Quality Street’s new sweet gives Toffee Penny a run for its money

Christmas is a time for tradition. The smallest changes disrupt longstanding routines and cause more friction than a post-dinner game of charades.

Throughout its 85-year history, tweaks to Quality Street have caused uproar or adulation. Old varieties are scrapped, new ones are introduced.

Now Quality Street has its first ever white chocolate sweet – the “crème caramel crisp”. And, after the Guardian invited members of the public to sample it yesterday, it seems to be a successful break with tradition.

The new sweet is the brand’s 12th flavour. It is wrapped in silver and gold and has milk and white chocolate on the outside with crunchy pieces of biscuit inside.

Shoppers at the Oxford Street branch of John Lewis in London gave the arrival their firm seal of approval.

Frank Vergara, 53, was so keen to try it that he made an exception from his usual rule of avoiding treats on weekdays. “I definitely taste the white chocolate. There are little grains in there, I’m not sure exactly what they are but it’s quite pleasant. Quite sweet of course … But definitely indulgent, nice.”

Marie Soupe, 71, from Bromley, also strongly approved. “Mmm, mmm, it’s lovely,” she said. “It’s very moreish, unfortunately.”

Harriet Canby, 30, a surveyor from south-west London, said white chocolate could be a “love-hate” flavour for people, but declared the new Quality Street to be delicious. “Really good. I like the crunchy centre.”

Perhaps predictably, the only complaint came from a dental hygienist. Sairan Fattah, 49, from Tottenham, said she found it “a little too sweet”.

The crème caramel crisp will not be in tins in time for Christmas, instead being available at pick and mix stations at selected John Lewis stores.