'Not the start to 2026 I was hoping for': Arnott's quietly changes key ingredient in popular biscuit
Arnott's Australia has confirmed a major change to one of its popular biscuits.
Cheds are now made using parmesan cheese instead of pricier pecorino cheese, and fans are not happy.
The change has been shared by Nine Radio's Jacqui Felgate, who showed an old and new pack of Cheds which displayed the change.
A key ingredient used in the recipe for Arnott's Cheds has been swapped out. Nine
The original pack states: "Arnott's Cheds with real pecorino cheese."
The new one says: "Arnott's Cheds made with real cheese."
"Spot the difference," Felgate, who presents on Melbourne's 3AW, captioned an image showing a packet of original box next to the most recent version.
A spokesperson for Arnott's Australia has since confirmed to nine.com.au: "From time to time, we need to make updates to our manufacturing processes to ensure we can continue to meet supply for consumers.
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The change has been shared by Nine Radio's Jacqui Felgate. Instagram @Jacqui Felgate
"As part of this, a change has been made to one of the cheeses used in Arnott's Cheds.
"This change does not impact the taste, texture, quality or overall eating experience, and consumers can continue to enjoy the same cheesy flavour they know and love."
Fans however beg to differ, with many saying they had noticed a change in the taste of Cheds but couldn't figure out what it was.
Shane Warne's daughter, Brooke, was commented on Felgate's post: 'I KNEW THEY TASTED DIFFERENT.'
ABC Radio Melbourne Breakfast host Sharnelle Vella added: 'Oh. My. Days. Why?? Cheds are the constant in my life I do not want changed - ever.'
"They did the same for Shapes. Changed recipes, people complained, then changed back to the OG. Speak up people! Speak up!" another shared.
"Please change them back," another said.
"PecoriKNOW! Don't think we don't know what you've done. Don't take away what small joys we still have left @arnottsbiscuits. You went and meddled where meddlin' wasn't needed," said one Cheds fan.
'They did the same for Shapes.' 9honey/Jo Abi
"They've killed the Cheds," added another.
Pecorino cheese is typically more expensive than standard parmesan cheese.
Real pecorino is made using sheep's milk and is known to be saltier, sharper and tangier with a pungent flavour. It is often used in place of parmesan for pasta and other dishes.
Parmesan is made using cow's milk and is often milder with a nuttier flavour.
Cheds fans are not happy with the change. Getty Images/iStockphoto
The average cost of pecorino cheese in Australia generally ranges from approximately $30 to over $70 per kilogram.
Standard parmesan currently costs an average of $20 to $30 per kilo.
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