A collector has compared a 1996 Quality Street tin with modern tubs and concluded that, despite popular claims of shrinkflation, today's chocolates offer better value for money. Tony Warner, from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, was given a classic 1996 tin by his mum for his 40th birthday and noticed three major changes since the 90s.
Warner found that three new 550g tubs could fill one large 1.8kg tin from the 1990s, but insists that, in this case at least, shrinkflation is a "myth." He says that back in the 1990s, shoppers paid up to £14 for a 1.8kg metal tin — a sum that works out to roughly £41 in today's money when adjusted using a consumer price index inflation calculator.
Value for money has improved
Today, a similar-sized tin can still be found: a 1.93kg version is 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. Warner 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. [The shrinkflation brigade] are wrong. It's as good as proven; money-wise, it is better now."
Changes in packaging and taste
Despite the better value, Warner lamented the changes in the product's presentation. He said: "As soon as I held it, I was instantly transported to my nan's living room where I spent every Christmas. With these tins, I feel like there's a lot of magic missing because you used to be able to get your arm in wrist-deep."
"One of the old tins could last the whole Christmas period. Now, it's not unrealistic for them to disappear in a night. 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."
Warner, who posts nostalgic content online, 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. I'm just trying to get in touch with people's raw, core memories of the 90s."
His online post about the differences drew quick reactions. One commenter wrote: "Wow, that's shrinkflation at its worst." Another added: "Inequality street, just stop buying them and save the disappointment."
Warner maintains that the treats' packaging is "less sparkly" now and noted: "I do think the taste has definitely changed and it smells different inside."
