Nestlé has confirmed that its Quality Street paper tubs will not return for Christmas 2026, following a two-year trial in Tesco stores. The company said the move is not a permanent end for the cardboard packaging.
Two-Year Trial Comes to a Halt
The trial began with 200,000 units made available in 60 Tesco stores for Christmas 2024, described by Quality Street as the 'first of its kind' box. The initiative was repeated last year with additional cardboard tubs in selected stores, with Nestlé calling it "another step on Nestle's journey to reduce virgin plastic use".
The tub featured the iconic Quality Street purple, with a "luxurious design and feel, and embellished with gold foil". After being emptied, it could be placed in household recycling.
No Permanent Discontinuation
A Nestlé spokesperson said: "We won't be trialling our Quality Street paper tub this year. We're using our experience from 2024 and 2025 to make further developments. Watch this space as we continue to explore its role with the ambition to bring it back on a bigger scale in the future."
A Tesco spokesperson confirmed that the cardboard tubs do not feature in its Christmas range this year. Specific reasons for the pause have not been provided.
Mixed Reactions from Shoppers
When the change was first reported, shoppers responded with mixed feelings. A post on a money-saving Facebook page drew hundreds of comments, with one person saying: "Go back to tin and squeaky wrappers." Another added: "Tins are better anyway, can be recycled and often are, my gran had a few that were 20-30 years old keeping various odds and sods."
However, others embraced the change, with one commenter stating: "About time as a good move to be more environmentally friendly and hope the others follow."
Other Quality Street Developments
Costco has reintroduced its giant tins of Quality Street, weighing nearly 2kg and priced at just over £19 including VAT. This equates to approximately 96p per 100g, compared with the Quality Street Festival Tin at Morrisons, priced at £13 for 700g (£1.86 per 100g). Amazon also stocks the tins, with 1.93kg tins priced at around £36 and 2kg tins at £39.99.
John Lewis has removed all Quality Street products from its shelves this Christmas, including the pick 'n' mix stations, as it shifts focus towards a 'fresh line-up of exclusive festive treats'. The John Lewis website confirmed: "Quality Street will not be available in John Lewis this year, but we have lots of gifting options for you to explore."
Nestlé has confirmed it is introducing fresh products this festive season through a partnership with Monopoly. A spokesperson said: "We know how much shoppers enjoyed creating their own Quality Street tins at John Lewis, and it's been a brilliant part of Christmas for many years. This year, we're doing things a little differently, teaming up with another festive favourite, Monopoly, which will see us launch a special Quality Street x Monopoly tub over the coming weeks with thousands of prizes up for grabs!" The Quality Street x Monopoly tub launched in 'stores nationwide' on November 1.
