British shoppers are facing a severe case of sticker shock this festive season, as the price of Christmas chocolate favourites has skyrocketed by as much as 71 per cent in a single year. A major new investigation by consumer champion Which? reveals the eye-watering inflation hitting seasonal treats, with overall supermarket price rises adding significant pressure to household budgets.
Chocolate Treats Hit Hardest by Inflation
The study, which tracked over 25,000 grocery items, found that chocolate has experienced the highest year-on-year inflation of any category, with prices surging by a staggering 14.2 per cent. This dramatic increase far outpaces general inflation, leaving many consumers gobsmacked at the checkout.
Specific examples highlight the severity of the hikes. At Morrisons, a pack of Lindt Milk Chocolate Teddy Christmas Tree Decorations has leapt from £3.50 in 2024 to £6 in 2025, marking a 71.4 per cent increase. Meanwhile, a Terry's Chocolate Orange at Tesco has risen from £1.50 to £2.50 – a jump of 66.7 per cent. Shoppers using a Tesco Clubcard can currently get it for £1.80.
Industry experts point to poor cocoa crop yields driven by climate change as a key factor behind the soaring costs of chocolate. Manufacturers are passing these increased raw material expenses directly onto consumers, making festive indulgence significantly more expensive.
Turkey Prices and Supermarket Inflation Rates
The price pain extends beyond the sweet aisle. Which? researchers also identified substantial increases for Christmas turkeys, with some rises exceeding the general rate of inflation. The most dramatic example was found at Tesco, where its Finest range medium turkey increased from £53.82 to £68.77 – a rise of £14.95 or 27.8 per cent. With a Clubcard, the price is held at last year's rate of £53.82.
High-end retailer Ocado increased the price of its KellyBronze free range extra large turkey from £117.00 to £131.63, a 12.5 per cent hike. Analysing overall supermarket inflation, Waitrose recorded the highest rate at 6.2 per cent, followed by Sainsbury's at 5.4 per cent and Morrisons at five per cent.
Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and Ocado all maintained inflation rates below five per cent. Notably, Asda was the only supermarket with a price inflation rate lower than the current national rate of three per cent.
Expert Advice for Cost-Conscious Shoppers
Reena Sewraz, Which? Retail Editor, warned that average inflation figures often mask the extreme price jumps on individual items. “Shoppers worried about their finances this festive season can save money by shopping in Aldi, Lidl and Asda, which have among the lowest rates of inflation year on year,” she advised. Sewraz also recommended consumers always check unit prices to compare value across different pack sizes and brands.
Supermarkets have defended their pricing strategies. A Morrisons spokesperson emphasised their commitment to affordability, highlighting savings for More Card members. Ocado pointed to its Price Promise, which matches Tesco.com prices on over 10,000 products. Sainsbury's promoted its Nectar Prices offers, including vegetable trimmings for just 15p in the days before Christmas.
The findings underscore a challenging economic backdrop for the festive period, forcing many families to shop more strategically to manage the escalating cost of Christmas traditions.
