Cadbury fans spot difference in Christmas favourite

Cadbury fans have noticed a difference in a beloved Christmas chocolate treat. In particular, they have spotted a dash of Christmas shrinkflation.

The famed confectionery brand has trimmed its Buttons selection box from 375g to 340g. Last year's launch saw the pack brimming with Caramilk Buttons, Orange Giant Buttons, and Salted Caramel Buttons.

This festive season, the assortment has been altered to feature Caramel Nibbles and White Chocolate Buttons, in addition to the traditional Milk Chocolate Buttons. Upon its debut, the box sent shoppers into a frenzy, with one enthusiast declaring on social media that they "needed this in their life".

Read more: Cadbury brings back chocolate bar

Mondelez International, Cadbury's parent company, cited escalating cocoa and sugar prices as the culprits for the diminished quantity of chocolate per box. A spokesman said: "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."

"We understand the economic pressures that consumers continue to face and any changes to our product sizes is a last resort for our business. ".

Despite receiving less chocolate, customers are facing nearly identical prices. Asda has maintained a £5 price tag for the selection box, consistent with last year's pricing.

Conversely, Tesco lists the 340g box at £6, or a reduced £5 for Clubcard holders. The UK's largest supermarket, Tesco, charged Clubcard shoppers £4.50 for the selection box last year.

This isn't the only instance where consumers have noticed a reduction in chocolate sizes. The Cadbury selection box now weighs a mere 125g, a decrease of 14 per cent from last year's 145g.

It's over a quarter smaller than it was in 2018 when it weighed 169g.