Shoppers across the UK are expressing fury and disbelief after spotting the price of Cadbury Mini Eggs on supermarket shelves, with many branding the cost "daylight robbery" as the festive treat returns weeks before Easter. The iconic chocolate eggs, a seasonal staple, have seen their prices skyrocket, leaving consumers stunned and sparking a heated debate online.
Steep Price Increases Leave Shoppers Gobsmacked
Despite Easter still being over a month away, Mini Eggs have already appeared in stores, but the joy of their arrival has been dampened by shocking price tags. Shoppers have reported seeing a 1kg bag on sale for a whopping £16, a figure that has nearly doubled in just three years. In 2023, the same large bag was available for £8.86, and by 2024, it had risen to an average of £12.95, marking a 46.2% increase. This rapid inflation has left many feeling that the cost is unjustifiable for a bag of chocolate treats.
Social Media Erupts with Consumer Outrage
Taking to platforms like Reddit and Facebook, shoppers have shared their dismay over the prices. One Reddit user posted a photo of the £16 bag in Tesco, commenting, "Never mind Freddos, £16 a kilo of mini eggs." Others joined in, with one person noting they used to be able to do a full week's shop for the same amount a few years ago. On Facebook, a Mini Eggs fan highlighted the stark difference, stating, "Last year 1kg bags were £10, this year a big difference!!" Replies echoed the sentiment, with users calling the prices "insane" and urging others not to buy them to avoid condoning the issue.
Family Pack Prices Also Under Fire
The outrage isn't limited to bulk bags; smaller family packs have also drawn criticism. One shopper expressed frustration in a social media video, displaying a 256g family pack priced at £6.20 and exclaiming, "No way am I paying £6.20 for a bag ... WTF is this price?? Used to be a £1 right??" This highlights how even smaller portions have become significantly more expensive, adding to the overall consumer discontent.
Historical Context and Popularity of Mini Eggs
First launched by Cadbury in 1967, Mini Eggs have grown into a beloved Easter treat, consisting of solid milk chocolate covered in a thin, hard candy shell moulded to look like miniature eggs. Their popularity has led to an expanded range, including special editions and flavours like Mini Egg Easter eggs and cookies. However, this fan favourite status hasn't shielded them from the recent price hikes, which many attribute to broader economic factors such as inflation and rising production costs.
Consumer Reactions and Calls for Boycotts
In response to the soaring prices, some shoppers are advocating for boycotts, arguing that purchasing the eggs at these rates only encourages further increases. Comments like "Don't buy them. That price is daylight robbery! If you purchase them, you condone the issue" reflect a growing sentiment of resistance among consumers. This backlash underscores a broader trend of shoppers becoming more vocal about value for money, especially for seasonal indulgences.
As Mini Eggs continue to fly off the shelves despite the controversy, the debate over their pricing shows no signs of slowing down. With Easter approaching, it remains to be seen whether Cadbury will address these concerns or if shoppers will adjust their buying habits in the face of what many see as excessive costs for a festive treat.
