Easter is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and indulgence in festive treats. However, this year’s Easter shopping might leave a dent in your wallet, with grocery prices soaring higher than the previous year. But don’t let the rising costs dampen your holiday spirit! With some savvy shopping strategies, you can still enjoy all your Easter favourites without breaking the bank.
Recent data from Compare the Market has highlighted a significant increase in the cost of popular Easter items. A comparison of 15 Easter staples, including chocolate bunnies, eggs, seafood, hot cross buns, and soft drinks, revealed an average price hike of about 10 per cent compared to 2024. This means shoppers are expected to fork out an extra $18.60 this year for the same selection of goods, marking a 9.65 per cent increase from last year’s prices.
The price surge has been particularly noticeable in items such as the 200g Lindt Easter Gold Bunny, which has gone up by $4 (28.5 per cent), Cadbury chocolate Easter bunnies, with a $2 increase (20 per cent), Humpty chocolate egg, up by $1.50 (18 per cent), and brioche fruit hot cross buns, which have risen by 80 cents (16 per cent).
Other items like bacon, pork roast, marinara mix, Coke Zero, salmon fillets, and various chocolate treats have also seen price increases. The total cost for the Easter trolley is now $211.30, compared to $192.70 from the previous year.
Compare the Market’s Sarah Orr acknowledged that parents had every right to feel frustrated with the rising costs of Easter treats, especially while trying to manage price pressures from all directions. ‘With some popular items seeing price hikes of up to 28 per cent, there’s not much flexibility in the budget this Easter,’ Orr said.
She also pointed out that while an extra dollar here and there may not seem significant, it quickly adds up at the checkout. ‘On average, Australians spent $212 per week on groceries in March, which is about $21, or 11 per cent, more than they were spending at the start of last year,’ she added. Orr explained that chocolate prices have been driven up by production challenges and cocoa supply shortages.
To help ease the strain on household budgets this Easter, Orr shared the following practical tips for shoppers:
- Shop around for better deals when the price gap between brands is substantial.
- Look for more affordable options to avoid making Easter too ‘eggspensive’.
- Try home brands or lesser-known labels, which often offer great taste without the hefty price tag.
- Check the unit price on products, typically displayed in smaller print beneath the main price.
- Explore discounts offered by some insurance companies, energy retailers, utilities, and roadside assistance programs—be sure to see what savings might be available to you.
With Easter fast approaching and grocery prices climbing, it’s clear that smart shopping will play a big role in keeping things affordable. By taking a closer look at the options available, shoppers can still enjoy the holiday without overspending.
What’s your take on these price hikes? Do you have any other tips to share with fellow shoppers? Feel free to leave a comment below and share your thoughts!
Also read: Discover this $7,000 Easter error that could cost you big time!
