Supermarket shoppers 'walk away' after seeing Christmas chocolates 'makeover'

Christmas chocolates always get shoppers excited when they return to stores ahead of December 25. However, this year, instead of spreading festive cheer, the latest Cadbury festive chocolate tubs seem to have divided some shoppers after they were given a makeover and put back on shelves.

Supermarket shoppers who plan to spread the cost of the Christmas celebration in December might think that sorting out their chocolate supply months in advance is easy. However, one new offer in the seasonal aisle impressed shoppers at first—then stunned them once they checked out the price tag.

Posting on the Snack Reviews Facebook page about the tins' new makeover, a group member said: "Square tins of Cadbury chocolates available at Sainsbury’s". Dozens reacted to the different-shaped tubs, which are usually round. One said: "That packaging is so pretty!" Another wrote: "Lovely! Square tins are easier to store too." A third put: "What a pretty looking tub, you could refill it for years to come!"

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Despite clear excitement among many shoppers, others were quick to point out that the return of "proper tins" meant a steeper price tag, which left some divided. The new square tins all contain 700g of chocolate, compared to the usual tubs that range from around 550g.

So far, the limited-edition tins are being sold in supermarkets such as Sainsbury's, Waitrose, and Morrisons for £16.50 each. However, at the time of writing, the tins are available directly on the Cadbury website for a slight discount (down from £16.50 to £14).

In the comment section, some were unsure about the £16.50 price tag. One person who seemed to admit they'd walk away from the offer wrote: "At £16.50 they'll be left on shelf" Another put: "Not at that price!" And, a third pointed out: "I'm sticking with the normal tubs this year, that's not worth £16!"

But not everyone was bothered by the price tag, as many said buying the square tins would be 'better to wrap'. In a separate Facebook post by Money Saver By Dansway, one person commented: "Easier to wrap for presents". Someone else put: "Is it like the old Tins? But square? Roll on Christmas." A third said: "Like these much better especially for gifts."

The £16.50 price is mainly because they're limited edition. For those who aren't fussed, stocking up on the original style of chocolate tubs will work out cheaper, as buying tubs of 550g Rosesfrom Sainsbury's, for example, costs £7 each - almost £10 less.

Most of the mainstream chocolate tubs, like Heroes and Roses, that are passed around at Christmas used to come in tins. This was until they were switched to plastic tubs or wrapped in paper for sustainability reasons. However, the latest limited edition square tins provide a sense of nostalgia.

Elsewhere, Marks and Spencer shoppers can buy a 1.2kg tub of chocolates, which comes in a tin and costs £12. I tried these chocolates myself to see if they could really stand up against the classic treats many of us have enjoyed for generations.

When I shared these with visiting family, it didn't seem like a major deal, but almost everyone said that it was nice that they had "proper" foil wrappers. One of them said it's "just like Quality Street used to be," and it's clear why lots of other people felt the same way about these treats.