This proves Quality Street shrinkflation is a myth, says 90s collector

Tony Warner began acquiring collectibles from the 1990s as a new hobby during the covid pandemic.

For his 40th birthday, nostalgia-loving Tony received an original 1996 tin of Quality Street from his mum, which led him to compare the classic containers with the modern ones.

The social media presenter discovered the contents of three modern 550g tubs could fill one large 1.8kg tin dating back to the 1990s.

But when comparing a vintage large tin with a 1.9kg Quality Street sold in shops today, Tony claims the confectionery is better value today.

According to Tony, a metal 1.8kg tin of Quality Street cost as much as £14 in shops back in the 1990s - the equivalent to £41 today, according to a consumer price index inflation calculator.

Whereas customers can buy a 1.93kg tin from Amazon for £25.99, from online sweet retailer The Sweet Store for £29.99 and from B&Q online for £31.99.

Bargain-hunters can even bag the giant tin from CostCo for just £19.99 - meaning shoppers get even more chocolates for their money.

Despite the price drop 'anomaly', Tony claims the sweet treats' packaging is 'less sparkly' and the smell and flavour has changed since the 1990s.

Tony, from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, 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.

"[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.

"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."

After sharing the change in Quality Street sweets online, posters were quick to give their opinion on the difference in tins.

One wrote: 'Wow that's shrinkflation at its worst.'

Another added said: 'Inequality street, just stop buying them and save the disappointment.'

But after doing his own research online, Tony claims Quality Street in the 1990s was actually 'worse' value than today's tins, contradicting common belief.

Tony 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.

"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.

"I do think the taste has definitely changed and it smells different inside."

Nestlé have been approached for comment.

A Nestlé spokesperson said: "Each year we introduce a new Quality Street range, with different formats, sizes and prices so there's plenty of choice for Quality Street fans.

"We know value really matters to shoppers, and we work hard every year to make our range as competitive as possible.

"Quality Street has been bringing people together for 90 years, and we're proud to be such a big part of festive celebrations across the country today."