It was removed because the devs thought the recipe was unrealistic (and it was). However, clay alternatives are somewhat easily made these days. Clay can be easily obtained by digging with a digging stick (may take several attempts); then made into a clay pot with a campfire and a little survival/fabrication skill.
Clay pots are…actually better than metal alternatives these days (slightly lower weight with the same qualities) unless you feel like bashing things with it.