Revealed: The Christmas chocolate boxes which have shrunk in size over the last 10 years – have YOUR favourite festive treats got smaller?

• Have you seen shrinkflation or rogue Christmas pricing? Email [email protected]

Some of Britain’s favourite Christmas chocolate boxes have been drastically hit by ‘shrinkflation’ over the last decade, a new study has revealed.

The report, which was conducted by ICE36, found that Cadbury’s Roses have shrunk the most by 35 per cent from 850g in 2013 to 550g this year while they have gone up in price from £5 to £5.50. 

Cadbury’s Heroes shrank by 29 per cent from 780g to 550g and increased by  50p to £5.50 while the weight of Quality Street became 27 per cent lighter from 820g to 600g and shot up 37 per cent in price to £5.50.

Celebrations, which are made by Mars, shrank from 750g to 600g while they increased in price by 50p to £5.50.

However, Thorntons, Cadbury’s Milk Tray, Terry’s Chocolate Orange, Lindt’s Lindor, Guylian seashells, Ferrero Rocher, Nestle’s Dairy Box and Toblerone have all remained the same size, the study showed.

Pictured: The various ranges of chocolate treats that have shrunk in recent years and the products that haven’t

A photo from Charlotte Hook in 2015 shows four Quality Street tins dating from 1998 to 2014 

Manufacturers told MailOnline that making such changes was ‘not a decision taken lightly’ but said it was necessary to ensure the quality of the treats remained high.

In recent times, Brits have documented the changing size of the tins on social media as evidence of them getting less for their money while enduring soaring food prices. 

READ MORE Christmas is hit by ‘shrinkflation’: Shoppers set to spend an average £105 more this Xmas as price of mince pies, chocolates and biscuits rise – despite shrinking package sizes

Charlotte Hook took a picture of her collection of Quality Street tins to show how they had shrunk. 

Ms Hook complained after she noticed the shrinking size of the purple tins while organising her Christmas decorations. 

She posted the picture with the caption: ‘Been putting the Christmas tree up, always keep my tins to put my decorations in after Christmas!

‘Look how they’ve changed in size from 1998 till 2014! Bring back the big tins!!! Loyal quality street customer!!!!’

Meanwhile a report recently revealed Britons will this year spend an average of £105.43 more on Christmas amid price increases for mince pies and biscuits despite shrinkflation.

Festive food and drink is expected to be the largest contributor to this rise, with an average increase of £25.87, followed by gifts up £18.62 and activities up £11.86.

The extra spending is linked to rising costs and shrinkflation, with 60 per cent of people noticing some festive items are getting smaller despite an unchanged price.

Some 36 per cent said they spotted shrinking sizes of boxes of chocolates, 28 per cent for tins of biscuits and 15 per cent for cheese, according to the Barclays report.

Fourteen per cent had noticed shrinkflation for mince pies and 13 per cent for Christmas cake, at a time when the official inflation rate is still at nearly 5 per cent.

A TikTok video of British woman Deborah Lee Cowell comparing what she says is the shrinking size of two Celebrations boxes from 2009 (left) and the present day (right) has gone viral

A spokesperson for Celebrations said: ‘At Mars Wrigley UK, our focus is always on ensuring that we offer our great tasting, high quality chocolate at the best possible value. 

READ MORE The price of your Christmas dinner revealed: How cheaper Brussels sprouts, puddings and sparkling wines are curbing the cost of the festive feast

‘We have been actively trying to find ways to absorb the rising costs of raw materials and operations, as we know the increase in the cost of living has impacted both consumers and businesses across the UK. 

‘Unfortunately, the growing pressures mean that more needs to be done. 

‘Reducing the size of our products or raising prices, is not a decision we have taken lightly but it is necessary for shoppers to still be able to enjoy their favourite mix of Celebrations treats without compromising on quality or taste.’ 

A Nestle spokeswoman said: ‘Quality Street tins and tubs are not on sale throughout the whole year. 

‘Every year we introduce a new Quality Street range with formats, sizes, weights and RRPs based on a range of factors including the cost of manufacturing, ingredients and transport and the preferences of our customers and consumers. 

‘Final prices are always at the discretion of individual retailers.

‘This year we have an in-store range that includes a 1.936kg tin, a 813g tin, a 600g tub, a 357g pouch and a 220g carton. We think this range and pricing is competitive and offers a good variety of choices for consumers.’

A spokeswoman for Cadbury’s said: ‘We understand the ongoing challenges faced by shoppers in the current economic climate which is why we look to absorb costs wherever we can.

‘However, we are continuing to incur significant increases in input costs across our supply chain which has meant we occasionally have to make difficult decisions, such as slightly reducing the weight or increasing the price of some of our products.

‘We have carefully considered the approach we take across our product portfolio in the UK to ensure we continue to make the best quality products at the best value prices.’ 

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