WHOLE FOODS REVAMPED A CULT FAVORITE PRODUCT—UNTIL THE PUBLIC BULLIED THEM INTO CHANGING IT BACK
It’s easy to get carried away at Whole Foods, and that’s especially true when it comes to the bakery department. The dessert case of tarts, cakes, and tiramisu calls to every shopper that passes it. But the de facto celebrity of the Whole Foods bakery is the Berry Chantilly Cake.
First introduced to the upmarket grocery chain two decades ago, the Berry Chantilly Cake is still the most popular Whole Foods cake west of the Mississippi. The light, almond-scented mascarpone and cream frosting paired with fresh berries quickly developed a cult following. But a recent change in the recipe has fans up in arms.
A TikTok from user @mylegalera went viral last weekend when she revealed that “Whole Foods is discontinuing the Berry Chantilly cake that we all know and love.” According to the TikTok, a Whole Foods employee in the bakery department revealed that the brand is removing the fresh fruit from the individually packaged cake slices, delivering them frozen to each location, and increasing the price.
Chantilly cake fans were shocked, and even stopped by their local Whole Foods to see the new recipe for themselves. TikTok user @culturework posted a video and reported that the size of the slice has shrunk significantly, and the berries now sit on the side of the cake instead of in the center. The berry jam that now sits in the center did not get rave reviews, with @culturework comparing the flavor to cleaning products.
Chantilly Cake lovers also directly their frustration towards Whole Foods, with users flooding their official TikTok account to demand an explanation. The chain originally stood by the decision, claiming that the slices “maintain the signature almond flavor and fluffy texture that you know and love from the OG.”
Shoppers were not having it, with one user responding, “DO NOT GASLIGHT US WHOLE FOODS.” Another commenter added, “Why are you lying? We have eyes and taste buds.” Some even threatened to withhold their business: “I will never shop at Whole Foods again if you don’t fix this.”
But, as pressure continued to mount, Whole Foods has decidedly changed its tune. In a TikTok comment from September 30, Whole Foods announced, “Due to feedback, we’re bringing back single slices of the classic Chantilly Cake customers know and love.” They further clarified that the original slices should return to the bakery department by the end of this week.
Thankfully, we don't need to despair for much longer. But if you still want a bite of the classic Chantilly cake before the old recipe returns, try making our copycat recipe.