Jammie Dodgers now comes with added milk (and very angry parents)

A petition urging Burton's Biscuits to reverse their decision has more than 4,000 signatures

Jammie Dodgers have been around for 50 years (Rex Features)

Parents and vegans have reacted with dismay at the news Jammie Dodgers has changed its recipe.

The biscuit, which is made from shortbread with a sticky raspberry jam filling and has been in production for more than 50 years, will now include milk protein.

Which is great. Unless you're a vegan, of course, who have been quick to express their disappointment.

https://twitter.com/LittleRowan/status/707260492625141762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Another Twitter user said: "Which muppet alienates its customers? I'm not even vegetarian! Jammie Dodgers aren't vegan anymore!"

A petition set up urging Jammie Dodgers to be returned to their former selves has alread garnered thousands of signatures.

Its creator, Ali Ryland, said the changes by manufacturers Burton's Biscuit Company was "bad news" for vegans and the lactose intolerant everywhere.

"Veganism is becoming ever more popular yet lots of previously loved 'accidentally vegan' items are under attack," she said.

An estimated 15 per cent of the population - accounting for all those who do not eat dairy - will no longer be buying the biscuit, according to Ms Ryland.

She added: "Don't forget the addition of milk is bad news for cows, whose milk (and calves) are taken from them forcibly and often under terrible conditions."

The petition has some 4,700 supporters so far.

One parent told the Western Daily Press she was "bitterly disappointed" that her son, who is allergic to dairy, would no longer be able to eat the snack.

"It's very difficult to find safe foods for my little boy to eat," said Danielle Waller.

"The Jammie Dodger was one of the few biscuits that was safe for him and he really loves them."

When Cadbury's decided to change the recipe for its beloved Creme Eggs, it lost an estimated £6 million.

Burton's Biscuit Company has responded to complaints.

"This work has been based on feedback we had previously received and has been undertaken to improve the flabour and texture of the product," a spokesperson said.

"We are sorry that this has cause you an issue. We take allergen control very seriously,