As Christmas approaches, shoppers are being warned to watch out for shrinkflation and packaging tricks that mean fewer treats for higher prices. Manufacturers often use festive packaging to disguise smaller quantities, making it harder for consumers to compare value.
At Marks & Spencer, a bag of Fruit Jellies weighing 200g costs £1.20, while a box of Jelly Fruits containing 180g costs £2.60. Per 100g, the bag is 60p and the box is £1.40, meaning the box offers 10% fewer sweets at more than double the price. The box also contains a small bag inside, adding to packaging waste.
Mars’s Celebrations brand offers a new “centrepiece” box holding 385g, typically £1 more than a 370g pouch and the same price or more than a 650g plastic tub. In Tesco, the pouch is £3.50 (or £2.50 with Clubcard), the centrepiece box £5 (or £4 with Clubcard), and the tub £4. Per 100g, the pouch costs 95p (67.5p with Clubcard), the box £1.30 (£1), and the tub 62p.
Online shoppers have criticised the centrepiece box, with one Ocado customer complaining they “paid the price of a big box for a tiny one”. Which? retail editor Ele Clark advises checking price per 100g, as value can vary greatly within a store depending on pack size and type.
Helen Bird from Wrap notes that while presentation enhances gifting, it often means more packaging. Heavier packaging uses more resources and fuel, so lighter packs are better if not reused. Mars Wrigley said it reduced plastic in pouches by 19% this year and that pricing is at retailers’ discretion.
