A 35-year-old Mars bar discovered during a house clearance in Scunthorpe has gone viral, highlighting the dramatic impact of shrinkflation on the beloved chocolate treat. The retro bar, weighing 62.5g, dwarfs the modern-day Mars bar, which now weighs just 40g—a 36% reduction in size.
Cleaner's Astonishing Find
Victoria Gordon, a 44-year-old cleaner who runs her own business specialising in hoarder clearances, stumbled upon the 1991 Mars bar while tidying a property in Scunthorpe. She told digital culture magazine creatorzine.com: 'While I do totally understand inflation, shrinkflation is a bit of a swizz as my Mum would say. The size difference was greater than I expected. Even though I knew it was big, I was surprised when I bought one to compare. It is a shame really.'
The find was nearly discarded, but Victoria noticed its unusual size. 'It was nearly as big as my hand, which was kind of why I noticed it,' she told BBC Radio Lincolnshire. 'We were clearing out a hoarder's house and everything we were rooting through was decades old. This Mars Bar stood out to me because as I picked it up it was nearly the whole length of my hand. I was like, "Wow, look at the size of that!"'
Shrinkflation in the Spotlight
The comparison between the 1991 bar and a modern one has sparked widespread discussion online, with many citing it as a prime example of shrinkflation—a phenomenon where products decrease in size while prices remain the same or increase. In 1991, a Mars bar cost between 25p and 30p, whereas today it retails for £1.20, meaning consumers pay significantly more for substantially less chocolate.
The viral photo, shared across social media, has drawn reactions from thousands, with many expressing nostalgia and frustration. Victoria shared her surprise at the attention: 'I have had videos go viral before, the hoarder houses are always popular but I am surprised how this has taken off.'
Mars Responds to Size Changes
Mars, the company behind the iconic bar, acknowledged the changes in a statement to the press. A spokesperson said: 'Over the last 35 years, we have made a number of updates to our bar sizes and pack formats to reflect consumer demand, alongside considering wider external factors such as manufacturing costs and the price of cocoa.'
This explanation highlights the economic pressures that have driven such decisions, but for many consumers, the visual evidence of shrinkflation is a stark reminder of how much has changed over the decades.
Broader Implications for Consumers
Shrinkflation is not unique to Mars bars; it has affected a wide range of products across the food and beverage industry. From chocolate bars to crisps and even household goods, manufacturers often reduce pack sizes to manage costs without raising prices, a tactic that can go unnoticed by busy shoppers.
The discovery has reignited debates about consumer awareness and the need for clearer labelling. Some campaigners argue that manufacturers should be more transparent about size reductions, while others view it as an inevitable consequence of inflation and rising ingredient costs.
For Victoria, the find has been a fascinating glimpse into the past. 'I find so many old and vintage things. I find it fascinating,' she said, reflecting on her work in hoarder clearances. The 1991 Mars bar, preserved for over three decades, serves as a tangible reminder of how our favourite treats have evolved—and not always for the better.
