Consumers unleash their anger over the shrinking size of a favourite chocolate bar

Food lovers have unleashed their fury over the ever-shrinking size of an iconic Australian chocolate bar.

Cherry Ripe chocolate bars have shrunk. Picture: Facebook

Consumers have unleashed their fury over “shrinkflation nonsense” after a favourite Australian chocolate bar faced the chopping block.

Shoppers were quick to notice Cadbury’s Cherry Ripe chocolate bar has gone from 52g to 44g, with people expressing their disappointment on social media.

Consumer Mario Mendis said there was nothing worse than feeling ripped off by paying the same price but getting less.

Fellow consumer, Stephen Lennard, said he hated the practice and found it “dishonest and sneaky.”

“The companies think we won’t notice, but we do,” he said.

“I would rather them be upfront, retain the same portion size and just raise the price.”

Shoppers have unleashed their anger over the smaller Cherry Ripe bars. Picture: Facebook

A Cadbury spokesperson told 7News the bar sizes were adjusted to meet the Australian government’s Healthy Food Partnership chocolate targets, which helped consumers better manage their treat portions.

“Cadbury also aims to use about 50 per cent (on a mass balance basis) recycled plastic for its wrappers across its core chocolate portfolio, including bars, produced in Australia,” the spokesperson said.

NCA NewsWire is seeking further comment from Cadbury.

The company recently released a campaign on its website advising people to ‘snack mindfully’ with their products now coming in ‘mindful portions’.

The government’s partnership is voluntary, and brings together industry and public health experts with government to reduce saturated fat, sugar and salt in processed food and drinks.

Consumer Ripley Asher said it was happening to all the chocolate bars to align with the health recommendations and serving sizes.

“Like people aren’t adults that can make their own decisions, and they didn’t put the price down either,” he said.

Consumers have expressed disappointment over shrinking product sizes at the supermarket. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Fellow consumer Scott Davis said people could let manufacturers know they were unhappy about the changes by refusing to buy the products.

“Let them know with your wallet,” he said.

“Refuse to buy these shrinkflation products.”

Another consumer, Chase Lepomme, refused to buy anything that had been shrunk down in size while the price had gone up as well.

“Either do one or the other, but don’t double dip on hitting me with inflation,” he said.

“Shrinking sizes should be illegal if the price goes up.”

Others let their disappointment be known by leaving negative product reviews online.

Outback Damo left the Cherry Ripe a one star review, saying the chocolate maker was no longer worth it and that chocolate bars were ever shrinking.

“I’m disappointed with these companies forever shrinking their products to keep the price the same,” he said.

“Can you imagine the next time they shrink it. I refuse to spend my money on Cadbury products ever again.”

Originally published as Consumers unleash their anger over the shrinking size of a favourite chocolate bar