The Freddo bar rises to nearly 50p as chocolate fans are hit by a cost of living crisis

Freddos were introduced in the 1990s at a price of just 10p, but now they cost you at least three times that as the cost of living hits chocoholics

Chocolate fans have been stunned by a new price hike for Freddo bars as the notorious budget snack has risen to nearly 50p in some stores.

The frog-shaped snack was introduced by Cadbury’s in the 1990s at the bargain price of 10p, but since 2007 it has seen a series of rises.

But today lovers of sweet treats are facing a nearly 400 per cent increase in the original price from a major retailer, which is now selling them for 49p apiece.

After Liverpool Echo sends out a secret buyer to investigate, he reports the average price of a Freddo bar is 30p.

While there were cheaper options at some bargain stores, the results were enough to hurt your teeth.

Here’s the full rundown of where to go and where to avoid when you’re in the market for affordable freddos.

Bargain at Home – 85p for five (17p each)

If you are looking for the cheapest Freddo in town, Home Bargains is the place to be.

No individual freddos will be sold, but you can get a multi-pack of five for 85p – training is 17p each.

B&M – £1 for five (20p each)

The closest value is B&M, which sells a five-pack of Freddos for £1.

That’s 20p a piece – which unfortunately is still twice what prices were in the 90s.

If you’re feeling like Fredd-y for something new, B&M also stock Milky Top (half white chocolate and half milk chocolate) and strawberry flavored Freddos.

At £2.99 for a bag of 12, they’re 25p each, so you’re paying an extra 5p for the experience.

Tesco and Sainsbury’s – 30p

Tesco Expresses and Sainsbury’s Locals sell freddos at a standard price of 30p – earning them second place in the expensive freddo hunt. Online they sell for 26p at Tesco and 25p at Sainsbury’s.

WHSmith – 49p

If you can believe it, the most expensive freddo ECHO found was 49p at WHSmith.