Shoppers looking forward to classic Cadbury chocolates this Christmas will find their favourite pouches contain significantly less than in previous years, as the confectionery giant implements a substantial weight reduction.
The Shrinking Chocolate Pouch
The popular festive treats, including Roses, Heroes, and Twirl pouches, have seen their weight reduced by 10 per cent, dropping from 300g to 270g. Despite this reduction in product size, the price for these smaller pouches remains around £4.50.
Supermarket websites that were still advertising the old 300g pouches now list them as out of stock. A check on the Tesco website reveals the new reality: a 270g pouch of Roses is now priced at £4.50 for non-Clubcard holders, while the now-unavailable 300g version was listed at just £4.
Why Are The Pouches Getting Smaller?
The decision comes from Cadbury's owner, Mondelez International, which points to a difficult economic environment. A company spokesperson explained that this was a "last resort" move, forced by significantly higher input costs across its supply chain.
The key drivers behind this shrinkflation are sharp increases in the cost of cocoa and dairy, which are essential ingredients for their products. The company also cited persistently high costs for energy and transport, making their products "much more expensive to make."
"We understand the economic pressures that consumers continue to face," the Mondelez spokesperson told The Independent. "We have absorbed these costs where possible, but we still face considerable challenges."
What This Means For Christmas Shoppers
The changes mean that consumers are effectively getting less chocolate for their money during the key festive shopping period. Prices for the new 270g pouches vary between retailers, generally ranging from £4 to £5.
This move by one of Britain's most beloved chocolate makers highlights the ongoing pressures of inflation on everyday goods. For many, these chocolate assortments are a Christmas staple, and the reduction is a tangible sign of the wider cost-of-living challenges affecting household budgets.
Mondelez has stated that the weight reduction was necessary to continue providing the brands consumers love without compromising on the taste and quality they expect, even in a difficult economic climate.
