Nestlé has confirmed that Quality Street chocolates will once again be sold in paper tubs this Christmas, continuing the shift away from the iconic tins that many shoppers associate with the festive season. The move, part of Nestlé’s goal to make all packaging recyclable by 2025, has drawn mixed reactions from consumers.
Last year, over 200,000 paper tubs were introduced in selected Tesco stores, carrying around 150 tonnes of sweets. This year, the paper tubs will again be available in Tesco, with Nestlé stating it is “evaluating the tub’s popularity” while exploring innovative ways to improve sustainability.
Many shoppers have expressed disappointment on social media. One X user wrote: “Please bring back tins! They were so multipurpose.” Another commented: “Paper tubs? Between this and the wrappers, there’s nothing left to call you guys 'Quality Street'.” However, some customers praised the sustainable change, with one simply saying: “This is a great idea.”
In addition to the packaging change, chocolate lovers have noted that shrinkflation has affected the sweets. The 600g tub has been reduced to 550g, and individual chocolates have also shrunk: the Purple One now weighs 8.46g, down from 9.59g, while the Orange Crunch has dropped from 9.06g to 8.72g.
A Nestlé spokesperson said: “Each year we introduce a new Quality Street range with formats, sizes, weights and RRPs based on a range of factors including the cost of manufacturing, ingredients and transport and the preferences of our customers and consumers.”
