Chocolate Easter Eggs: A Decline in Quality and Value for Consumers
Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and indulging in delicious chocolate treats. However, in recent years, the joy of Easter egg hunting and enjoying a tasty chocolate egg has been overshadowed by rising prices and a decline in quality. Have the rights of the average Easter egg enjoyer been so rapidly diminished as they are right now?
First, consumer advocacy publication Which? reports that we’ll be paying up to 50% more for our delicious orbs this year. This is a significant increase compared to previous years and has left many consumers feeling frustrated and disappointed. Not only are we paying more, but we are also getting less chocolate per egg due to the phenomenon known as shrinkflation. This is when companies reduce the size of their products while keeping the price the same, resulting in less value for the consumer. Mark Owen, chief chocolatier at Pembrokeshire-based chocolate factory Wickedly Welsh Chocolate, has even stated that this trend may continue in the future.
But it’s not just the price and size of Easter eggs that have changed. Another bee in my Easter bonnet is the fact that Easter eggs no longer come with mugs or toys. A recent Reddit post shared to r/CasualUK pointed out this trend, and many users were quick to agree. In a TikTok, nostalgic content creator Michaela Shannon expressed her disappointment, saying, “every time Easter comes around I always think about how Easter eggs are just not as good as they used to be. You don’t get as much chocolate anymore, they’re more expensive, and you don’t get these little novelty cups.” This sentiment was echoed by a Facebook group dedicated to ‘70s and ‘80s kids, where commenters shared that they still use their mugs from 30-odd years ago. It’s clear that this change has left many feeling nostalgic and longing for the Easter eggs of the past.
So why is this happening? HuffPost UK reached out to both Cadbury’s and Nestle for comment but has not received a response yet. However, what we do know for sure is that cocoa prices have soared in the past year. This has forced companies like Cadbury’s to cut costs and raise the price of some products as a “last resort.” But it’s not just cocoa prices that have risen. In a previous interview with HuffPost UK, former VP of International Trade at Barclays and current founder of personal finance platform Generation Money, Alex King, explained that “at the start of 2024, we also saw hedge funds pour into the cocoa market with bets that the price of cocoa would continue to rise – which it did throughout 2024.” This has only added to the already increasing prices, making it even more difficult for consumers to afford their favorite Easter treats.
But it’s not just the rising cost of cocoa that is to blame. Chocolatier Mark Owen also points out that dairy, fuel, and energy costs have all risen, making it more expensive to produce chocolate. This has forced companies to cut costs in other areas, resulting in a decline in quality and value for consumers. It’s a vicious cycle that has left many feeling frustrated and disappointed.
So what can be done about this decline in quality and value for consumers? As consumers, we have the power to demand better from companies. We can choose to support smaller, independent chocolatiers who may offer better quality and value for money. We can also voice our concerns and disappointment to companies and urge them to consider the impact of their decisions on consumers. It’s important to remember that as consumers, we have the power to drive change and demand better for ourselves.
In conclusion, the decline in quality and value of chocolate Easter eggs is a concerning trend that has left many feeling disappointed and nostalgic for the Easter eggs of the past. Rising cocoa prices, along with other factors such as shrinkflation and rising production costs, have resulted in a decline in the overall experience of enjoying an Easter egg. As consumers, it’s important to demand better from companies and support those who prioritize quality and value for their customers. Let’s hope that in the future, we can once again enjoy the Easter eggs of our childhood memories.
