After Eight, the classic chocolate brand known for its mint fondant squares, has introduced a permanent orange flavour, marking the first time in 64 years that the product has strayed from its signature mint ingredient. The new 200g pack is available at Morrisons and Tesco for £4, with Tesco Clubcard holders able to purchase it for £2.50. The chocolate squares feature a zesty orange fondant filling instead of the traditional minty centre.
Limited editions and new flavours
Since its launch in 1962, After Eight has released limited-edition spin-offs, including Orange and Mint and Mojito and Mint, but all previous variations retained the mint element. The new orange version is the first permanent product without mint. Last month, raspberry and caramel versions were also spotted by the UK Newest Foods Facebook page, but these are not currently available on supermarket shelves.
Fan reactions are mixed
Reaction among fans has been divided. Leena M Liljestrand described the orange flavour as absolute 'heaven,' but suggested that 'coffee' should be added to the non-minty selection. Caroline Greenwood said, 'I need the orange and caramel immediately,' while Diane Dudding said they all sounded 'lovely.' Sweet Reviews UK described them as 'moreish,' adding, 'We love the vibrant orange colour of the filling. They're super sweet and perhaps not quite as punchy in orange flavour as you might expect, but you definitely can't eat just one.'
However, some fans are unhappy with the change. Shar Law said, 'After Eights are mint and mint only,' while Julie Davies warned not to 'mess' with them. Nicola Procter added, 'Stick to the mint,' and Graham Ridge said 'coffee would have been nice.' Richard Browne commented, 'After Eights are always and should always be mint. End of discussion,' while Jakki Williamson, expressing frustration, warned, 'Terry, stay in your Orange feckin' lane and leave the classy mints alone.' She added, 'They've never needed your help to digest a meal.'
Other chocolate news
In other chocolate news, Marks & Spencer's Big Mix, which went viral last year after shoppers claimed it was 'better than Quality Street,' is expected to be popular again in 2026. The Big Mix costs £7 for a 650g carton or £12 for a 1.2kg tin and features 10 different sweets in colourful wrappers, suitable for vegetarians. The selection includes Salted Caramel, Coffee Truffle, Hazelnut in Caramel, Cream Toffee, Milk Crème, Caramel Fudge, Strawberry Crème, Orange Crème, Biscuit in Caramel, and Butterscotch Éclair.
Lindt has also introduced a new seasonal flavour of chocolate truffle based on the Cinnamon Roll. It consists of biscuit pieces in a smooth milk shell, plus a milk filling with natural cinnamon, fitting for autumn and winter favourites like pumpkin spiced latte or mulled wine.
