Terry’s Chocolate orange now 43% more expensive, new research reveals

As the festive season approaches, a familiar sight in UK households is the classic Christmas chocolate box. However, a recent study reveals that while our love for these sweet treats remains unchanged, their sizes have been quietly shrinking, even as prices climb.

In a striking comparison over the last decade, analysis by ICE36, specialists in slots gaming, shows a notable shift in the pricing and sizing of popular chocolate brands. Since 2013, the average price of sweets and chocolates has surged by 11.8% as of October 2023, a significant increase from the mere 1.1% rise observed a decade ago, according to data from the Office for National Statistics.

A Pricey Affair for Chocolate Lovers

Cadbury’s Milk Tray leads the pack with a 50% hike in price since 2013. This beloved assortment, once available for £6.00, now retails at £9.00 in major supermarkets like Sainsbury’s, with no change in size. Similarly, Thorntons and Terry’s Chocolate Orange have witnessed nearly a 43% increase in price.

The Shrinking Sizes Saga

The reduction in size is most noticeable in Cadbury’s Roses, which has decreased by over 35% from its original 850g to a mere 550g. Other favourites like Cadbury Heroes, Quality Street, and Celebrations have also seen size reductions of at least 20%, despite only a 10% rise in price.

Popularity Peaks and Plummets

The study, leveraging Google’s Keyword Planner and the Wayback Machine, found interesting shifts in popularity. Cadbury’s Milk Tray and Guylian Seashells have seen a 50% increase in Google searches since 2021, indicating a rise in popularity. On the other hand, Cadbury Roses and Quality Street experienced a decline in interest, with less than 6% over the past two years.

The Sweet Reality of Inflation

This study sheds light on the changing landscape of our beloved Christmas chocolates in the UK. The increasing prices and shrinking sizes reflect broader economic trends, impacting even our festive indulgences. As we unwrap our chocolate boxes this Christmas, it’s a reminder of the subtle ways in which inflation touches our lives.