A massive change to the recipe of an iconic cracker has disappointed fans, who claim the product should never have been meddled with. 

Arnott’s Cheds have recently undergone a major flavour update, switching out the distinctive cheese used for the biscuit’s top layer for a cheaper alternative, the Daily Mail reported. 

While the Arnott’s website still lists pecorino cheese as an ingredient in the savoury snack, eagle-eyed customers noticed the packaging now reads “made with real cheese”. 

Nine Radio’s Jacqui Felgate drew attention to the change in an Instagram post, describing the updated product as an “imposter”. 

In a statement, Arnott’s confirmed the popular product has recently been altered. 

“From time to time, we need to make updates to our manufacturing processes to ensure we can continue to meet supply for consumers. 

“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.” 

Felgate later shared an email response she received from Arnott’s Consumer Care Team announcing the crackers now use parmesan. 

Some fans complained about the new taste in the comments of Felgate’s post, sharing their disappointment in the updated recipe and pointing out the apparent difference in quality. 

“I knew they were different - the coverage of cheese on the biscuit has definitely changed!!” 

Another customer complained “the pecorino makes it ... they don’t taste like crap because there was some semblance of real cheese 😭“. 

“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,” a third person said. 

Arnotts has been approached for comment about when the altered recipe will reach New Zealand supermarket shelves. 

It’s not the first time Arnott’s has come under fire for changing the taste of their products. 

In 2016, the Australian company attempted to “improve” core flavours of the popular lunchbox snack Shapes, causing mass public dismay before the original recipes were brought back.