Festive shrinkflation: tricks chocolate makers use to make us pay more

At this time of year, manufacturers have a few new tactics to get us to buy less for more money

Getting value for money might not be your prime goal when buying Christmas presents but if you are planning to snap up chocolates or sweets for the ones you love, it pays to check what you are going to get for your cash. That fancy box or tub may come at a cost (financial and environmental) - and, contrary to appearances, it might mean fewer treats for the recipient, not more.

We've all heard about shrinkflation", where companies sneak through price rises by shrinking pack sizes, but when it comes to festive confectionery, it's important to be wise to the other packaging tricks that manufacturers and retailers maybe hope we won't notice.