There’s not a lot of love for this little egg as Cadbury’s owners come under fire

Since it first hit the shelves in 1971, the appearance of a Cadbury’s Creme Egg has been a saviour to shoppers lamenting the passing of Christmas.

But its sweet-toothed fans have been branded this year’s offering a “cheap imitation” after US owners changed the recipe for the fondant-filled snack.

Mondelez has come in for sharp criticism on social media sites for dropping the use of Dairly Milk chocolate for the egg’s outer shell, to a “standard, traditional Cadbury milk chocolate”.

The makers, part of US giant Kraft Foods, have also been forced to defend a decision to do away with three and six-packs and replace them with a five- pack to sell alongside singles and boxes of 12. The old six-pack cost £3.05, while the new five-pack has a recommended retail price of £2.85.

Facebook user Rachael McNally added “Krafts’ cheap chocolate imitation Creme Eggs have been released.”

A spokesman for Mondelez, which took over at the helm of the British brand in 2010, said: “The fundamentals of the Cadbury Creme Egg remain exactly the same - delicious milk chocolate and the unique creme centre that consumers love.

“We have always used a range of milk chocolate blends for different products, depending on their shape or consistency.”