Less chocolate, same price? Milka goes to court

Less inside, same outside

Familiar design, but less content: Milka’s chocolate bars now weigh 90 g instead of 100 g, while the packaging remains unchanged. For the Hamburg Consumer Center, this is a clear case of consumer deception. The organization has filed a lawsuit against Milka’s parent company, Mondelez, alleging unfair competition.

According to Armin Valet of the Consumer Center, many shoppers don't notice the change, as the packaging and design look nearly identical. Although a small label with the new weight is technically visible, it's often obscured on the shelf, for example by display boxes or flaps.

“Shrinkflation” hits the chocolate aisle

Consumer advocates call this phenomenon “shrinkflation” - a hidden price increase through reduced product quantities. While legally controversial, it's a widespread practice. The Hamburg Consumer Center is calling for clear regulations, such as a mandatory notice on the packaging when contents are reduced - for at least six months.

They also argue that packaging sizes should shrink along with the product. According to Valet, manufacturers like Mondelez are repeatedly taking advantage of legal loopholes.

Milka responds with cost argument

Mondelez rejects the accusations, saying it communicates transparently - via packaging, social media, and its website. The company attributes the size reduction to sharp increases in cocoa prices, which have nearly tripled at times over the past year. In order to remain competitive without compromising on taste or quality, they say the weight was adjusted.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch via Pexels.