Chocoholics have witnessed a significant surge in the prices of certain holiday treats, with some products costing as much as 72% more compared to last Christmas, according to recent research.
The consumer group Which? uncovered notable increases in the prices of various seasonal essentials. Which? monitors over 25,000 food and beverage items across eight major supermarkets throughout the year.
Analyzing specific categories, chocolate emerged as the most impacted by inflation, experiencing an average price hike of 14.2% in the past year. Factors contributing to this rise include ongoing challenges in cocoa harvests and supply chain disruptions.
Among the notable price increases, a Lindt Lindor milk chocolate truffles treat box (37g) at Asda soared from £1.15 last year to £1.98 now, marking a substantial 72.2% increase. Similarly, at Morrisons, the cost of Lindt Milk Chocolate Teddy Christmas Tree Decorations surged from £3.50 in 2024 to £6 currently, reflecting a 71.4% rise.
Furthermore, at Morrisons, the price of a 40g Lindt Christmas milk chocolate Teddy jumped from £1.50 to £2.50, while at Tesco, a 145g Terry’s Chocolate Orange Dark Ball saw a similar increase from £1.50 to £2.50.
Another category experiencing notable price hikes is Christmas turkey products. Prices for fresh whole birds, crowns, and other cuts within this category have risen by 4.7% year-on-year. Challenges such as bird flu outbreaks and escalating operational expenses for farmers have contributed to individual price increments.
According to the Which? tracker, prices at Waitrose rose the most in the year leading to November, increasing by 6.2%. In contrast, Asda recorded the lowest price increase at 3%, surpassing even discount competitors Aldi and Lidl in maintaining lower inflation rates.
Reena Sewraz, Which? Retail Editor, emphasized that while overall inflation figures may not capture the full extent of price changes, some individual items have experienced substantial price spikes of up to 70% year-on-year. To save money during the festive period, shoppers are advised to consider budget-friendly options like Aldi, Lidl, and Asda, known for their comparatively lower inflation rates and affordability.
She also recommended shoppers keep track of unit prices to facilitate comparisons across different brands, pack sizes, and ranges to ensure optimal savings.
An Asda spokesperson highlighted that despite the observed Lindt price increase, Asda boasts the lowest inflation rate among UK supermarkets, including discounters, reflecting the brand’s commitment to maintaining budget-friendly prices for all customers, not just loyalty cardholders.
Similarly, a Morrisons spokesperson reaffirmed the brand’s dedication to offering high-quality products at competitive prices throughout the year, including the festive season. More Card members at Morrisons can benefit from discounts, personalized offers, and the opportunity to earn points for additional savings.