Australians hunting for Easter treats this year might find the only thing cracking is their budget, with new Compare the Market research showing popular chocolates and snacks are up around 12% on average since last year.
The findings come as a new Compare the Market survey revealed the average Aussie will fork out $254.48 on Easter this year.*
The comparison website compared the regular retail price of a shopping trolley of 12 Easter treats in 2026 – ranging from Easter eggs, hot cross buns and chocolate bunnies – to see if there really has been a significant price increase compared to 2025. Nine of the 12 items analysed had seen price increases between 7.14% and 28.57%.
On average, shoppers will spend $16.40 more for the same 12 items, with some items analysed seeing sharp increases compared to 2025. These include:
- Kinder Surprise Milk Chocolate Blue Easter Bunny 75g – up 28.57% year-on-year
- Darrell Lea Easter Bilby Milk Chocolate 100g – up 23.52% year-on-year
- Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Easter Bunny 80g – up 23.07% year-on-year.
But it’s not all bad news, with the price of some hot cross buns and even some generic brand chocolate eggs remaining stagnant.
| Product | 2025 Price | 2026 Price | Price difference | Percentage difference |
| Lindt Lindor Assorted Chocolate Balls Gift Box | 235g | $28 | $30 | $2 | 7.14% |
| Coles Arnotts Iced Vovo Hot Cross Buns | 4 Pack | $5.5 | $5.50 | 0 | 0% |
| Cadbury Dairy Milk Easter Chocolate Eggs Bag | 114g | $6.7 | $7.50 | $0.80 | 11.94% |
| Lindt Easter Gold Bunny Milk Chocolate | 100g | $10 | $12 | $2 | 20% |
| Coles Finest Sea Salt & Caramel Almond Nougat Milk Chocolate Eggs | 120g | $5.50 | $5.50 | 0 | 0% |
| Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate Easter Bunny | 80g | $6.5 | $8 | $1.50 | 23.07% |
| Darrell Lea Easter Bilby Milk Chocolate 100g | $8.50 | $10.50 | $2 | 23.52% |
| Woolworths Traditional Fruit Hot Cross Buns 6 pack | $4.40 | $4.40 | 0 | 0% |
| Red Tulip Easter Hunt Chocolate Mini Eggs 916g | $23 | $25 | $2 | 8.69% |
| Darrell Lea Rocklea Road Speckled Mini Milk Chocolate Easter Eggs 250g | $16 | $18 | $2 | 12.5% |
| Ferrero Grand Rocher Milk Chocolate 125g | $12.90 | $15 | $2.10 | 16.27% |
| Kinder Surprise Milk Chocolate Blue Easter Bunny 75g | $7 | $9 | $2 | 28.57% |
Note: Research gathered by Compare the Market and prices are reflective of full retail prices, not factoring in specials. 2025 prices sourced from Woolworths and Coles shopping catalogues in March/April 2025 (Coles + Woolworths March 11 – 18, Coles + Woolworths March 18 – 25, Woolworths April 9 – 15). 2026 prices sourced from Woolworths online store on 16 March 2026. Prices are subject to change.
Compare the Market’s Chris Ford said the Easter price hikes come at a time when families are already being stretched.
“Easter has become one of those ‘sneaky‑expensive’ calendar moments and it’s going to hurt a whole lot more this year thanks to soaring fuel prices, rising interest rates, increased health insurance premiums and now higher prices for many Easter treats,” Mr Ford said.
“Cocoa shortages and volatile global prices are pushing up chocolate production costs, and that’s spilling into the Easter aisle. When you factor in ongoing shipping disruptions and rising local operating costs, it’s little wonder that many bunnies and eggs are more expensive this year. It’s an added cost that’s going to hurt families who are already struggling.”
New research from Compare the Market found that 42% of Australians surveyed believe Easter will financially stress them in 2026, with around a quarter (24%) reporting they expect to feel somewhat more stressed and 17% saying they’ll feel significantly more stressed.
And, amid rising prices, 71% of Australians surveyed said they will consider switching to cheaper, generic brands for at least one Easter item. The top Easter items Australians surveyed would consider switching from brand names to generic brands include:
- Chocolate eggs: 45%
- Chocolate bunnies: 31%
- Hot cross buns: 29%
- Party goods: 20%
- Seafood: 16%
“The gap between brands can be egg‑straordinary, so it’s always worth hunting around for a better deal,” Mr Ford said. “Sniffing out cheap‑and‑cheerful options can help you avoid an overly eggspensive Easter. Home brands and lesser‑known labels can still taste great, just without the flashy packaging.
“You can also crack the code on value by checking the unit price under each item. It’s a simple way to see whether a bunny or an egg gives you more choc for your chockie dollar.
“And don’t forget that some insurance providers, energy retailers, utilities and even roadside assistance programs offer handy shopping discounts. There may be perks hiding right under your nose, just waiting to be discovered in your Easter basket.”
*Compare the Market survey of 1,015 Australian adults, conducted March 2026.
For more information, please contact:
Phillip Portman | 0437 384 471 | [email protected]
Compare the Market is a comparison service that takes the hard work out of shopping around. We make it Simples for Australians to quickly and easily compare and buy insurance, energy, and home loans products from a range of providers. Our easy-to-use comparison tool helps you look for a range of products that may suit your needs and benefit your back pocket.
