STARBURST has made a change to its sweets and it will infuriate shoppers.
Mars Wrigley, the company behind the treat, has reduced the size of it Starburst packets.
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It means customers will get three less sweets – but still pay the same price.
The change affects pouches, which have shrunk in size from 152g to 138g.
While the size has dropped, the price has remained the same at £1.25.
Supermarkets are free to set their own prices and at Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco Starbursts are currently selling for £1.25, the recommended retail price (RRP).
A Mars Wrigley UK spokesperson said: “We have been actively trying to find ways to absorb the rising costs of raw materials and operations, as we know the increase in the cost of living has impacted both consumers and businesses across the UK.
“Unfortunately, the growing pressures mean that more needs to be done.
“Reducing the size of our products is not a decision we have taken lightly but it is necessary for shoppers to still be able to enjoy their favourite Starburst treats without compromising on quality or taste.”
It’s another blow to shoppers faced with high food costs and products decreasing in size.
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Starbursts aren’t the only product that have reduced in size but not cost.
Celebrations, Heroes and Roses hitting supermarket shelves weigh 50g less than last year.
Celebrations have been reduced in size from 650g to 600g but now cost 50p more.
Mars Wrigley, which makes the sweets, blamed rising costs for the decision to reduce the number of sweets in tubs and hike the price.
The food company sets the recommended retail price (RRP) – but retailers can sell them for less if they want.
This year the RRP is £5.50, up from £5 last year, meaning shoppers are paying more for fewer chocs.
Meanwhile, Cadbury has also shrunk tubs of Heroes and Roses from 600g to 550g, citing similar reasons.
The retail price set by the chocolate maker for both Heroes and Roses tubs is £8.09.
The price hasn’t increased – but the tactic is known as shrinkflation.
It means that shoppers will be left paying the same price for less rice.
Other items recently affected by shrinkflation include bottled beers, frozen vegetables, cheese, tea and coffee.
Starburst isn’t the only sweet treat to undergo a change in recent weeks.
Lucozade has changed the recipe of the beloved drink – and not everyone’s happy about it.
Meanwhile Cadbury axed one of its most popular products – and fans are devastated.
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