As we journey through the sweet and nostalgic aisles of confectionery history, it’s hard not to notice how some of our beloved treats have transformed over the years. A recent social media uproar has brought to light a rather bitter truth about a classic chocolate assortment that has left many Australians feeling short-changed.
The image that sparked the controversy showcases the evolution of Nestle’s Quality Street tin, a staple in many households, particularly during the festive season. The side-by-side comparison of the tins from the 1980s to the present day reveals a significant shrinkage in size, with the current 500g box retailing for a hefty $34 at Coles.
The visual evidence of the tin’s downsizing over the decades has led to a wave of disappointment and anger among chocolate lovers. The once generous tin that could house a treasure trove of colourful sweets has seemingly halved in size, prompting a flood of nostalgic and frustrated comments on social media.
‘Always got told not to dig and to take one from the top. Wouldn’t have to dig now, I can see to the bottom,’ lamented one user, while another quipped, ‘It’s just STREET now, the QUALITY has long since gone!!’
Many have noted that not only has the quantity diminished, but the quality and taste of the chocolates have also changed, echoing a sentiment that is all too common when it comes to classic treats. ‘They also don’t taste the same now. Tasted so much better back then. Same with chocolate bars and packets of crisps. They were bigger, cheaper and tasted better back then,’ a user reminisced.
The shrinking of the tin has practical implications too, with one user missing the days when the empty tins could be repurposed for storing homemade cakes. Now, they lament, ‘The new ones you can only keep a few pancakes.’
The sense of loss is palpable, with one user adding, ‘I miss the 80s. Life was so much simpler back then,’ and another saying, ‘The ones now don’t even cover the bottom of the box, it’s a rip off for the money they charge.’
However, before we let nostalgia completely cloud our judgment, it’s important to consider the other side of the chocolate coin. A Nestle spokesperson has provided a rationale for the change, one that resonates with the growing environmental concerns of our time.
‘In Australia last year, in the aim to remove more than 30 tonnes of plastic material annually the Quality Street tub switched to paper packaging,’ the spokesperson explained. The move towards sustainability is a commendable step, with the brand also transitioning to new paper-based wrappers inside the tub.
Have you noticed the change in size and taste of your favourite chocolates? Do you feel the shift towards sustainable packaging justifies the reduction in quantity? Let us know in the comments below.
