Chocoholics are facing significant price hikes on festive treats, with some products seeing a staggering 72% increase compared to last Christmas, according to recent research. The study by consumer group Which? revealed a sharp rise in prices for various seasonal essentials. Which? monitors over 25,000 food and drink items in eight different supermarkets throughout the year.
Among the categories analyzed, chocolate stood out as the most affected by inflation, with prices surging by an average of 14.2% over the past year. Factors such as ongoing poor cocoa harvests and supply chain challenges are believed to contribute to this increase.
Notably, the cost of certain chocolate products has surged dramatically. For instance, a Lindt Lindor milk chocolate truffles treat box (37g) at Asda has spiked from £1.15 last year to £1.98 now, marking a substantial 72.2% increase. Similarly, at Morrisons, Lindt Milk Chocolate Teddy Christmas Tree Decorations soared from £3.50 in 2024 to £6 now, reflecting a 71.4% rise.
Furthermore, prices for Christmas turkeys have also seen an upward trend, with a 4.7% year-on-year increase. Issues like bird flu outbreaks and escalating operational expenses for farmers have impacted individual prices. Notably, a Tesco Finest Free Range Bronze Turkey Crown Medium (2.99kg) witnessed a significant price jump of £14.95, climbing from £53.82 to £68.77, representing a 27.8% surge.
Which? data revealed that Waitrose experienced the highest price escalation at 6.2% in the year leading up to November, while Asda recorded the lowest increase at 3%, surpassing even discount competitors Aldi and Lidl. Reena Sewraz, Which? Retail Editor, emphasized the importance of monitoring individual item prices, as some products have seen up to a 70% price surge year on year.
Savvy shoppers concerned about their holiday budgets can find relief by shopping at Aldi, Lidl, and Asda, which boast lower inflation rates and generally offer competitive prices. It is advisable to compare unit prices across different sizes, brands, and ranges to ensure the best value for money.
Representatives from Asda and Morrisons highlighted their commitment to providing quality products at affordable prices, particularly during the festive season. Morrisons’ More Card members can benefit from discounts, personalized offers, and rewards, enhancing the shopping experience.