Chocoholics have witnessed a significant surge in the prices of some holiday treats, with certain items experiencing a price hike of up to 72% compared to last Christmas, according to recent research. The study conducted by consumer group Which? revealed a notable increase in the cost of various seasonal essentials. Which? regularly monitors over 25,000 food and beverage products across eight major supermarkets throughout the year.
Among the categories scrutinized, chocolate emerged as the most affected by inflation, with prices soaring by an average of 14.2% over the past year. The price surge is attributed to ongoing challenges in cocoa harvests and supply chain disruptions.
Notably, prices of popular chocolate products saw significant spikes. For instance, a Lindt Lindor milk chocolate truffles treat box (37g) at Asda increased from £1.15 last year to £1.98 now, marking a substantial 72.2% rise. Similarly, at Morrisons, the price of Lindt Milk Chocolate Teddy Christmas Tree Decorations surged from £3.50 in 2024 to £6 presently, indicating a hike of 71.4%.
Additionally, at Morrisons, a 40g Lindt Christmas milk chocolate Teddy rose from £1.50 to £2.50, while at Tesco, a 145g Terry’s Chocolate Orange Dark Ball witnessed an increase from £1.50 to £2.50, representing a two-thirds jump in price.
Another category experiencing notable price increases is the Christmas turkey segment. Overall, prices for fresh whole birds, crowns, and other cuts in this category have escalated by 4.7% year-on-year. Factors such as bird flu outbreaks and heightened operational costs for farmers are contributing to individual price hikes. For example, a Tesco Finest Free Range Bronze Turkey Crown Medium (2.99kg) saw a substantial £14.95 increase, rising from £53.82 to £68.77, reflecting a percentage increase of 27.8%.
According to the Which? tracker, prices at Waitrose witnessed the highest rise, climbing by 6.2% in the year leading up to November, while Asda recorded the lowest increase at 3%, outperforming discount competitors Aldi and Lidl.
Reena Sewraz, Which? Retail Editor, emphasized that while overall inflation figures may not fully depict the reality of supermarket price hikes, individual items have experienced staggering price jumps of up to 70% year-on-year. To save money during the festive season, shoppers are advised to consider shopping at Aldi, Lidl, and Asda, which have demonstrated lower inflation rates and are generally more budget-friendly options.
Moreover, Sewraz recommended consumers to pay attention to unit prices, enabling them to compare different pack sizes, brands, and ranges effectively to secure the best deals. Asda and Morrisons spokespersons highlighted their commitment to providing quality products at affordable prices throughout the year, offering various discounts and incentives to enhance customer savings.