SkinnyPop has yanked its newly released dairy-containing White Cheddar popcorn from store shelves after the company warned that the bag looks a lot like its dairy-free version, raising the risk of confusion for shoppers with milk allergies. The company says the bags are correctly labeled and safe for anyone who does not have a milk allergy, but it is urging those with milk allergies to avoid eating the dairy-containing product. If you grabbed a bag and are not sure which type you brought home, SkinnyPop says you should contact the company or your retailer before digging in.
Why the flavor was pulled
In a statement shared via PR Newswire, SkinnyPop said it is "voluntarily removing its newly launched dairy-containing White Cheddar Popcorn from store shelves to provide clarity for consumers with milk allergies." The brand emphasized that "all SkinnyPop products are accurately labeled, including ingredient lists and allergen statements," but acknowledged the dairy-containing and dairy-free White Cheddar bags have similar designs that "could contribute to confusion at retail or at home."
What shoppers should do
For anyone with questions, the consumer helpline publicized in media coverage is 1-833-876-7267, according to Boston 25 News. SkinnyPop and news outlets stress that the dairy-containing White Cheddar popcorn is safe for people who are not allergic to milk but should be avoided completely by anyone with a milk allergy. The company calls the move a precaution. If you experience a severe allergic reaction after eating any product, seek emergency medical care right away.
Will the flavor come back?
According to Good Housekeeping, Hershey, SkinnyPop’s parent company, told the magazine that the White Cheddar flavor is expected to return later this year with revamped packaging that is meant to avoid any confusion between dairy and dairy-free versions. SkinnyPop is part of The Hershey Company, which acquired Amplify Snack Brands, the maker of SkinnyPop, in 2018.
Why packaging can be dangerous for allergy sufferers
The FDA identifies milk as one of the major food allergens that must be clearly disclosed on packaging, and regulators treat easy-to-read labels as a key protection for people with food allergies. The Mayo Clinic notes that a milk allergy can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction, which is why companies often move quickly when packaging could lead to accidental mix-ups.
How to check your snacks
Consumer allergy resources advise checking for a clear "Contains" statement near the ingredients list and reviewing UPCs or lot codes if you plan to return a product. If you are unsure whether the SkinnyPop White Cheddar bag in your pantry is the dairy or dairy-free version, call SkinnyPop’s consumer line or your retailer before you open it, since the brand and stores can give the most accurate guidance on exchanges or returns.
SkinnyPop has framed the move as a precaution and says no other SkinnyPop flavors are affected. The company and retailers are expected to keep shoppers posted while the dairy-containing White Cheddar popcorn gets a packaging makeover. For SkinnyPop’s full statement, see the release on PR Newswire.
