Politics Editor Emma from Brig explores the evolution of Cadbury chocolate alongside a recent boycott and the publics’ opinions.
Cadbury used to be really popular. But ever since the company was bought over by American company Mondelez International in 2010, Cadbury continue to disappoint.
Notoriously, the cost cutting crème egg recipe change in 2015 cost Cadbury 6 million pounds because people stopped buying them. The chocolate shell is now commonly compared to having an aftertaste like sick. Cadbury also oversaturated their brand by selling their crème eggs every season. Consequently, the public had yearly access to chocolate they now hated rather than looking forward to the former Easter delicacy.
Shrinkflation is when products shrink in size whilst their price increases. Companies often argue the effects of an economic crisis and climate change in farming countries can impact consumer prices. The costs of cocoa and milk continue to rise. Thus, Cadbury shrinkflation began in 2012 when they shaved down and rounded the edges of Dairy Milk bars to reduce the quantity of chocolate.
Followed by their decision in 2013 to stop sending retired Cadbury workers free chocolate at Christmas, it became clear that Cadbury was not profiting as much as they used to.
As the years go on, Cadbury continue to disappoint their remaining customers. The Sun newspaper published “Feeling the Crunch,” on March 31, 2026 detailing how Crunchie Easter eggs now only contain a “fun-sized” chocolate bar rather than the full size. But the real issue is the recent conspiracy involving the recent Cadbury recipe changes.
Is Cadbury Still Considered Real Chocolate? “A Glass and a Half”
More sugar. Less milk. And possible swaps for palm oils, sulphates and emulsifiers. People are scrutinising the ingredients list of Cadbury chocolate after constant recipe changes over the years that battle the legal definition of milk chocolate in several countries. Milk chocolate in the UK must have at least 20 per cent cocoa solids and 20 per cent milk solids to classify as chocolate. Without this, it must be labelled as having a chocolate flavour.
Less milk in the Cadbury recipe makes Dairy milk chocolate taste more oily and which ruins the nostalgic flavour for many fans. Cadbury removed their famous phrase “glass and a half (of milk) in every bar” from their Dairy Milk wrappers in 2010. The phrase no longer aligned with European food regulations and trading standards and was changed to read a “glass and a half in every 200g.” Rising questions about how much milk is actually in the smaller bars of Dairy Milk.
However, the Mondalez company recently claim in 2025 that: “Our chocolate meets all relevant standards required by UK and EU legislation, and we provide clear information to consumers on pack so that they can make informed decisions about what they eat.”
Older generations notice the changes more profoundly. One Scottish shopper from Tesco Superstore in Stirling used to eat crème eggs all the time as a girl claims that chemicals in the chocolate “upset my stomach lining and cause cramps. I have a similar reaction to taking ibuprofen.”
Another older Tesco shopper claim they’re on a health kick this year and finds it “insane that Dominoes are selling cookies stuffed with an entire crème egg for 800 calories.” Chocolate now contains more chemicals and calories than previous generations containing more than 6.5 teaspoons of sugar!
Cadbury Disrespect Christian Origins
This Easter the hashtag #BoycottCadbury became popular after the public decided to stop spending their money on continual disappointment leaving retailers retailers struggling to clear their stock.
Some UK shops such as Morrisons changed the wording of their shelf displays to read “Eggs For The Season.” A chocolate egg is supposed to represent the tomb stone that rolled away during the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The shape of the egg is symbolic- not the chocolate part.
Whilst “Easter” still remains on the boxes packaging, it still gives the impression that Cadbury want to profit from a Christian holiday without appreciating its origins. Since the company was founded by a Quaker called John Cadbury who was very religious and the UK is also predominantly Christian, it wasn’t a great marketing strategy. Whilst Cadbury has defended their decision as an attempt to be more inclusive, it just doesn’t really make sense.
Image Credit of Reduced Seasonal Eggs: X @SamanthaTaghoy
King Charles Is Not A Fan #BoycottCadbury
The Cadbury boycott has arguably been ongoing since 2024 after losing their royal warrant. Cadbury were awarded the royal warrant in 1854, but it appears King Charles is not pleased and no longer gives Cadbury the royal stamp of approval.
The aftermath of #BoycottCadbury 2026 left many shops with unwanted or heavily reduced excess stock.
Whether you are boycotting Cadbury or not, it’s worth remembering to read the ingredients list for any chocolate that you buy. It’s better to pay more money for better quality ingredients and flavours. Tony Chocoloney was ranked the most ethical chocolate supplier for sourcing their cocoa directly from Ghana and using quality ingredients.
Fourth Year English and Journalism Student
