Shoppers should shop around and compare the price per gram of various brands, merchants, and pack sizes to get the best value for money on their Halloween chocolate.
Halloween treats are likely to be more expensive in the UK this year after the data revealed that the selling price of chocolate has increased by 11% in the year leading to August. It is notably concerning since the hike in the cost of chocolate far outstripped food and drink prices, which rose by only 2.7 per cent during the same period. The primary reason for the record-breaking prices for cocoa is due to the poor harvests in West Africa due to bad weather.
The data from the most recent Which? inflation tracker showed that the price of Sainsbury’s No Added Sugar Milk Chocolate (100g) has almost doubled. It rose from an average of 95p ($1.26) in the three months leading up to the end of August 2023 to £1.84 in the same period.
Among the popular versions, Prestat Chocolates & Truffles Assortment (210g) saw an incredible increase of 88 percent at Ocado, increasing from £17 last August to £32 just a year later.
Asda’s Moo Free Dairy Free & Vegan Original Chocolate Bar (80g) saw a significant increase in price from £1.50 to £2.40 with an increase of 60%.
Within one year, there have been price increases of over 40 percent for the Cadbury Family Treatsize Multipack (216g), Cadbury Milk Tray Chocolate Box (360g), went up from £4.01 to £5.74 at Morrisons, and the Twix Caramel & White Chocolate Fingers Biscuit Snack Bars Multipack (9 x 20g), which goes up from £1.65 to £2.35.
The inflation tracker also revealed other products that have experienced significant price increases. For example, Sainsbury’s Fat-Free Natural Yoghurt (500g) increased double in price from an average of 45p to 90p a year later, and Acti Leaf Unsweetened UHT Soya Drink (1L) from Aldi rose from 50p to 85p by 70%.
Overall, Which? found that the cost of food and drinks increased in the three months ending in August 2024 compared to the same period two years ago by 16.6%. It shows the growing challenge faced by many consumers in affording daily essentials.
In response to questions about the situation, Retail Editor Ele Clark stated that the data shows that despite an overall drop in the general food and drinks inflation, there has been a significant increase in the price of chocolate over the last year. Shoppers should shop around and compare the price per gram of various brands, merchants, and pack sizes to get the best value for money on their Halloween chocolate.
In response to the findings, an Asda spokesman stated that in independent price comparison surveys like the Grocer 33 basket and the Which? Monthly big shop trolley, Asda is frequently recognized as the best-value conventional supermarket. It suggests that they are committed to maintaining competitive prices amidst rising costs.
Morrisons store has also stated that they work hard to maintain a cost reasonable for their customers. According to a Morrisons representative, More cardholders can get bonus points for specific purchases, such as petrol, and then use those extra points to receive savings on their next shopping trip. They can take advantage of customized offers and surprises in addition to market-leading discounts, which implies the store is attempting to reward regular customers with actual savings.
Additionally, Sainsbury’s has promised to give its clients value for their money. While pricing can change for many reasons, a Sainsbury’s representative said they are committed to providing their customers with great choices and value when they purchase. Families might be severely affected by the increasing cost of chocolate, especially as Halloween is near. So, the customers must buy carefully to get the best prices for their favorite treats.
The significant increase in the prices of various brands highlights the continued economic pressures families face while planning their holiday celebrations. Buyers must stay vigilant and knowledgeable about pricing trends to manage their budgets effectively.