For many Brits, the Freddo chocolate bar was a nostalgic symbol of childhood—a simple, affordable treat that cost just 10p.
It was a staple in lunchboxes, a reward for good behavior, and a quick pick-me-up from the local shop.
But those fond memories have been shattered as the beloved 18g chocolate bar has now been spotted selling for an eye-watering £1 in some stores.
Outrage Over the Soaring Cost
Shoppers have taken to social media to vent their frustration over the staggering price hike.
A post on Reddit showed a WHSmith store in Carlisle charging £1 for a single Freddo, prompting an outcry from fans.
“£1 for a Freddo is disgusting. Daylight robbery at its finest!” one user fumed.
Another demanded, “Name and shame where this atrocity has occurred.”
Some have even blamed the government for what they see as another symptom of rising living costs.
One particularly enraged X (formerly Twitter) user called out Chancellor Rachel Reeves, writing, “Freddos are now a quid. Wtf is going on in this country? @RachelReevesMP, you should resign.”
Inflation and Economic Struggles
The sharp rise in Freddo prices comes amid warnings from the Bank of England about surging inflation.
With predictions that Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation could reach 3.7% this summer—higher than the previously estimated 2.75%—Brits are already feeling the financial strain.
Inflation had already peaked at 11% in late 2022, compounding the cost-of-living crisis.
Now, even small luxuries like a Freddo are becoming a symbol of economic hardship.
A Brief History of Freddo Pricing
The Freddo was first introduced in the UK by Cadbury in 1973 but was withdrawn just a year later.
Originally created in Australia, it made a triumphant return to British shelves in 1994 at a budget-friendly 10p.
The price remained stable for 11 years before slowly creeping up by 2p annually.
By 2016, a Freddo cost 25p, and by 2017, it had risen to 30p.
In 2022, WHSmith in Liverpool was seen selling them for 49p—a significant jump from the early days.
But the latest sighting of a £1 Freddo has left many wondering: where will it end?
Is There Hope for Freddo Fans?
The steep price tag in Carlisle is notably higher than what major supermarkets charge.
Tesco sells Freddos for 30p, while Sainsbury’s lists them at 40p and Asda at 34p.
This disparity suggests that certain retailers are taking advantage of inflation concerns to mark up prices.
So, is the era of the affordable Freddo truly over? Or will consumer backlash force retailers to rethink their pricing?
Either way, it seems the days of picking up a Freddo with spare change are long gone.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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