many supermarkets and stores up and down the country creating their own versions of Jaffa Cakes. For many though, only the original McVities Jaffa Cake will suffice. The trusty treat is often found in the biscuit aisle, though it is legally considered a cake after a 1991 VAT ruling.

Recently, one Jaffa Cakes fan picked up a pack in the supermarket after a few years of not having indulged in one. On Reddit, they explained they didn’t “even wait to get home” before opening the box and tucking in.

Sadly, they soon regretted their choice, branding them “dry”. They explained: “That ‘spongey’ bit? It’s not the same spongey bit I remember growing up. It’s like drywall.

“Well, drywall is a bit far, but it ain’t no sponge. I had three, just to make sure I wasn’t going crazy, and they were all the same.”

Once they got home, they offered them out to friends who agreed with their assessment and “all said the same thing”, convinced they’re “just not the same”.

They then asked their fellow Reddit users: “Has something changed? Have false memories allowed me to remember an absolutely supreme experience whilst munching on these delights? Or have they just decided to change the whole recipe to save a few quid?”

They added: “P.S. The absolute kings of the knock-off Jaffas used to be M&S. I don’t dare try them now in case they’ve followed suit and sucked all the moisture out of theirs as well.”

In the comments section, people shared their thoughts – and it seems the majority agree. One Reddit user observed: “I used to think as you get old your taste buds change or you grew bigger but no, they f***ed with the sizes & recipes.”

Another claimed: “Off-brand Jaffa cakes have been superior for a few years now. Aldi ones are pretty good, M&S too”.

Someone else complained about the size of Jaffa Cakes: “They used to be 12 but now 10 in a packet. They have shrunk as I can easily get one in my gob as 20 odd years ago I would struggle. So that’s 10 mouthfuls for me.”

And another lamented: “I’m actually starting to get p***ed off with how literally everything in the shops is crap. McVities Jaffa Cakes are a premium brand, if I am buying them I want the premium quality that ought to come with the premium branding.

“But no, I’m paying a premium price for a fancy box containing a worse tasting and smaller product than Aldi own brand. Might try them again in a decade.”

McVities has been contacted for comment.