As Easter approaches, shoppers are increasingly concerned about the rising prices of chocolate eggs, which seem to be shrinking in size year after year. With many families tightening their belts, the hunt for affordable Easter treats has become more critical than ever. Fortunately, major supermarkets like Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Lidl, and Tesco are offering competitive deals on popular branded eggs, making it easier for consumers to indulge without breaking the bank.
Morrisons is currently leading the way with its "More Card" deal, which allows customers to purchase Cadbury eggs for just £1.25 each when they take advantage of a special offer: buy four eggs for £5. This deal includes a selection of Cadbury favorites, such as Milk Chocolate Buttons, White Chocolate Buttons, Mini Eggs, and Freddos. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the classic Milkybar White Chocolate egg is available for only £1 with a Morrisons More card, though it does not come with a treat inside.
Meanwhile, Sainsbury's has a variety of options for chocolate lovers. The store offers the Terry's Chocolate Orange Popping Candy egg and the KitKat Chunky egg for £1.35 each with a Nectar card, or £1.50 without. For Cadbury fans who prefer to buy just one egg rather than a multi-pack, the same Mini Eggs, Buttons, and Freddo eggs are priced at £1.50 with a Nectar card.
Lidl is also keeping its prices competitive, with Cadbury Milk Chocolate Buttons, White Chocolate Buttons, and Freddo Eggs priced at £1.45 each. Additionally, the Mini Eggs egg is available for £1.49. Tesco's prices are similarly aligned with Lidl's, offering the Terry's Chocolate Orange egg for £1.35 with a Clubcard and £1.50 without. Cadbury's Milk Chocolate Buttons, White Chocolate Buttons, and Mini Eggs are priced at £1.45 with a Clubcard and £1.65 without.
Waitrose is not to be overlooked, as it offers both M&M's and Maltesers eggs for £1.50. The Terry's Chocolate Orange Egg is also available at Waitrose for the same price.
However, the price of Easter eggs isn't just about the bargains. Some premium options have seen significant price hikes. Back in February, the Cadbury Dairy Milk and White Marble Ultimate Easter Egg and the Mini Eggs Inclusions Ultimate Easter Egg were priced at a staggering £15.50 at Sainsbury's. A recent visit to a Portsmouth Sainsbury's store revealed that these eggs are still available, albeit at a reduced price of £11.75, down from an earlier markdown of £12.50.
Many shoppers expressed disbelief at the original price, with comments on social media reflecting a mix of shock and discontent. "That is disgusting," one user remarked, while another said, "That's definitely not worth £15.00," highlighting the disconnect between consumer expectations and retail pricing.
A spokesperson from Mondelēz International, the makers of Cadbury products, addressed the price increases, stating, "We understand the economic pressures that consumers continue to face, and raising prices is a last resort for our business. However, as a food producer, we are continuing to experience significantly higher input costs across our supply chain, with ingredients such as cocoa and dairy costing far more than they have done previously. Meanwhile, other costs like energy and transport also remain high. This means that our products continue to be much more expensive to make, and while we have absorbed these costs where possible, we still face considerable challenges." They added, "As a result, we are having to make some carefully considered list price increases across parts of our Easter range so that we can continue to provide consumers with the brands they love, without compromising on the great taste and quality they expect."
Sainsbury's echoed these sentiments, emphasizing their commitment to providing customers with a wide range of Easter products at various price points. A spokesperson stated, "We want to offer our customers the best possible choice, quality, and value. We offer a selection of Easter products at a range of price points this year, with chocolate egg prices starting from £1.50."
Among the more affordable options, the Cadbury Mini Eggs Chocolate Easter egg (193g) is available for £4 at Sainsbury's, while the XL version (232g) costs £6. For those looking for smaller treats, the Dairy Milk Giant Buttons Easter egg (96g) is priced at just £1.75.
As Easter weekend approaches, shoppers are advised to compare prices and take advantage of loyalty card discounts to maximize their savings. Asda, for example, is currently offering large branded eggs for £2.32 after a price cut from £2.99. Heron Foods has M&M's Mini Medium Eggs available for just 99p, while B&M has Cadbury’s Daim Eggs priced at £1.50.
In summary, while Easter eggs may be shrinking in size, the competition among supermarkets is fierce, leading to a variety of deals that can help families enjoy the holiday without overspending. With thoughtful shopping and a little research, consumers can still find great value in their Easter treats this year.
