New research has revealed that a whopping nine in ten parents (88%) have nabbed their children’s Easter chocolate over the years, with over half (51%) planning to enjoy dipping into their kids’ Easter treats this year. And when it comes to passing the blame, one in ten (13%) light-fingered mums and dads blame the unsuspecting Easter Bunny for the chocolate heist. Nearly half (47%) admit to waiting until their children go to sleep before pilfering eggs, while 24% have succumbed to a chocolate craving while their kids were at school.
According to research by Kit Kat, 36% try to justify their actions by telling themselves they are preventing their kids from eating too much chocolate. However, almost half of Brits (46%) have been caught red-handed by their children, with over a quarter (28%) of parents being questioned about it. When interrogated by their children, 47% of parents held their hands up and admitted to stealing the chocolate, while a sixth (16%) blamed the act on their partner. One in ten (13%) accused the Easter Bunny, with another 10% feigning complete innocence. 68% of the parents polled claimed they have even bought replacement treats to cover up their chocolate crime, with those in Manchester (39%) and Newcastle upon Tyne (39%) the most likely to nip out for replacements before they were caught.
As we head into the nation’s most anticipated chocolate season, Easter egg hunts are being planned across the country, with as many as 80% of parents planning one for their children this year. When it comes to hiding Easter chocolate, parents excel, with over half of Brits (52%) claiming to have hidden chocolate eggs, bunnies and treats so well that no one could find them.
It’s not just parents who are planning something special for Easter this year: Kit Kat has taken over the sleepy village of Bunny in Nottinghamshire by erecting a giant edible bunny in the local village green. The Parish has also joined in the fun by officially renaming the village to Easter Bunny Village for the day.
Lucy Fawcett, seasonal brand manager at Kit Kat said, “Easter is the perfect time of year to celebrate with the gift of chocolate and, here at Nestlé, we’re not the only ones with a spring in our step. It was wonderful to see the thrilled reaction of local residents as their village green hosted a very special visit from our giant Easter Bunny, who was, of course, bearing some delicious gifts. We’re kicking off Easter festivities in style in the newly renamed Easter Bunny Village, and we have a fantastic range of Kit Kat bunny treats to celebrate with.’’
