A green conspiracy? Perhaps there really is too much coriander in Pret sandwiches

Most people find coriander to have an agreeable, citrus flavour, but to some its tastes like soap (Alamy)

It’s 2015, and nobody complains about customer service over the phone any more; instead, you air your grievances on social media. That’s what a group of disgruntled Pret a Manger customers have done, taking to Twitter to tackle an oft-ignored issue: the quantity of coriander in packaged sandwiches.

At first glance, it might not seem newsworthy. However, the sheer volume of people picking pieces of the devil’s herb out of their falafel wraps and Mexican flatbreads, and taking pictures with their smartphones and sending them to the Pret Twitter account as proof that the company has taken its coriander fetish too far, is astounding. “I didn’t realise I was getting trees in my wrap!” wrote one customer, while another suggested the sandwich-makers stay clear of “herb Marmite” for the good of the country. Others branded the management “a bunch of obsessive coriander worshippers”.

While a coriander-pushing conspiracy seems unlikely, it’s clear that those innocent-looking green leaves are divisive. There’s a well-populated “I hate coriander, worst herb ever” Facebook group and a US website called IHateCilantro.com that can supply all anti-coriander resources.

There is scientific evidence for this seemingly irrational view: a genetic study in 2012 found two genes linked to coriander aversion, which, for the unfortunate carriers, makes the herb taste like soap.

Perhaps those who take issue with Pret’s favourite plant should clam up and make their own packed lunches. But 24/7 office culture is now even more entrenched, and few of us have the time or energy to stick some Cheddar in a bread bun any more.

The power of social media is such that Pret will probably soon reduce their reliance on coriander. Whether this herbal remedy pacifies the haters remains to be seen.