PepsiCo has decided to pull ProNutro, SA's longstanding breakfast cereal, five months after it replaced the original with a so-called 'new generation' version made through a totally different manufacturing process, reports News24.

That change led to a consumer backlash, particularly on social media. 

'After a long review process, PepsiCo has made the difficult decision to discontinue ProNutro in SA,' PepsiCo said.

While mixability could be improved, 'we were not able to recreate the taste and texture consumers associated with the original ProNutro using the new generation production process'.

That technology move was motivated by ageing equipment that was increasingly difficult to maintain. But the new, more cost-efficient processes could not replicate ProNutro’s distinctive characteristics.

ProNutro was launched commercially in 1962 by Durban company Hind Brothers & Co.

The world’s first nutraceutical cereal was the result of years of research by Dr Francis Fox of the SA Institute for Medical Research, who worked with others on a high-protein food to combat malnutrition.

For those with original ProNutro stockpiles, the last-ever batch of the original reaches its best-before date next month.

Consumers with questions can contact PepsiCo’s Consumer Care Centre on 0800 212 360 or [email protected].

Full News24 report