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Advent season

Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung

Chocolate inflation strikes again

Chocolate Santas have become significantly more expensive again this year. Is it due to manufacturers’ greed?

Whether for St. Nicholas Day or throughout the entire (pre-)Christmas season: Germans love chocolate Santas. But a closer look at supermarket shelves might spoil the festive mood — prices for the most popular Santas have risen sharply. That’s shown by an analysis from the price comparison platform Smhaggle, obtained by the F.A.Z.

Supermarkets & groceries

Chip

Branded products at Aldi, Lidl, Edeka and Rewe: Price comparison surprises everyone

Discounters are generally considered much cheaper than traditional supermarkets – but is that really true? A stern TV report looked into this question and came to a surprising conclusion when it comes to branded products.

Anyone trying to save money on groceries usually keeps an eye on special offers in the supermarket. And for many customers, one rule still applies to regularly priced items: discounters are fundamentally cheaper than supermarkets like Rewe or Edeka. For many, that assumption is even the main reason why they choose a particular retailer in the first place.

Price analysis

Stern

Chocolate Santas and gingerbread significantly more expensive than last year

This Christmas, consumers will have to pay significantly more for many sweets than they did last year. A product comparison shows price increases of 25 percent and more.

Chocolate Santas, domino cookies, gingerbread hearts – Christmas spirit is everywhere on supermarket and discount store shelves. However, many of these popular treats have become noticeably more expensive, according to an analysis by the comparison app Smhaggle for the German Press Agency (dpa).

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RTL

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Supermarket

Watson

Supermarket: Sharp price increase for chocolate Santas – here’s what’s behind it

An analysis shows that Christmas classics like chocolate Santas, gingerbread, and domino cookies have become drastically more expensive in 2025. Some products now cost up to 60 percent more – here’s why.

When chocolate Santas start smiling from supermarket shelves, gingerbread fills the air, and domino cookies tempt shoppers, it’s usually the unofficial kickoff to the cozy season.

But in 2025, a look at the sweets aisle is raising eyebrows rather than holiday cheer. Prices have climbed higher than they have in a long time. A new analysis by the price comparison app Smhaggle reveals just how dramatic the situation has become.

The big store-brand check

RTL

RTL Extra

Investigative reports and gripping stories: "EXTRA" uncovers what moves people, offers practical everyday guidance, and always stays close to the pulse of the times. The reporters consistently demonstrate courage, perseverance, and patience.

Store-brand food products have become the favorites of many shoppers looking to save money. But what are the real differences in quality, taste, and price? We take a close look at the most popular private-label products from supermarkets and discount retailers. We also speak with Stiftung Warentest, which has been conducting quality comparisons for years, to find out which store brands truly deliver. In our quality check, we examine where the foods are produced, analyze ingredients together with a Michelin-starred chef, and accompany a couple as they shop in different stores to reveal how prices vary between brands.

We uncover how you can truly save money on your next grocery trip – without giving up enjoyment.

Christmas sweets are significantly more expensive this year – here’s how much you’re paying now

Nord24

Chocolate Santas & more are more expensive than ever this year – here’s what costs what and why.

Supermarket and discount store shelves are already well stocked with chocolate Santas, domino cookies, and gingerbread hearts. However, many of these popular treats have become noticeably more expensive, according to an analysis by the comparison app Smhaggle for the German Press Agency (dpa).

Depending on the brand and size, chocolate Santas now cost up to 25 percent more – in some cases even two-thirds more. A 70-gram milk chocolate Santa from a major brand currently sells for €3.99, while comparable products from other manufacturers with larger pack sizes are priced at €2.99.

Expensive chocolate: Santa’s winter blues

ARD

rbb | SUPER.MARKT

Chocolate price explosion – and right before Christmas, of all times. But are rising cocoa prices really the only reason?

Instead of bittersweet, it’s just bitter: this year, the Lindt chocolate Santa costs around six euros – roughly 30 percent more than last year. For some Christmas chocolate products from other manufacturers, prices have even doubled.

Producers claim that the price surge is due to rising cocoa prices. But is that really true? What are the real reasons behind these soaring prices? And how are manufacturers trying to disguise the increases?

Right before Christmas, shoppers at Aldi, Lidl & Co. can’t ignore it anymore

msn

News38

Chocolate Santas, gingerbread hearts, and domino cookies are simply part of the Advent season for many. These beloved classics traditionally sweeten the days leading up to Christmas. But this year, the sweet joy is overshadowed by rising prices. According to an analysis by the comparison app Smhaggle for the German Press Agency (dpa), consumers now have to dig noticeably deeper into their pockets.

Whether at Aldi, Lidl, or the local supermarket – the prices pack a punch. The differences are particularly noticeable when it comes to chocolate Santas. Depending on the brand and size, the small chocolate figures cost up to 25 percent more, and in some cases even two-thirds more. A 70-gram milk chocolate Santa from a premium manufacturer currently sells for a hefty €3.99. Other retailers such as Aldi and Lidl offer similar products at lower prices, but even there, the price increases are clearly evident.

Supermarket shock: Chocolate Santas now cost more than twice as much

Münchner Merkur

During the Christmas season, the chocolate Santa is a must-have – not just for children. But at today’s prices, the festive spirit can fade quickly.

Kassel – It’s cold outside, you’re cozy on the couch with a cup of tea and your favorite Christmas movie – and, of course, a gingerbread cookie or a chocolate Santa. For many, that’s the perfect Advent Sunday afternoon. But while in previous years shoppers could grab Christmas sweets without much thought, this year many may do a double take when they see the price tags.

A recent analysis by the comparison app Smhaggle shows that popular Christmas treats such as gingerbread, domino cookies, and the like have become significantly more expensive. Depending on the brand and size, chocolate Santas now cost up to 25 percent more than last year – and in extreme cases, even two-thirds more. A chocolate Santa can now cost as much as nine euros. A 70-gram milk chocolate Santa from the popular brand Lindt currently sells for a hefty €3.99, while a 90-gram version from Milka is priced at €3.29. Still, at these prices, many shoppers may think twice about whether they really need the sweet Santa – or instead opt for a cheaper alternative, such as Rewe’s 70-gram version for €1.49. The chocolate Santa from Riegelein weighs only 60 grams but is also easy on the wallet at €2.29.