You’ve definitely witnessed the consequences of shrinkflation at your grocery store, and the precise impact on a holiday favourite purchase has now been disclosed.
Shrinkflation occurs when the price of an item rises or remains constant but the quantity decreases, resulting in you paying more for less. While the cost of living issue has affected a variety of items, it appears that Christmas chocolates have been particularly badly hit.
Despite being more costly than ever, Mars Celebrations, Nestlé Quality Street, and Cadbury Roses tubs have dropped in size by up to 50% since 2009.
According to research from The Sun, Celebrations have jumped in price from £5 in 2022 to £5.50 this Christmas, while Quality Street’s RRP is now at £6, up from £5 the previous year.
Whereas 15 years ago a tin of Celebrations contained 975g of goodness, 2023’s weigh in at just 600g each, meaning you’re getting 38% less than back in the day.
Similarly, Quality Street tubs have shrunk from 1kg to 600g since 2009, a 40% reduction in size. During this period, prices for both have ranged from £10 to £5.
Roses are more difficult to assess since the quantities available have lately altered. Retailers sold 600g and 900g tubs (smaller than the 1.1kg bumper packs of 2009) during Christmas, with prices ranging from approximately £4 to £9. This year, however, there is just a 550g variant, which costs £8.09 on the Cadbury website or between £3.89 and £5.50 in supermarkets.
Just found out what size the Quality Street tins are this year. pic.twitter.com/noq87JSGNS
— King William I 👑 (@IcarFaem) December 6, 2023
Mars Wrigley previously indicated that it was “actively trying to find ways to absorb the rising costs of raw materials,” while Cadbury revealed that it was suffering “significantly increased input costs,” which may explain why your yearly sweets bounty appears to be less.
However, fans are dissatisfied with the adjustments.
On X (formerly Twitter), @pinkles6 said: ‘In the pub we were discussing the important issue of buying Roses. Now the biggest tub I can find is just 600g??? That will never last until Christmas.’
‘Quality Street are even smaller this year,’ lamented Jon (@Melbourne_MUFC2), with @GGS80 calling the ‘quarter filled tub’ an ‘absolute disgrace’ and adding: ‘Recession is clearly here.’
It’s undoubtedly aggravating when it appears that you’re receiving much less for your money than before, but there are certain bargains available to soften the pain.
Tesco Clubcard members can grab Quality Street, Roses, or Heroes for £3.89 each, but act quickly since the promotion expires on December 12. Keep a look out in the run-up to Christmas, as a limited promotion may just be able to defeat shrinkflation.