Confectionery lovers across Australia and New Zealand are expressing bitter disappointment as two household names face accusations of quietly reducing product sizes while keeping prices unchanged.
The controversy centres around Cadbury's popular chocolate blocks and Woolworths' home-brand baking chocolate, both of which have been caught up in the growing 'shrinkflation' trend affecting supermarkets worldwide.
Chocolate Bars Get Smaller
Shoppers first noticed the changes when Cadbury's 220g milk chocolate blocks suddenly disappeared from shelves, replaced by new 180g versions. The reduction represents a significant 18% decrease in product size, yet customers report paying the same price for substantially less chocolate.
Meanwhile, Woolworths' 200g milk chocolate baking blocks have quietly shrunk to 180g, marking a 10% reduction that has left many home bakers feeling short-changed.
Consumer Backlash Grows
Social media platforms have become ground zero for consumer frustration, with countless posts highlighting the shrinking products. One disgruntled shopper commented: "It's getting ridiculous now. Everything is shrinking except the prices."
Another customer pointed out the mathematical reality: "If you're paying the same for 180g as you did for 220g, that's effectively a 22% price increase per gram."
Industry Response and Justifications
While neither company has publicly addressed the specific size reductions, industry experts suggest manufacturers are grappling with rising production costs, including:
- Increased cocoa prices on global markets
- Higher energy and transportation costs
- Supply chain disruptions
- Growing wage pressures
This practice, known as 'shrinkflation', has become increasingly common as companies seek to maintain profit margins without scaring customers away with obvious price hikes.
The Bigger Picture
The Cadbury and Woolworths controversy reflects a broader trend affecting supermarkets across Australia and New Zealand. From biscuits to cleaning products, manufacturers are quietly reducing package sizes while maintaining the illusion of stable pricing.
Consumer advocacy groups are calling for greater transparency, urging companies to be more upfront about changes rather than hoping shoppers won't notice the subtle reductions.
As the cost of living continues to squeeze household budgets, consumers are becoming increasingly vigilant about getting value for money – and they're not afraid to call out companies when they feel they're being short-changed.
