Chocoholics have witnessed a significant surge in the prices of festive treats, with some items experiencing a whopping 72% increase compared to last year’s Christmas, according to recent research. The consumer group Which? revealed that the costs of various seasonal essentials have also seen a notable rise. Which? monitors over 25,000 food and drink products in eight supermarkets throughout the year.
The study highlighted chocolate as the most impacted category by inflation, with prices soaring by an average of 14.2% over the past year. Factors contributing to this increase include ongoing challenges in cocoa harvests and supply chain issues.
Notably, prices of popular chocolate products have seen substantial hikes, such as a Lindt Lindor milk chocolate truffles treat box at Asda, which surged from £1.15 last year to £1.98 now, marking a 72.2% increase. Similarly, at Morrisons, the price of Lindt Milk Chocolate Teddy Christmas Tree Decorations rose from £3.50 in 2024 to £6 currently, reflecting a 71.4% jump.
Furthermore, at Morrisons, a 40g Lindt Christmas milk chocolate Teddy increased from £1.50 to £2.50, while at Tesco, a 145g Terry’s Chocolate Orange Dark Ball surged from £1.50 to £2.50, representing a two-thirds increase.
Another area of notable price increases identified by Which? is Christmas turkey products. Prices in this category, covering fresh whole birds, crowns, and other cuts, have risen by 4.7% year-on-year. Factors like bird flu outbreaks and escalating operational expenses for farmers are contributing to individual price hikes. For instance, a Tesco Finest Free Range Bronze Turkey Crown Medium (2.99kg) saw a significant £14.95 increase, rising from £53.82 to £68.77, a percentage spike of 27.8%.
The Which? tracker revealed that prices at Waitrose experienced the highest increase at 6.2% in the year up to November, while Asda had the lowest at 3%, surpassing discount competitors Aldi and Lidl.
Reena Sewraz, Which? Retail Editor, emphasized that while overall inflation figures may not fully capture the actual price increases faced by shoppers, individual items have seen prices surge by up to 70% year-on-year. She advised budget-conscious shoppers to consider shopping at Aldi, Lidl, and Asda, known for their low inflation rates and competitive pricing.
Additionally, Sewraz recommended comparing unit prices across different sizes, brands, and ranges for optimal savings. Responding to the findings, an Asda spokesperson underscored the supermarket’s commitment to maintaining low prices for all customers, especially during the festive season. Similarly, a Morrisons representative reiterated the company’s dedication to offering quality products at affordable prices, highlighting additional benefits for loyalty program members.