British shoppers have expressed fury after discovering that some of the nation's favourite chocolate bars have secretly shrunk in size while their prices remain unchanged.
The Shrinking Chocolate Scandal
Several leading chocolate brands have quietly reduced the size of their products by up to 10% without adjusting the price, leaving consumers feeling short-changed. This practice, known as 'shrinkflation', has become increasingly common as manufacturers grapple with rising production costs.
Which Products Are Affected?
Among the products affected are:
- Mars bars - reduced from 58g to 51g
- Snickers bars - down from 58g to 48g
- Milky Way bars - decreased from 58g to 42g
Consumers only noticed the changes when comparing old and new packaging side by side.
Consumer Backlash
Angry shoppers have taken to social media to voice their displeasure. Many feel companies are being dishonest by not making the changes more obvious.
"It's sneaky and underhanded," said one frustrated customer. "If costs have gone up, just be honest about it rather than trying to pull the wool over our eyes."
The Manufacturer's Response
Manufacturers claim the changes are necessary due to rising ingredient and production costs. A spokesperson for one major brand stated: "We've worked hard to absorb these costs where possible, but sometimes small adjustments are needed to maintain quality."
The Bigger Picture
This controversy comes amid a wider cost-of-living crisis in the UK, with inflation putting pressure on household budgets. Consumer groups warn that shrinkflation makes it harder for shoppers to compare value accurately.
Expert Tip: Always check the weight or volume information on packaging, as this is often the only way to spot shrinkflation.
