Exchanging Easter eggs and enjoying a roast dinner are popular traditions of the spring holiday, but this year Britons are facing higher prices for their celebrations. The cost of essentials such as chocolate, lamb, and hot cross buns has increased sharply. The price of a leg of lamb joint is now about 10% higher than last year, with an average cost of £13.94 per kilo in supermarkets. Over two years, the price increase is nearly 27%. The price of hot cross buns has also risen, with an average increase of 19p for a four-pack of premium “extra fruity” buns compared to last year. Tucking into chocolate eggs is another essential part of Easter, but this year consumers are being asked to pay more for a smaller egg. Pack sizes have reduced while prices have stayed the same or increased, a phenomenon known as “shrinkflation.” Some chocolate eggs from big names such as Cadbury and Mars have increased in price by more than 50%. Several factors have contributed to the rise in prices, including higher production costs and poor harvests in West Africa, where more than half of the world’s cocoa beans are grown. The increase in the price of other ingredients, such as butter and eggs, is also noticeable. The increased cost of lamb, driven by tight supplies and strong demand, has also led to a higher-priced Sunday roast.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/apr/04/cost-of-easter-rises-as-uk-chocolate-lamb-and-hot-cross-bun-prices-soar