# Shrinkflation debate following Mars bar discovery

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/shrinkflation-debate-following-mars-bar-discovery
> Updated: 2026-08-18T05:15:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

The discovery of an unopened Mars bar from 1991 by a professional cleaner in Scunthorpe has triggered a public debate regarding shrinkflation. The vintage bar, which weighed approximately 62.5g to 65g, is notably larger than modern versions that typically weigh between 40g and 51g.

Discussions surrounding the find have highlighted the economic trend of manufacturers reducing product size while maintaining or increasing prices. While the 1991 bar was priced at 25p, current versions cost approximately £1.30. Victoria Gordon, who discovered the item during a house clearance, described the practice of reducing size while maintaining prices as “a shame and a form of deception.”

A spokesperson for Mars stated that the company has updated bar sizes and packaging formats over the last 35 years to reflect consumer demand and external factors, such as manufacturing costs and cocoa prices.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Shrinkflation highlighted by discovery of 35-year-old Mars bar

A British woman discovered a 35-year-old Mars bar that was larger and significantly cheaper than modern versions, highlighting the impact of inflation and shrinkflation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shrinkflation-highlighted-by-discovery-of-35-year-old-mars-bar

### 2026-08-08: Mars bar from 1991 sparks shrinkflation debate

The discovery of a 1991 Mars bar by a UK cleaner has gone viral, serving as a visual example of shrinkflation as the vintage bar is significantly larger than modern versions.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mars-bar-discovery-highlights-shrinkflation-trends

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Cite as: Shrinkflation debate following Mars bar discovery. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/shrinkflation-debate-following-mars-bar-discovery