Post Consumer Brands has announced the discontinuation of Oreo O's cereal, stirring considerable unrest among its aficionados.
In a strategic shift, the cereal maker has halted Oreo O's to introduce a new breakfast option, Oreo Puffs, Mail Online reported.
The company made the decision just before the festive season, a time traditionally associated with joy and surprises. Instead, the news has disappointed many fans as they discover the unavailability of their beloved Oreo O's. Fans have favored this product since its resurgence in 2017, following a decade-long hiatus in the United States.
Oreo O's debuted in the late 90s and quickly became a favorite among cereal lovers. However, the company discontinued the product in 2007, disappointing fans until it made a much-celebrated return ten years later. For nearly five more years, it thrived on U.S. grocery shelves.
The reintroduction delighted those nostalgic for their favorite morning treat, even as South Korea continued to offer it as a permanent fixture. The relaunch allowed both a new generation and former fans to enjoy the crunchy, cookies-and-cream-flavored circles once again.
Post Consumer Brands hopes to capture the magic in a new form by introducing Oreo Puffs. The company states that this cereal will retain the classic Oreo flavor while featuring chocolate-flavored wafers and marshmallows, aiming to attract fans with a similar appeal to Cocoa Puffs.
Major stores like Walmart and Target will stock Oreo Puffs as a permanent addition to the cereal aisle. The company plans to release the new product at an expected price of $4.99 for an average-sized box.
The announcement has triggered a wave of reactions on social media, with many expressing their dissatisfaction and disappointment. One X user worriedly asked for confirmation about the discontinuation rumors, reflecting a common sentiment among the product's enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, on Reddit, users actively shared their displeasure. Comments ranged from those mourning the unique texture of Oreo O's to those flatly criticizing the new Oreo Puffs as a downgraded replacement.
Another Reddit user's comment summed up the feelings of many: "My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined." This sentiment underscores the emotional connection many felt with Oreo O's, viewing it not just as a product, but as a part of their daily routine or childhood memories.
TD Dixon, chief growth officer at Post Consumer Brands, has tried to soften the blow by highlighting the intended appeal of Oreo Puffs. Dixon described the new cereal as "a brand-new, delicious way to enjoy the taste of the iconic Oreo cookie during breakfast time!" This statement aims to reassure customers that the essence of what they love is not being forsaken, but reinvented.
With this new venture, both Post Consumer Brands and Mondelez International, which owns the Oreo brand, are looking ahead to future growth. There are even talks that Mondelez International is considering a takeover of Hershey, signaling a potentially bigger shake-up in the snacks and confectionery sector.
As Oreo enthusiasts come to terms with the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter with Oreo Puffs, the true test will be the product's reception upon its launch. Will the nostalgic love for Oreo O's carry over to excitement for Oreo Puffs, or will fans cling to their fond memories of the discontinued classic? Only time will tell how well the new cereal will satisfy the loyal Oreo fan base.
As the shelves begin to change, so too will the morning routines of many. Whether this change brings delight or dismay will depend largely on how Oreo Puffs perform both taste-wise and in capturing the iconic appeal that its predecessor held for nearly two decades.
