High street restaurant chain abruptly discontinues popular item leaving customers fuming
WAGAMAMA has left customers reeling after removing one of its most popular vegan items from its menus.
The high street chain confirmed via social media platform X that it has pulled the plug on much-loved vegan k-dogs.
The move has sparked upset online, especially as the item is still showing up on menus at some branches, even though it’s no longer available in most.
One furious diner spotted the dish had vanished and took to X, formerly Twitter, to ask the restaurant where it was and why it was still listed on menus.
They wrote: “What the fudge? You make a fantastic product (vegan k-dogs) but then suddenly stop selling them but still show them on your menu? Sort it out!!!”
In response, Wagamama’s social media account responded that the dish had been discontinued – but said some locations still have it on offer while it is being phased out.
They said: “We’re sorry for the confusion! A few of our locations still have these available for now, which is why they’re still visible for the moment.”
Another gutted fan replied: “WHHYYY WHYYY WHYY”, while someone else raged: “That’s so annoying, I loved them.”
A third complained: “But they’re so good! Why would you stop?”
And another fan has since posted: “Forever hoping @wagamama_uk brings back the Vegan K-dogs.”
Despite the out-pour of grief for the axed item, Wagamama offered little hope of a return.
Responding to another disappointed foodie on X, the chain said: “We’re sorry to hear that you’re missing our k-dogs. We’ll be sure to share your thoughts with the team.”
It’s the latest blow to foodies following a string of heartbreaking discontinuations on the high street.
Just weeks ago, Greggs diners were left devastated after the bakery chain yanked a popular menu item without warning and loyal customers are still begging for it to return.
One customer summed up the national mood, writing on Greggs facebook: “It’s a sad time for us Brits.”
Meanwhile, chocoholics were rocked after Toblerone confirmed it was discontinuing one of its iconic bars, sparking disbelief from shoppers who called it the end of an era.
Earlier this week, Quaker Oat also axed its So Simple Velvety Chocolate porridge.
Now Wagamama’s decision to ditch its vegan k-dog has only added to the gloom.
The Sun has contacted Wagamama for further comment on the discontinued item.
Why are products axed or recipes changed?
ANALYSIS by chief consumer reporter James Flanders.
Food and drinks makers have been known to tweak their recipes or axe items altogether.
They often say that this is down to the changing tastes of customers.
There are several reasons why this could be done.
For example, government regulation, like the “sugar tax,” forces firms to change their recipes.
Some manufacturers might choose to tweak ingredients to cut costs.
They may opt for a cheaper alternative, especially when costs are rising to keep prices stable.
For example, Tango Cherry disappeared from shelves in 2018.
It has recently returned after six years away but as a sugar-free version.
Fanta removed sweetener from its sugar-free alternative earlier this year.
Suntory tweaked the flavour of its flagship Lucozade Original and Orange energy drinks.
While the amount of sugar in every bottle remains unchanged, the supplier swapped out the sweetener aspartame for sucralose.