Price of chocolate soars by 11% in Halloween scare for households

The price of chocolate has soared 11% in a year in bad news for households ahead of stocking up on treats for Halloween.

It is higher than overall supermarket food and drink prices, which rose 2.7% over the year to August.

Cocoa prices have hit new records after bad weather in West Africa caused poor harvests.

The cost of Sainsbury's No Added Sugar Milk Chocolate (100g) almost doubled in price from an average of 95p in the three months to the end of August 2023 to £1.84 in the same period in 2024, consumer group Which? said.

Asda's Moo Free Dairy Free & Vegan Original Chocolate Bar (80g) rose from £1.50 to £2.40 - an increase of 60%.

At Ocado, Prestat Chocolates & Truffles Assortment (210g) increased by 88% to £32.

Cadbury Family Treatsize Multipack (216g) increased from £2.50 to £3.72 at Sainsbury's, a 48.8% hike. Meanwhile, the Twix Caramel & White Chocolate Fingers Biscuit Snack Bars Multipack (9 x 20g) rose from £1.65 to £2.35 at Asda, up 42%.

Overall, Which? found food and drink prices were 16.6% higher in the three months to the end of August 2024 compared with 2022.

Ele Clark, of Which? urged people to "shop around" to get the best value for money before Halloween.

Asda said: "[We are] consistently recognised as the best-value traditional supermarket in independent price comparison surveys." Sainsbury's noted: "We're committed to offering our customers great choice and value when they shop with us."