Chocolate letters, a sweet treat and integral part of Sinterklaas celebrations in the Netherlands, have seen a steep price hike amid the high costs of cocoa. This year, the Dutch snack will cost you an average of 25 percent more than last year.

More expensive chocolate letters for Sinterklaas 

The price of chocolate itself has increased due to rising cocoa costs. Cocoa prices more than doubled earlier this year due to failed harvests in Africa caused by excessive rain. For this reason, Dutch residents can expect the Sinterklaas treats to cost between 20 and 25 percent more. According to RaboResearch analyst Sebastian Schreijen, some brands have increased their prices by as much as 40 percent.

A sample study by the Dutch Consumers’ Association (Consumentenbond) confirmed the cost variations among different brands and supermarkets. “A Jumbo house brand letter is 35 percent more expensive, while Albert Heijn letters have risen by 13 percent,” said Gerard Spierenburg, a spokesperson for the organisation.

Kruidnoten soar in popularity amid pricy chocolate letters

With how pricy chocoladeletters (chocolate letters) have become, many people in the Netherlands are turning to other seasonal treats to fill the gap. Kruidnoten, Dutch nuggets of gingery goodness usually eaten in winter, are becoming increasingly popular and being eaten earlier in the year. 

In previous years, the chocolate-coated kruidnoten were becoming more popular, but the original ones have made a comeback due to high cocoa prices. "The traditional kruidnoten have only increased in price slightly, the chocolate version by 10 to 15 percent. It is now 55 percent traditional and 45 percent chocolate, [previously] it was the other way around," Geert-Jan Zandbergen, the commercial director of Dutch baking company Bolletje, told ANP.