Beloved Aussie chocolate brand makes major change to core product
Haighs has made a major change to an iconic product in what appears to be one of the chocolate brand's most significant updates in its 110 year history.
Haigh's pastilles are no longer perfect little circles. They are now oval, and slightly larger than the originals.
My partner and I first encountered the new Haigh's pastilles during a visit to their flagship store at the QVB on Sunday where they were handing out free samples of the new oval pastilles.
They are now oval, and slightly larger than the originals. Nine
We thought they were a completely new product at first but were told they were a new shape that would eventually replace the entire pastilles range.
The store still stocks pastilles in both shapes. Haigh's milk chocolate pastilles were oval at the store, however all other flavours were still round.
Pastilles also come in dark, orange, peppermint and caramel.
It's going to take some adjusting. Pastilles are my partner and I's favourites, and we usually have a bag of each flavour at home.
READ MORE: Bizarre luxury gadget Aussies can't seem to get enough of
READ MORE: Single detail in this photo that will sadden Oasis fans
READ MORE: Aldi shoppers confess to hilarious mistake with 'confusing' product
Pastilles also come in dark, orange, peppermint and caramel. Nine
I've gotten into the habit of eating six little round pastilles each afternoon, two orange, two caramel and two peppermint, with a coffee. But the new oval ones are larger than the round ones. Will I still want six? Should I cut it back to four?
How will I ever adjust to this mind-blowing change?
The original round pastilles weighed approximately 3.5g each where as the new oval variety weigh 4.75g.
And even though customers are getting the same amount of chocolate per pack when measured by weight, the larger oval pastilles mean there are less of them per pack.
Packets of the original round pastilles contained 45 chocolates, where as the new oval variety leaves you with 33.
The price is the same. A bag of Haigh's pastilles is still $13.90. The Haigh's website is still showing pastilles as being round.
The price is the same. A bag of Haigh's pastilles is still $13.90. Nine
My partner didn't even want to eat his, he was so thrown. And we spoke to someone at the store who said their mum had asked them to buy up as many of the originals as possible before they sell out forever.
A spokesperson for Haigh's has explained the change, telling nine.com.au with the opening of their new Salisbury South Complex in September, they've "taken the opportunity to refresh the production of some of our moulded chocolates. The recipes, ingredients, expert craftsmanship and care that goes into producing our chocolates remains the same".
A spokesperson said they have 'taken the opportunity to refresh some of our moulded chocolates'. Nine/Haigh's
"This change includes our range of Pastilles, which will all change from a round to ellipse shape, starting with the classic milk and dark chocolate flavours, followed by the remaining flavours in the coming months.
"With this change, the weight of each individual Pastille will increase slightly from 3.2g to 4.7g. Haigh's range of Pastilles will still be available at current prices in 150g and 440g bags and in gift boxes or tins as part of special ranges."
We still love Haigh's. It's just going to be an adjustment. But I am still trying to recover from Haigh's discontinuing my favourite spearmint nougat a couple of years ago, so this stings a bit.
Haigh's has been contacted for comment. Nine
Dramatic changes to their products aside, 2025 is an exciting year for Haigh's as it marks 110 years since Haigh's Chocolates was founded on May 1 1915 by Alfred E Haigh in Adelaide, South Australia.
The first Haigh's factory was located in Parkside, South Australia, built in 1919 next to the family home.
2025 is an exciting year for Haigh's as it marks 110 years since Haigh's Chocolates was founded. Nine
There are 22 Haigh's stores in operation in Australia. The chocolate brand began selling their products online in 2014. So, if you do want to stock up on the original round pastilles, that's the easiest way to do it.
The first Haigh's product was their chocolate-covered fruit centres and they remains a signature item.
READ MORE: Black Friday deals have dropped early
There are 22 Haigh's stores in operation in Australia. Universal Images Group via Getty
Haigh's added chocolate frogs to their line up in the 1930s and they quickly became synonymous with the brand.
Other unique items include their Easter Bilby, Chocolate Murray Cod in support of Healthy Rivers Australia and their Panda range of chocolates and soft toys in support of Adelaide Zoo.
Their Christmas range looks pretty cool this year. We spotted chocolate Santas and lots of other festive favourites.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
