A man who was given a classic 1996 Quality Street tin by his mum for his 40th birthday says he has noticed three big changes to the beloved sweet mix since the 1990s. Collectables enthusiast Tony Warner, from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, claims that while the tins have changed, shrinkflation is a "myth" in this instance.
Three big changes spotted
Tony discovered that three new 550g tubs could fill a single large 1.8kg tin from the 1990s. He argues that during the 1990s, shoppers paid as much as £14 for a 1.8kg metal tin of Quality Street — a figure that equates to roughly £41 in today's money when calculated using a consumer price index inflation calculator.
For those seeking a tin of a comparable size today, a 1.93kg version remains available online, priced at £25.99 on Amazon, £29.99 at The Sweet Store, £31.99 via B&Q's website and just £19.99 from Costco.
Nostalgia and community response
Tony said: "I've always had one foot in the past. I lament for my childhood and happy memories. Last November, I started posting all this nostalgic content, and I've had an amazing community build-up."
He added: "I'm just trying to get in touch with people's raw, core memories of the 90s. [I look for items on] eBay, Vinted and car boots to find some lucky finds. The Quality Street tin was actually a present for my 40th from my mum."
Tony shared his observations online, and it was not long before people weighed in with their own opinions. One wrote: "Wow, that's shrinkflation at its worst." Another added: "Inequality Street, just stop buying them and save the disappointment."
Value and quality debate
Having conducted his own research online, Tony claims that Quality Street tins in the 1990s were actually poorer value than those available today — a conclusion that runs contrary to the widely held perception. He said: "Gram for gram [with inflation], they were actually more expensive in the 1990s. It does take a lot of people by surprise; it does shock people because that never happens."
He added: "Everything else is going down, but the price is going up. This is one of those very strange anomalies where it is more for your money."
Tony maintains that the treats' packaging is "less sparkly" now, saying: "The wrappers used to be foil, shiny and glistening — now they're dull wrappers. Visually, it is a downgrade; it's lost that sparkle. Things are getting smaller, and the quality is lessening." He also noted: "I do think the taste has definitely changed, and it smells different inside."
