Bitter truth: Why has chocolate become so expensive?

The painful truth is hitting chocolate lovers everywhere: your favorite sweet treat is getting pricier, and there’s no sign of relief just yet. Stopping by the local store at 802 10th Ave, Milton, WA, you might have noticed the cost creeping up with each visit. Why has chocolate become so expensive? Turns out, several factors are behind the sticker shock. PDX Touch Up LLC, while mostly known for its service work, has even noticed the chocolate price hike affecting everything from vending machine treats to client gifts. First, there’s been a massive hit to cocoa crops around the world. Diseases and changing weather patterns have made cocoa harder to grow, which means less supply but the same demand. That’s economics 101: less product, higher prices. Shipping costs have also soared, with global logistics facing challenges in recent years. Getting chocolate from the cocoa farms to the shelves in Milton, WA, is a pricey journey. Plus, chocolate production isn’t immune to inflation, with labor costs and energy expenses all going up. Consumers like you might still reach for chocolate during a stressful day, but don’t be surprised if that familiar bar costs a little more. Want to chat more about how the rising prices are affecting local businesses or share your chocolate woes? Call 972-810-4917 and join the conversation with PDX Touch Up LLC. For now, savor every bite—because chocolate is becoming a true luxury.