There’s nothing quite like cracking into a tin of chocolates at Christmas time, and for the most part, Brits can’t get enough of Roses and Quality Street.
If your family tends to buy the latter, then you might have noticed something a little different about one of the sweets.
Fans of Quality Streets have taken to social media to complain about a ‘disappointing’ change they claim has been made to the Purple One.
A post on Reddit shares a snap of the chocolate, asking ‘what has happened’ to it, as it’s noticeably smaller than in previous years.
Diehard Purple One lovers will remember the sweet having a distinct long domed shape to it, but now it’s smaller and more circular – similar to the Caramel Swirl.
This change actually occurred last year in 2024, but some Brits have only really noticed this Christmas – and they’re not best pleased.
A Reddit user known as u/Papa_Handwash said: ‘Hands down the biggest downgrade I’ve come across. Waxy, small, inconsistent, and SO far from its former glory.
‘Watching festive classics that hold a lot of nostalgia just decline beyond recognition is sad.’
Similarly, u/No-Sandwich1511 said: ‘I am glad my grandfather is not around to witness this disappointment, the purple was his favourite.’
And u/Legitimate-Remove878 proclaimed: ‘She used to be a girthy queen, rest well sweet princess.’
The Purple One wasn’t the only chocolate that got a makeover last Christmas, as Nestlé also changed the way the Orange Crunch looks, so it is now also the same as the Caramel Swirl.
The chocolate also has a different wrapper – the foil one is no more, it’s got a paper wrapper now.
These changes were made following a successful trial at the end of 2023, which saw the new The Purple One sold in a number of bags.
What's your favourite chocolate tub for Christmas?
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Quality Street
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Roses
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Heroes
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Celebrations
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M&S Big Mix
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Other
Speaking about the makeover, Jemma Handley, senior brand manager for Quality Street, said at the time: ‘We know how iconic Quality Street sweets are and we have taken great care and attention to make sure that it is the same great tasting The Purple One and Orange Crunch that people know and love in their iconic coloured wrappers.
‘At Quality Street, we also know that fans feel very passionately about their own particular favourites, and we make sure there is something for everyone within the mix.’
Despite this, the multitude of changes to classic chocolates over the last few years has prompted some shoppers to ditch the traditional brands entirely and buy something different.
As such, Marks & Spencer’s Big Mix has proved popular this year, which costs £7 for a 650g carton or £12 for a huge 1.2kg tin. It features a mix of 10 different sweets in colourful wrappers, suitable for vegetarians.
The selection includes Salted Caramel, Coffee Truffle, Hazelnut in Caramel, Cream Toffee, Milk Crème, Caramel Fudge, Strawberry Crème, Orange Crème, Biscuit in Caramel and a Butterscotch Éclair.
A shopper known as littlepieces gave them a 5/5 rating, writing: ‘Best chocolate box for Christmas!
‘These are our favourite chocolate boxes at Christmas time for sharing with the family – the chocolate is nice and thick and has lovely fillings. I’ve been buying these for a few years now instead of the other popular brands.’
Whirley Shirley agreed, saying: ‘Absolutely love this new mix of chocs with some different flavours to the norm. Coffee one a real joy, a nice milk chocolate covering too.’
While fussyshopper1 commented: ‘Great selection, better than the leading brands of chocolates that come in plastic tubs and tins.’
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