Vintage 1950s Tate & Lyle Granulated Sugar Packet – 4 lb – Mr Cube

Vintage 1950s Tate & Lyle Granulated Sugar Packet – 4 lb – Mr Cube Advertising Ephemera

A wonderfully nostalgic piece of British grocery history, this vintage Tate & Lyle granulated sugar packet is a charming example of mid-century food packaging and advertising ephemera. Printed on brown paper with bold black lettering, the packet originally held 4 lb net of Tate & Lyle granulated sugar and features the famous Mr Cube mascot with the cheerful slogan:

“I’m just FULL of energy!”

Dating to around the early to mid-1950s, this collectable paper packet is strongly associated with post-war British kitchen cupboards, grocers’ shelves and the rise of modern branded food packaging. Mr Cube was introduced by Tate & Lyle in 1949 and became one of the company’s most recognisable advertising characters, appearing across promotional material, packaging and campaigns during the post-war period.

The front of the packet reads:

Tate and Lyle

Granulated Sugar

4 lb Net

Untouched by Hand

The phrase “Untouched by Hand” is a lovely period detail, reflecting the mid-century emphasis on hygiene, machine packing and modern food production.

This is a particularly attractive piece for collectors of vintage kitchenalia, British advertising, Tate & Lyle memorabilia, 1950s grocery packaging, shop display items and social history ephemera. It would look wonderful styled in a vintage kitchen, pantry display, museum-style cabinet, shop counter display or advertising collection.

Please note that the packet is empty and has been resealed. It is offered as an original vintage outer packet for display only and is not a sealed food item.

Size: 16cm x 12cm x 8cm approximately

Condition

Original vintage paper packaging with clear age-related wear. The packet is empty and has been resealed for display. There is staining, foxing, discolouration, creasing, softened corners, small tears and losses, particularly around the top edge. The paper has darkened with age and shows signs of long-term storage. Despite this, the printed Tate & Lyle lettering and Mr Cube illustration remain strong, readable and visually appealing.

This item is sold strictly as a collectable piece of vintage packaging and advertising ephemera.

Approximate Date

Early to mid-1950s.

Display Appeal

A rare survivor of everyday British grocery packaging, full of character and post-war charm. Its worn paper surface, bold typography and playful Mr Cube artwork give it excellent decorative appeal for anyone who loves vintage food packaging, retro kitchens or British brand history.

Suggested Use

Display only. Ideal for vintage kitchen styling, shop display, advertising collections, social history collections, prop styling or decorative pantry displays.