CHOICE has found several examples of Easter shrinkflation, with chocolate Easter eggs from Cadbury, Nestle and supermarket chain Aldi decreasing in size, but increasing or remaining the same in price.
"Chocolate eggs are a classic part of any Easter spread, but this year your treats may taste more bitter than sweet once you discover your money probably isn't getting you as much chocolate as it was last Easter," says CHOICE journalist, Liam Kennedy.
"With many consumers still struggling to cover the cost of food and groceries, the last thing people need is the squeeze being put on their Easter favourites," says Kennedy.
The Easter chocolate hit by shrinkflation:
Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate eggs
"Last March, retailers were selling a 24 pack of Cadbury Dairy Milk hollow chocolate eggs with a recommended retail price of $12.50. However, a new version of the product only contains 22 eggs, with the price increasing to $15.00. That means consumers are paying 31% more per 100g of chocolate than they did last year," says Kennedy.
"Another Cadbury product hit by shrinkflation is the company's 340g large chocolate egg, with a retail price of $20.00. This egg replaced another sold last Easter which also cost $20, but weighed an extra 60 grams. Once again, - you're paying more for less chocolate," says Kennedy.
Nestle KitKat-flavoured chocolate mini eggs
"Nestle's bags of KitKat-flavoured mini eggs have also become smaller, going from 110g to 90g since last February, while the price at supermarkets has stayed at $3.99," says Kennedy.
Aldi's Dairy Fine Milk mini eggs
"Aldi's packets of Dairy Fine Milk mini eggs have also decreased in size, going from 400g t to 300g. While the price has remained the same at $5.99, you're now paying 33% more per 100g to get your chocolate fix," says Kennedy.
Tips to spot shrinkflation:
1. Check to see if you're getting fewer items when the product promises to come with a set number
2. Keep an eye on unit pricing and watch for any change in value
3. Beware of "New & Improved" or other slogan rebrands known to appear on products following shrinkage
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Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
