Australian consumers face significant price hikes for Easter chocolates this year, with some products costing up to 33% more than in 2022. A recent investigation by the consumer advocacy group CHOICE revealed that leading brands, including Cadbury, Nestlé, and Aldi, are not only raising prices but also reducing the sizes of their products—a phenomenon known as shrinkflation.
The increased costs are largely attributed to a dramatic surge in cocoa prices, which has been impacting the affordability of various chocolate items. For example, a 24-pack of Cadbury Dairy Milk hollow chocolate eggs that previously retailed for $12.50 now contains only 22 eggs and costs $15, resulting in a 31% increase in chocolate price per 100g, according to CHOICE journalist Liam Kennedy. Similarly, a popular large 340g Cadbury chocolate egg that remained priced at $20 last year has now slimmed down, losing a notable amount of weight compared to its earlier version.
Nestlé’s KitKat-flavoured mini eggs are another example; their price has stayed at $3.99, yet the weight has decreased from 110g to just 90g. Aldi’s Dairy Fine Milk mini eggs have also been affected, downsizing from 400g to 300g while the price remains at $5.99, increasing the cost per 100g by 33%.
To combat shrinkflation, CHOICE advises consumers to be vigilant. They recommend counting the number of products in a package and comparing this with the details on the packaging to uncover any discrepancies. Consumers should also monitor unit prices and be cautious of misleading labels advertising “new and improved” versions which may simply indicate a smaller quantity.
Kennedy highlighted the pressure consumers are under, particularly those grappling with rising food and grocery expenses. Garry Mortimer, a professor at Queensland University of Technology, noted that the steep commodity prices of cocoa have forced retailers to increase prices substantially—estimated between 10% and 20% in the past year and a half.
As Easter approaches, shoppers are left navigating these price changes while hoping to enjoy their seasonal treats without facing further financial strain.