Chocolate prices rise drastically before Halloween

The prices of chocolate have risen by 11% year-on-year until August, putting households in a difficult position ahead of Halloween. According to the latest inflation tracker by Which?, the costs have increased significantly more than the general supermarket food and drink prices, which have risen by 2.7% during the same period. Cocoa prices have repeatedly hit new records in recent years, due to poor harvests caused by unusual weather conditions in West Africa. For instance, the price of Sainsbury’s No Added Sugar Milk Chocolate (100 g) has nearly doubled, from an average of 95 pence in the three months to the end of August 2023 to £1.84 in the same period in 2024. Among branded products, the Prestat Chocolates & Truffles Assortment (210 g) at Ocado increased by 88%, from £17 last August to £32 a year later. Asda’s Moo Free Dairy Free & Vegan Original Chocolate Bar (80 g) also saw a rise of 60%, from £1.50 to £2.40. The Cadbury Family Treatsize Multipack (216 g) at Sainsbury's rose from £2.50 to £3.72, while the Cadbury Milk Tray Chocolate Box (360 g) at Morrisons increased from £4.01 to £5.74. The Twix Caramel & White Chocolate Fingers Biscuit Snack Bars Multipack (9 x 20 g) at Asda also rose from £1.65 to £2.35 – all price increases of over 40% within a year. Beyond chocolate, other products also experienced significant price increases. For instance, the price of Sainsbury’s Fat Free Natural Yoghurt (500 g) doubled, from an average of 45 pence to 90 pence a year later. Aldi’s Acti Leaf Unsweetened UHT Soya Drink (1L) rose by 70%, from 50 pence to 85 pence. According to Which?'s research, food and drink prices in the three months to the end of August 2024 are overall 16.6% higher than in the same period two years prior. This highlights the ongoing challenges for many consumers to afford everyday essentials at reasonable prices. Which? Retail Editor Ele Clark said: "Our investigation shows that despite the drop in general food and drink inflation, chocolate prices have risen dramatically over the last year. To get the best value for Halloween chocolate, consumers should compare prices per gram across different pack sizes, retailers, and brands." A spokesperson from Asda commented: "Asda is consistently recognized as the cheapest traditional supermarket in independent price comparison studies, including the Grocer 33 Basket Comparison and the Which? Monthly Big Shop Trolley Comparison." A spokesperson from Morrisons added: "We work hard to keep prices low and competitive. Our More Card members can also collect points on selected purchases and redeem them for discounts. They benefit from leading discounts as well as personalized offers and surprises." Sainsbury's stated: "While prices can fluctuate for various reasons, we are committed to offering our customers a great selection and good value, including the Cadbury Family Treatsize Multipack 216g, which is available for just £3 with Nectar Prices.