I use indydebi'sbuttercream recipe and the last few times I've made it the flavor has been off. I noticed that the shortening (I use Great Value brand) has been really soft. I don't know if that's made a difference because I always mix it anyways for awhile to get it to that consistency. But I've noticed that the flavor is not the same anymore. The ingredients and brands are the same as I've always used.

Has anyone noticed a change in flavor after Walmart's shortening went trans fat free?? (that's the only thing I can think of!)

I've even tried to make it with half shortening and half butter and it still has the same weird taste to it.

I know nobody answered me, but I figured out what it was. The shortening was the culprit that was changing my icing flavor! I was able to find trans fat shortening at Harris Teeters! Yay! My icing tastes good again.

First time I made icing I used Crisco (which doesn't have trans fat)...I learned trans fat is essential! The consistency and flavor are way off without it!

Look at the label on your shortening and see if it contains trans fat. It sounds to me like they have gone trans fat free. That's why I no longer use Crisco in my frosting's it is horrible. Look for an off brand that still contains trans fat if you can find it. The shortening I use has 2.5 grams.

I use Richfood Brand shortening and it still has transfat. Shortening without transfat totally changes the flavor and the texture, YUK!!

I wonder how long it will be before all producers of shortening change to no transfat. That wouldn't be good for us!