Vegans and Dairy Allergy Sufferers WON’T Be Able To Eat New Recipe Jammy Dodgers

Vegans and dairy allergy sufferers have expressed their outrage over plans for a revamp of Jammie Dodgers - which will see MILK added to the iconic biscuit.

The teatime favourite, which is famous for having heart-shaped centres filled with sticky jam, is being shaken up by makers Burton’s Biscuits to tackle dwindling sales.

It comes after research by the company found that customers were wanting ‘crispier biscuits and a fruitier-flavoured jam’

And in order to address both these points, the new ‘best ever’ recipe will contain 22 percent less sugar, and comes in different packaging.

But the new recipe is at risk of isolating both vegans and people with a lactose intolerance - as it contains milk protein unsuitable for consumption by either group

Danielle Waller, 40, whose two-year-old son Johnny is allergic to dairy, said she was ‘bitterly disappointed’ about the change.

It also means she won’t be able to eat the biscuits either, as Johnny is still breastfeeding.

The teacher, from Sheffield, said: ‘I used to buy them before Johnny was born and since he has been old enough to have the occasional treat they have been my go-to.

‘Having a child with allergies can be a daily struggle, like walking through a minefield.

‘It’s very difficult to find safe foods for my little boy to eat. The Jammie Dodger was one of the few biscuits that was safe for him and he really loves them.’

She added that Jammie Dodgers, which cost 69p a pack, always tend to be cheaper than other biscuits.

‘I am also concerned that parents of children with allergies will not notice the change in recipe and this could prove very dangerous,’ she said.

‘Part of me thinks I will go and stock up but part of me thinks sod them. Why should I give them another penny if they aren’t going to listen to their loyal customers.’

The Vegan Society described the change as a ‘backward step.’

Spokesman Jimmy Pierce said: ‘Are they not aware of the growing numbers of vegans, dairy reducers and the lactose intolerant?

‘Jammie Dodgers are one of many “accidentally vegan” products, much loved by the vegan community.

‘They are reducing the size of their market significantly, which doesn’t seem to make much commercial sense.’

Burton’s Biscuit Company said they decided to reformulate the recipe based on consumer feedback;

A spokesman said: ‘For the new reformulated recipe of Jammie Dodgers we have communicated that there is now an additional allergen of milk within the product.

‘This is due to the addition of whey in the recipe, which gives a more rounded flavour to the biscuit.

‘We take allergen control very seriously and aim to ensure we give the correct information to customers in order to help them make the right choices.’

Now, a group of vegans, lactose intolerant biscuit-lovers and parents whose children have dairy allergies have started a petition to get Burton’s Biscuit Co. to reverse the recipe change.

It has been backed by 3,000 people so far.