We all know that Christmas is an occasion for sharing and caring.
Unfortunately, these basic aspects of human interaction are often tested once the selection tube is out.
Now a study has revealed how you can avoid family squabbles that arise when one of you misses out on your favourite – with a complete breakdown of what you’re likely to find in each tub.
Which Consumer Group? analysed the contents of 600-650 gram tubs of Celebrations, Heroes, Quality Street and Roses – and established the code of the spread of treats inside.
Consumer group Which? analysed the contents of 600-650 gram tubs of Celebrations, Heroes, Quality Street and Roses – and established the code of the spread of treats inside
Snickers, Milky Ways and Galaxy chocolates were two-to-one in the average Mars Celebrations tub.
Meanwhile, there were almost twice as many Eclairs and Fudges in a tub of Cadbury’s Heroes than Twirls or Wispas. Quality Street had more than double the number of Pink Fudges – nine – than Green Triangles and Orange Crunches, which averaged four in a tub.
And in a tub of Cadbury’s Roses, Dairy Milks proliferated by the same ratio against Fudge and Truffles, with nine Dairy Milks against four each of the two other treats.
This disparity was a red flag from Professor Alan Smithers at Buckingham University, who is a respected education expert and director of Centre for Education and Employment Research. He said: ‘Children have a sharp sense of fairness and a sensible parent would get them to share out the chocolates equally.
Mars Wrigley said Celebrations (pictured) were ‘carefully designed’ by ‘experts’ to make them perfect for sharing
‘If there aren’t equal numbers, you can see that disputes might arise. It would make sense for chocolate manufacturers to think about this.’ Which? Its research may allow chocolate-lovers to select the right tub for them. A Celebrations box might appeal to lovers of sweet chocolates, due to its high amount of Snickers.
The tubs are available in many sizes. Which? The best price for the money is 600g and 650g tubs.
Nestle said Quality Street tubs are divided into three categories – fruits, toffees and fudge – and that it tried to give each an equal share. Mars Wrigley said Celebrations were ‘carefully designed’ by ‘experts’ to make them perfect for sharing. Cadbury was not available for comment.