In these inflationary times it is a familiar experience: everyday items, from cat food to ice cream, are cut down in size while prices stay high or even rise. The guardians of the Galaxy brand, Mars Inc, have decided to roll out this repeated plotline for its smooth milk chocolate bars. They were 110g but are now 100g. Last October, the recommended retail price for a bar of Galaxy chocolate was raised from £1.39 to £1.50. But the size had remained the same - until last month. A UK spokesperson for Mars said it was not a decision that was taken lightly but was "necessary". "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," they said. "Unfortunately, the growing pressures mean that more needs to be done." The practice is legal as long as the quantity stated on the pack is accurate, but it can feel underhand.
