How can you spend less on chocolate this Christmas?

If you’ve started prepping for Christmas a bit earlier, you can’t miss how much more expensive chocolatey treats are this year.

And it’s not just your imagination.

In fact, the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) says chocolate prices increased at an average annual rate of 12.5% over 2024 and 2025.

That’s largely because of poor cocoa harvests in Ghana and Ivory Coast, which together supply two-thirds of the world's cocoa.

Chris Jaccarini of the ECIU suggests that eating less chocolate “could offer some protection from climate-driven food inflation”.

But with Christmas just around the corner, let’s face it, many of us are unlikely to take this advice.

So if you’re thinking of stocking up on chocolate for the festive season, what can you do to keep costs down?

1. Watch out for shrinkflation

Shrinkflation happens when a product quietly gets smaller, fewer grams or fewer pieces, even though the price may stay the same.

And many of us will have seen this phenomenon with our favourite chocolate bars.

But there is a way to make sure you’re getting the best value.

Supermarkets list the price per 100g/ml on shelf labels, so you can compare by weight or volume - not just pack size - and make sure you’re getting more for your money.

2. Buy regular chocolate instead of festive items

Yes, selection boxes and chocolate coins might be a nice festive tradition.

But the fact is you’re paying a premium for some nice packaging and not actually that much chocolate.

For example, a 70g of Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate coins costs £2 at Tesco.

But a 180g bar of Dairy Milk costs £2.75.

So the bar gives more than twice as much chocolate for just 75p extra.

So don’t rule out buying a regular block of chocolate this Christmas.

You’ll enjoy it just as much.

3. Try supermarket own brands

You don’t have to just buy expensive branded chocolate for Christmas.

Supermarket own brand products are just as good, and you could even ignore our previous advice and get something like a chocolate Santa - just at a fraction of the cost.

4. Use price comparison apps

Apps like Trolley or LatestDeals can show where to find the best deals on your favourite sweet treats.

5. Bake your own chocolatey treats

Instead of spending money on expensive chocolate treats, why not make a few yourself?

If you love chocolate cookies, cake, brownies or caramel slices, it can be much cheaper to make your own rather than buy them.

You can also control exactly how much chocolate goes in, and a homemade batch can give you several portions for the price of one packet.

On top of that, you’ll have plenty of leftover ingredients you can use, like flour and baking powder, that you can use again next time you need to dish up sweet treats.