What the fudge?! 2023 Quality Street audit reveals bitter findings

Lester Kiewit interviews Andrew Thompson, Freelance Journalist.

Listen below.

Nothing screams 'festive season' more than opening up a packet of fan-favourite Quality Street chocolates.

Whether you're a Strawberry Delight fan or the Caramel Swirl-type, there's something for everyone.

But, for the past four years, a team from Tinychart have been tracking how they've changed over the years...and it's bitter to say the least.

The results showed:

• Quality Street have never been more expensive

• Bag sizes continue to shrink, while prices have gone up (also known as shrinkflation)

• There is little to no variation between bags – each is dominated by four types, with just three of each for the majority

• Shapes have changed – some that were long are now round and vice versa

• Gone are the old foil and translucent wrapper packaging (for the most part)

• Strawberry Delight, Caramel Swirl, Fudge and Orange Creme remain the most popular

Thompson suggests that manufacturers are trying to cut costs and maximise their profit as much as possible to help align with the country's crumbling economy.

"You're getting very few of most of the chocolates."

Andrew Thompson, Freelance Journalist

Scroll up to listen to the full interview.