When we reflect on this period in history, the standout memory of our grocery shopping experiences will undoubtedly be the exorbitant costs (hello, shrinkflation).
In addition, there were those never-ending scary food recalls. As prices continue to rise and quality steadily declines, it’s clear that the food supply in today’s world won’t be remembered as our nation’s finest.
With people getting all kinds of sick from everyday foods, or just not buying them due to raising prices, it’s no wonder the food companies are throwing in the towel and discontinuing so many items. Even the bestselling ones! 2024 was no exception. We rounded up seven products we know of *so far* that food shoppers claim they’ve started to see be mysteriously missing at the market.
Brands don’t always confirm these discontinuations publicly, rather opting instead to quietly remove them. But the sleuths of the internet work hard! We stalked X (formerly Twitter) and the dark web to bring you the items you should definitely stock up on if you see them in stores. It might be your last chance.
Grocery Food Items Pulled From Shelves In 2024
These are all the items we've tracked as leaving grocery store aisles in the second half of 2024 so far. Stock up if you happen to find them on aisle (before they're completely gone), as it appears the changes vary from location to location.
1. Coca-Cola Spiced Flavor
In September, CNN reported that Coca-Cola has stopped producing its spiced flavor cola, which was intended to appeal to younger consumers, after only half a year on the market. Apologies to soda enthusiasts! Coca-Cola ceased the production of its new Spiced flavor merely six months after it was introduced, signifying the conclusion of an unsuccessful effort to captivate a younger audience.
In a statement, the brand noted that it is“always looking at what our customers like and adjusting” its flavors. “As part of this strategy, we’re planning to phase out Coca-Cola Spiced to introduce an exciting new flavor in 2025,” according to a spokesperson.
2. Boar’s Head Liverwurst
Boar's Head has been at the center of the most high-profile and fatal recall of the year, with a Listeria outbreak at one of their facilities leading to 57 hospitalizations and 9 deaths.
Now dealing with legal actions and having to remove over 7.2 million pounds of products from stores, it's understandable why the company chose to permanently stop producing the first deli meat found to contain the bacteria: liverwurst. The company confirmed this decision in a press release three months ago. Farewell!
3. Hormel Black Label Jalapeño Bacon
In an uncommon move on Twitter, Hormel responded to a customer comment, confirming the discontinuation of their Jalapeño Bacon product. While no explanation for this choice was provided, Hormel's transparency with their loyal customers is commendable!
On September 6th, the company tweeted: "We are in the process of discontinuing the HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Jalapeno Bacon."
4. Whole Foods Berry Chantilly Cake
In recent months, X and TikTok users have begun sharing videos suggesting that the popular Berry Chantilly Cake slices at Whole Foods have fallen prey to "shrinkflation."
Pointing out the cake's smaller size ("half the size it used to be," TikTok user @culturework noted), and new taste ("like raspberry-flavored cleaning product"), fans of the bakery item called "the worst news of the year."
A rep for Whole Foods told SheFinds that they did indeed "recently align the flavor profile, size, packaging, and price," of the cakes across locations. Thoughts?
5. Luvsome Line Of Pet Food
Earlier this year, pet owners began sharing online about the absence of the Luvsome pet food line at Kroger grocery stores. It seems that it has not made a comeback.
We contacted a Kroger representative for comment but have not received a response yet. "You've disappointed lots of people and animals," one X user warned.
6. Kirkland Chocolate Chips
Costco announced it was pulling these Kirkland chocolate chips from stores in August due to "the rising cost of cocoa," upsetting a lot of serious bakers who claim the wholesaler "tried this several years ago."
It appears there's a real chance that Costco might reconsider this choice if a sufficient number of customers express their dissatisfaction! Make sure to voice your concerns to customer service if you wish to keep them around.
7. Trader Joe's Minty Mallows
A Reddit user claims that an employee of the California-based chain confirmed that they have discontinued the Minty Mallows, news which customers call "devastating" and "sad" on the thread.
According to Tasting Table, the well-loved snacks were "quietly" taken off the shelves by the California grocer in 2024, meaning we won't be seeing them in 2025.
The Bottom Line
As we gear up for 2025, it's essential to be aware of the shifts that will occur in the coming year, particularly in the variety of products available at grocery stores.
With that in mind, don't be surprised if you no longer see Coca-Cola's Spiced flavor, Boar’s Head Liverwurst, Hormel Black Label Jalapeño Bacon, Whole Foods Berry Chantilly Cake, Luvsome Pet Food, Kirkland Signature Chocolate Chips, and Trader Joe's Minty Mallows on the shelves.
