Butterfinger, the iconic candy bar known for its crispy peanut butter filling covered in chocolate, has been a beloved treat for over 90 years. However, in 2019, the brand announced that they were changing their recipe to a “better Butterfinger.” This decision sparked a heated debate among fans, with many expressing their disappointment and even starting petitions to bring back the original recipe. So, did Butterfinger really change back to its original recipe? Let’s dive into the controversy and find out.
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The Original Butterfinger Recipe
Butterfinger was first introduced in 1923 by the Curtiss Candy Company, which was later acquired by Nestlé in 1990. The candy bar’s original recipe consisted of a flaky, orange-colored peanut butter center covered in a layer of milk chocolate. The unique texture and flavor of the candy quickly gained popularity, making it one of the top-selling candy bars in the United States.
For decades, the original recipe remained unchanged, and Butterfinger became a staple in the candy aisle. However, in 2019, Nestlé announced that they were changing the recipe to improve the candy’s taste and texture.
The Recipe Change
Nestlé claimed that the new recipe would have a “richer, creamier, and more authentic” peanut butter flavor. They also stated that the new Butterfinger would have a smoother texture and would be easier to bite into. The company spent over two years developing the new recipe, which involved replacing the original peanut butter with a new, “superior” version.
Read:Can cherry cobbler recipeThe news of the recipe change was met with mixed reactions from fans. While some were excited to try the new and improved Butterfinger, others were skeptical and worried that the candy would lose its unique taste and texture.
The Backlash and Petitions
As soon as the new Butterfinger hit the shelves, fans took to social media to express their disappointment. Many claimed that the new recipe was nothing like the original and that it tasted like any other generic candy bar. Some even went as far as to say that the new Butterfinger was “unrecognizable” and “disgusting.”
The backlash was so intense that several petitions were started, demanding that Nestlé bring back the original recipe. One petition on Change.org received over 100,000 signatures, with fans expressing their love for the original Butterfinger and their disappointment with the new recipe.
Nestlé’s Response
In response to the backlash, Nestlé released a statement saying that they were aware of the negative feedback and were working to address it. They also stated that they were open to feedback and would continue to make improvements to the recipe based on consumer preferences.
However, the company also defended their decision to change the recipe, stating that they wanted to stay true to their promise of using high-quality ingredients and improving the overall taste and texture of the candy.
Read:What is chow yoke?The Return of the Original Recipe
After months of backlash and petitions, Nestlé announced in January 2020 that they were bringing back the original Butterfinger recipe. The company stated that they had listened to their fans’ feedback and decided to revert to the original recipe to satisfy their loyal customers.
The news was met with excitement and relief from fans, with many taking to social media to express their joy and gratitude. Nestlé also released a statement saying that they were happy to bring back the original recipe and that they valued their customers’ opinions.
The Impact of the Recipe Change
The controversy surrounding Butterfinger’s recipe change had a significant impact on the brand. While Nestlé claimed that the new recipe was an improvement, it ultimately led to a decline in sales and a loss of loyal customers.
According to data from IRI, a market research firm, Butterfinger’s sales dropped by 17% in the first six months after the recipe change. The brand also lost its spot as the fourth best-selling candy bar in the United States, falling behind Kit Kat and Reese’s.
The backlash and loss of sales were a wake-up call for Nestlé, who realized the importance of listening to their customers and staying true to their brand’s identity.
Read:How to get lotus flower crisp recipeThe Importance of Brand Identity
The controversy surrounding Butterfinger’s recipe change highlights the importance of brand identity and staying true to it. Butterfinger had built a loyal fan base over the years, and changing the recipe without considering their customers’ opinions had a significant impact on the brand’s image and sales.
Consumers develop an emotional connection with their favorite brands, and any changes to the product can evoke strong reactions. In the case of Butterfinger, fans were disappointed because the new recipe did not align with their expectations and memories of the original candy bar.
Brands must understand the value of their brand identity and the impact it has on their customers. Any changes to the product should be carefully considered and tested to ensure that they align with the brand’s values and meet customer expectations.
The Power of Social Media
The controversy surrounding Butterfinger’s recipe change also highlights the power of social media in shaping consumer opinions and influencing brand decisions. Fans took to social media to express their disappointment and started petitions, which ultimately led to Nestlé bringing back the original recipe.
Social media has given consumers a platform to voice their opinions and connect with brands directly. It has also made it easier for brands to gather feedback and make improvements based on consumer preferences.
However, social media can also be a double-edged sword for brands. Negative feedback and backlash can spread quickly, damaging a brand’s reputation and sales. Therefore, it is crucial for brands to monitor and respond to social media conversations and address any issues promptly.
Conclusion:
The controversy surrounding Butterfinger’s recipe change was a significant event in the candy industry, highlighting the importance of brand identity and the power of social media. Nestlé’s decision to change the recipe without considering their customers’ opinions had a significant impact on the brand’s image and sales. However, the company’s decision to bring back the original recipe shows the value of listening to customer feedback and staying true to a brand’s identity.
Butterfinger’s recipe change and subsequent return to the original recipe serve as a valuable lesson for brands to consider the impact of any changes to their product and the importance of maintaining their brand’s identity. As for Butterfinger fans, they can now enjoy their beloved candy bar once again, knowing that it is the same as they remember it.
