The Lost Treasures of Christmas Chocolates: A Look at Discontinued Favorites

It’s that time of year again – the festive season is upon us, and with it comes the annual ritual of unwrapping those iconic tubs of Quality Street, Roses, and Heroes. We all have our favorites (and let’s be honest, those coconut ones always seem to linger), but this year, many chocolate aficionados might be in for a surprise: some of their cherished treats are missing, and have been for some time.

The world of Christmas chocolates is in a constant state of flux, with new sweets vying for our attention and some old favorites disappearing from our boxes each year. Even the names of these beloved treats have undergone transformations over time, leaving a trail of nostalgic memories for those who remember the originals.

Take, for example, the

Noisette Triangle

. For those of a certain age, this familiar green triangle may be known by its original name – a name that evokes a sense of sophistication and elegance. “Noisette” translates to “hazelnut” in French, a nod to the praline filling within. But in recent years, Nestlé has opted for a simpler, less evocative moniker – the

Green Triangle

.

Roses also boasts a name change, with the

Caramel Keg

morphing into the

Golden Barrel

. Perhaps “keg” has fallen out of favor in today’s lexicon, but the change feels like a slight loss of charm, a fading of the classic Christmas spirit.

One of the most controversial changes in the history of Quality Street is the disappearance of the

Malt Toffee

. This rectangular toffee, enrobed in chocolate and sporting a vibrant red wrapper, was a divisive treat – some loved its malty flavor, while others found it too intense. In 2011, the Malt Toffee was unceremoniously replaced with the

Toffee Deluxe

, a more traditional dark toffee wrapped in a somber brown. Ironically, the Toffee Deluxe itself was later discontinued in 2019.

Roses also suffered a major loss with the demise of the

Brazilian Darkness

. This dark chocolate-covered nutty toffee was a true standout, offering a complex and satisfying flavor profile. Unfortunately, it was replaced with the rather uninspired

Dairy Milk block

.

But the list of discontinued Quality Street and Roses chocolates doesn’t end there. Other beloved treats that have been axed over the years include:

*

Honeycomb Crunch

(ditched in 2018)
*

Chocolate Nut Toffee Cream

*

Peanut Cracknell

(blue wrapper)
*

Gooseberry Cream

(green wrapper)
*

Fig Fancy

(light brown wrapper)
*

Apricot Delight

(blue wrapper)
*

Montelimar Nougat

*

Harrogate Toffee

*

Fruits of the Forest Creme

(pale purple wrapper)
*

Coffee Cream

(brown wrapper, same size and shape as strawberry cream)
*

Mint Fondant

(pale green wrapper)

These disappearing acts leave a void in our Christmas traditions, reminding us that even the most beloved treats are subject to the fickle whims of consumer preference and market trends.

While the loss of these classic chocolates might be a bittersweet reminder of the ever-changing nature of our festive treats, it also inspires a sense of nostalgia. For those who remember these vanished chocolates, they evoke memories of Christmases past – the aroma of hot chocolate, the twinkling lights, and the joy of sharing these special treats with loved ones. Perhaps, in the spirit of Christmas, we can all indulge in a moment of reflection, savoring the memories of these lost treasures and appreciating the unique flavors that continue to grace our festive tables.