Egg shrinkflation means we’ll be shelling out more
PREPARE to be a little disappointed as you tuck into your Easter eggs this year for they’ve become the latest treats to be hit by ‘shrinkflation’ – the price has stayed the same but the product has got smaller.
At least three popular brands have fallen victim to the trend – with some being cut back by up to a fifth.
A Galaxy Minstrels Easter egg used to weigh 304g but is now 262g – a reduction of 14% – but still has a price tag of €5.99.
A Maltesers egg has shrunk from 283g to 248g but has also kept the same €5.99 price tag. Meanwhile, a Mars And Friends Easter egg has shrunk from 347g to 280g, but despite the size reduction of almost 20%, it still costs the same €5.99.
Last night, food writer Martin Isark said: ‘Reducing the size of a product is just plain sneaky.
‘This sharp practice is just a clever way of short-changing loyal customers.’
Food expert Amy Price, at analysts Mintel, said: ‘Smaller Quality Street tins were sold at Christmas so there is that worry about being duped or conned.’
Some British companies have made food products smaller as a result of a weaker pound due to Brexit.
Last night, a Mars spokesman said: ‘While we have made some small changes to some of our range over the past couple of years, our Easter eggs continue to offer consumers the great taste and high quality of our chocolate brands.’
Late last year, the iconic Toblerone chocolate bar increased the space between its distinctive triangular chunks. US-based Mondelez International, who make the bars, said it changed the shape due to the rising cost of ingredients.