Iconic cereal brand ProNutro has apologised to South Africans following the launch of a “New Generation” formula, which changed its texture and reduced sugar content.
The change led to public backlash, with many calling on the 64-year-old brand to return to its original formula.
PepsiCo, which owns the Bokomo brand, said the change was mainly due to its need to replace the older equipment, which had become outdated.
The cereal brand said the older machinery used to make the cereal had become unreliable and could degrade product quality over time.
PepsiCo said the brand had conducted a national consumer taste test, with both current ProNutro customers and consumers of other cereals.
According to ProNutro, its new packaging clearly states the change, which was done in order to maintain transparency with its customers.
After the launch of the “New Generation” ProNutro, the brand said the country provided “mixed feedback.”
In late April, ProNutro released an apology to South Africans after receiving complaints and pleas to bring back the old cereal.
“Although the old ProNutro formulation won’t be coming back, the cereal manufacturer has taken on board consumers’ feedback and will be making improvements,” said the brand.
“Consumers expressed concern predominantly around the new product’s texture and mixability,” it said.
“While the new production process will not fully resolve texture challenges, ProNutro have acknowledged consumer feedback and will focus over the coming weeks to enhance mixability.”
The cereal brand said that amid its new improvements, there will be a short period of time during which the product will be unavailable on the shelf.
According to ProNutro, using new technology to produce the new recipe was the only viable solution available.
“The new recipe offers reduced total sugar per serving across all variants, ensuring that the cereal not only tastes great but also supports healthier choices for families.”
The new formulation aims to cut CO₂ emissions by 12.7%, reduce packaging by 12.8%, and decrease water usage by 6.7%.
The brand aims for this initiative to have a positive impact on its manufacturing footprint while still delivering high-quality products to customers.
The 64-year-old South African cereal
Since its launch to the public in 1962, ProNutro has become known as the world’s first nutraceutical cereal, providing health benefits in addition to its basic nutritional value.
The brand said that the Original High-Protein Cereal delivers plant-based protein and energy, along with 13 vitamins and 4 minerals.
In the 1900s, the South African Institute for Medical Research developed the ProNutro brand to address the large-scale protein deficiency and malnutrition in South Africa at the time.
Since the cereal was first started, the brand has expanded its range to include several flavours, including chocolate, banana, strawberry, and original.
Some flavours that were introduced over the cereal’s lifespan have been discontinued, such as the wholewheat honey melt flavour and the honey flavour.
The ProNutro brand also released a range of cereal bars, including chocolate and original flavour protein bars, as well as creamy strawberry, caramel chocolate, and chocolate brownie high protein bars.
ProNutro has been a popular cereal choice amongst South Africans due to its high protein, vitamins, minerals, and fibre content.
ProNutro contains plant protein that reportedly assists in muscle repair and growth, which is why many South Africans start their day with it.
The cereal is said to contain a variety of vitamins, including Vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, and Vitamin C, as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium.
ProNutro, which contains fibre, aids in digestion and is said to help maintain a feeling of fullness.
