Shoppers slam 'horrific' new low sugar Lucozade
Customers have slammed the decision to slash sugar levels in Lucozade in response to the Government's crackdown on obesity.
Disappointed shoppers have even likened the energy drink's new recipe to that of bleach - describing it as 'rotten' and 'horrific'.
Others, more jokingly, have said that manufacturer Lucozade Ribena Suntory's (LRS) sugar reduction feels like a 'personal attack'.
Despite the 'game-changing' move being announced in November, many have been left completely unaware as to the change in formula earlier this month.
Experts remain adamant that reducing sugar levels in soft drinks to the desired amount by 2020 will naturally affect the taste.
While diabetics who rely on the popular beverage to prevent fatal complications from their condition have also been affected.
LRS said all of its brands will contain less than 4.5g of sugar per 100ml by 2018 and will be replaced with low calorie sweeteners.
At the time it also said all packaging will be changed to ensure the nutritional information can clearly be seen on the front.
Disappointed shoppers have even likened the energy drink's new recipe to that of bleach - describing it as 'rotten' and 'horrific'
The move means none of the brands will fall into the sugar tax category, which is set to come into effect in 2018.
Having taken to Twitter, one angry shopper said that it was a 'real shame' that the orange-flavoured version now tastes 'completely different'.
While Benito_SK13 was unaware they had changed the recipe, asking what had happened to make it taste off.
Christopher Snowdon, of the Institute of Economic Affairs, told The Times: 'Some of these companies will have to do a U-turn and accept that customers would rather pay the sugar tax than drink an inferior product.'
A spokeswoman for LRS said: We're sorry to hear that some customers have tasted a change in Lucozade.
'We conducted extensive research with a large representation of our consumers who told us that the new recipe was still the brand they loved to drink - and the majority couldn't identify a difference.
'We think our drinks developments team has done a brilliant job to remove 50 per cent of the sugar while keeping the great taste, but we will be sure to pass this feedback onto them.'
One angry Twitter user said that it was a 'real shame' that the orange-flavoured version now tastes 'completely different'
While Benito_SK13 was unaware they had changed the recipe, asking what had happened to make it taste off
Sufferers of low blood sugar spells have long been advised to consume a small amount to stop them from developing hypoglycemia - the medical term for low blood sugar.
This can lead to a diabetic coma, which left untreated, can be fatal.
This could leave those who are unaware at risk of death if they don't check its nutritional label before consumption, experts warn.
Patients experiencing a dizzy spell are advised to drink 20g of sugar to restore their blood levels. This used to be the equivalent of 100ml of Lucozade Energy Original.
The new recipe with its slashed sugar content of 8.9g per 100ml will mean patients need to consume double that amount to fluctuate their levels.
Another Twitter user, Jordan Nohar, said: 'Big bottles of Orange Lucozade are rotten now'
Talia Stewart, who has been an avid fan of Lucozade since she was a child, said the change in recipe was a 'personal attack'
But for a period of time, there will be both old and new stock of Lucozade on sale, so patients will need to check the label before they buy.
Most people display symptoms of hypoglycemic condition before they fall, allowing them to boost their levels.
But others are unaware and get no warning signs, according to The Diabetes Times.
Professor Alan Sinclair, an expert in diabetes in older people at Aston University, previously said: The decision to lower the amount of sugar in Lucozade is seen as a positive attempt by the drinks industry to lower obesity and diabetes risk.
'But it may be a worrying development for those people with diabetes who employ Lucozade to rapidly treat hypoglycaemic episodes that often arise as an unwanted side-effect of their diabetes treatment.
HOW DOES DRINKING LUCOZADE WORK FOR DIABETICS? To treat a hypoglycaemic episode - a period of dangerously low blood sugar, diabetics need to consume between 15 and 20g of sugar. Sufferers can tell they are experiencing the potentially deadly condition when they suddenly feel tired, have difficulty concentrating or feel dizzy. Experts recommend glucose tablets as they enter the bloodstream and restore blood sugar levels the fastest. In terms of judging how much glucose a diabetic takes, they are the easiest form to monitor. The same amount can also be found in sugary drinks, such as 100ml of the old recipe for Lucozade Energy Original. Diabetics will have to consume double the amount to get the same sugar from the new recipe drink. Despite being a little bit harder to judge on their sugar quantity, they are a good emergency option. Source: Diabetes.co.uk
This could leave diabetic patients unaware of the changes at risk of death if they don't check its nutritional label before consumption, experts warn
'For many people with diabetes particularly those with memory difficulties or who are frail, using the previous volumes of the drink to treat their 'hypos' may lead to under-treatment of the episode which can have serious consequences such as a seizure.
This reduction of the sugar content of Lucozade may lead to confusion about what is now necessary to adequately treat a hypoglycaemic episode using this drink Professor Alan Sinclair, of Aston University
'This reduction of the sugar content of Lucozade may lead to confusion about what is now necessary to adequately treat a hypoglycaemic episode using this drink.
'Perhaps this was too hastily implemented before there had been more thought, planning, and consideration of the impact of this change?'
A spokesperson for LRS previously said: 'We strongly recommend that consumers check the back of the pack to find out the nutritional information.
'The decision to halve the sugar in our drinks is in response to the growing demand from consumers who now want healthier drinks.'
It added that diabetes organisations throughout the UK and Ireland and hospital trusts had been informed of the changes.