Nothing quite like the heartbreak of discovering your favourite treat has vanished from supermarket shelves.

Whether it’s a beloved biscuit, a comforting cuppa, or that special something you look forward to on a chilly winter’s night, we’ve all felt the sting of a discontinued product.

But what if we told you that sometimes, the power of the people can bring it back?


That’s exactly what happened with Lipton Chai Latte, a winter warmer that quietly disappeared from Aussie supermarkets in 2022, leaving fans in the lurch.

But thanks to the determination of one passionate customer and a groundswell of support from chai lovers across the country, this much-missed beverage has made a triumphant return.

And it’s a story that proves you’re never too old—or too 'average'—to make a difference.


Gillian Allen, 64, first discovered Lipton Chai Latte after moving to Australia from the UK with her husband, Steven.

The pair quickly became fans, making the creamy, spiced drink a staple in their home.

But as the shelves started to empty, Gillian sensed something was amiss.


'We started drinking it and absolutely loved it, and then it started to run out in the supermarkets, and we thought, "Something’s going on here." Before long, it wasn’t on the shelves,' she recalled.

After being told the product had been discontinued, Gillian decided she wasn’t going to let her favourite cuppa go without a fight.

She reached out to Lipton directly, but when that didn’t work, she took her campaign to social media, launching the 'Bring Back Lipton Chai Latte' social media group in October 2022.

Her first post was a rallying cry: 'Hi folks. I have decided that action needs to be taken to make Lipton aware of the mistake they have made by deleting our much loved Lipton Classic and Vanilla Chai Tea! Please spread the word about this group so we can show just how much we all miss our Chai!'
At first, the response was lukewarm. 'People were a bit dismissive about it initially,' Gillian admitted.

'They were sort of like, ‘Oh, they won’t listen, they won’t take any notice of us.’' But she pressed on, determined to make her voice—and the voices of fellow chai lovers—heard.


Fast-forward nearly four years, and Gillian, now semi-retired, received a message that would change everything.

Lipton Australia had noticed her campaign and wanted her to be the ambassador for the product’s return.

At first, she thought it was a scam—after all, she considered herself 'just Mrs. Average'—but it was the real deal.

Gillian signed on, posed for photos, filmed videos, and prepared for media appearances.

In June, she finally shared the good news with her Facebook group: Lipton Chai Latte was back on shelves at Coles and other supermarkets.

Now, Gillian enjoys three or four Lipton Chai Lattes daily, savouring each cup in her favourite chai glass.

'You add the sachet and 155 ml of water,' she says, smiling at the simple pleasure that’s returned to her daily routine.


Of course, not everyone is completely satisfied. Some fans have noticed a change in the taste, describing the new formula as 'watered down' or 'not creamy enough.'

Others lament the absence of the Vanilla variety, which hasn’t made a comeback.

Lipton responded to these concerns, explaining that Australian import regulations required a tweak to the recipe, specifically reducing the dairy content.

'We didn’t do anything too different to the spices or flavours used, we only made a small change to the Lipton Chai Latte recipe to align with the latest Australian import regulations,' said Sarah Shen, Marketing Manager ANZ at Lipton Teas and Infusions.

'While this change slightly affects the product’s grammage and kilojoule count, we’ve worked hard to maintain the same delicious, spiced, heartwarming flavour that fans love.'

And then there’s the price —$8.00 for a box of eight sachets, though Coles has been offering them at half price.

As one pragmatic shopper put it, 'Double the price, still cheaper than buying morning coffee.'

Despite the tweaks and the price tag, many are simply thrilled to have their favourite drink back. 'A big thank you to Gillian Allen for leading the way for Lipton to bring back Chai Latte,' one grateful fan wrote.

Another shared, 'When the Lipton Chai Lattes were taken off the production line, I searched every supermarket looking for supplies and googled to see if I could buy it online. It was my favourite luxury drink. I was so disappointed. Thank you, Bring Back The Lipton Chai Latte.'

For those who’ve never tried chai before, Gillian describes it as 'quite unique' with 'a little hint of spice to it.'

And for those still mourning the loss of their favourite discontinued products, she has this advice: 'Just make yourself heard. People need to know that it’s affecting people.'


Gillian’s story is a heartening reminder that age is no barrier to making a difference, and that the collective voice of everyday Aussies can have real power, even over the big brands.
Your feedback matters whether it’s a favourite drink, a classic biscuit, or a nostalgic treat.

And next time you see your favourite treat disappear, remember: you’re never too old to start a movement.

All it takes is a little determination, a dash of community spirit, and maybe a good cup of chai to keep you going.
Have you ever campaigned to bring back a favourite product? Have you noticed a change in taste or price when an old favourite returns? Or are you still waiting for a beloved item to make its comeback? Share your stories, tips, and memories in the comments below.

Read more: ‘I can’t find it anywhere—it’s like liquid gold’: Why this $5.50 coffee latte from Coles is winning hearts