The Origins of Easter Chocolate (Plus Our Must-Try Favourites)

When Easter rolls around, the first things that likely come to mind are colourful eggs, bunny ears, and, of course, chocolate.

From egg hunts in the backyard to beautifully wrapped chocolate gifts, Easter has become one of the sweetest celebrations of the year.

But where did this delicious tradition come from?

Let’s crack open the history of Easter chocolate—and if you’re feeling peckish, don’t worry. We’ve rounded up our top treats, too.

Cracking Open the History of Easter Chocolate

Eggs & Easter – How it Came to Be

The tradition of giving eggs at Easter dates back much further than you might expect. In pre-Christian Europe, eggs were symbols of rebirth and fertility, associated with spring and the changing of the seasons. Many historians trace this to Pagan rituals that celebrated renewal and new life.

In Jewish tradition, the egg is also featured on the Passover Seder plate, symbolising sacrifice and the cycle of life. As Christianity spread, these symbolic eggs were embraced and incorporated into Easter celebrations, particularly representing the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In fact, dyeing and decorating eggs is a tradition believed to date back to early Christians in Mesopotamia, who used natural ingredients like beetroot for red or onion skins for yellow to colour their eggs.

By the Middle Ages in Europe, eggs were commonly given as gifts, and some Protestant communities were even required to present eggs as part of their annual rent on Good Friday. Egg-related traditions like egg hunts and egg-tapping games also began to take hold across the UK and Europe.

Unwrapping the Origins of Easter Chocolate

So, when did chocolate enter the picture?

That came much later, around the 19th century. At the time, chocolate was considered a luxury item, expensive and rare. But in 1873, British chocolatier Fry’s (now part of Cadbury) produced the first chocolate Easter egg. This marked a turning point. Cadbury soon followed with their own version, and by the late 1800s, chocolate Easter eggs became a popular gift, thanks to advancements in chocolate moulding and mass production.

Even today, Easter remains one of the biggest chocolate-selling seasons of the year. While hollow eggs are the norm, many brands get creative with filled eggs, truffles, and novelty designs—something we proudly showcase in our Easter collection at One Stop British Shop.

Our Best Picks from Easter Chocolate Range

Cadbury Mixed Creme Egg 5pk (200g)

An all-time classic! This assorted pack includes your favourite Cadbury creme-filled eggs, perfect for gifting or sneaking one at a time.

Shop here.

Galaxy Creamy Truffle Mini Egg (74g)

Smooth, rich Galaxy milk chocolate meets a decadent truffle filling. Small in size but big in indulgence.

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Nestlé Yorkie Large Egg (196g)

For those who love the bold flavour and a hearty bite, the Yorkie Egg is packed with rich Nestlé chocolate and Yorkie bars inside.

Shop here. 

Twix Egg (170g)

Chocolate, caramel and biscuit lovers, this one’s for you. Enjoy the delicious layers of a Twix bar wrapped in a creamy chocolate egg.

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Nestlé Milkybar White Chocolate Egg (65g)

 A sweet and creamy delight, this white chocolate Milkybar egg is perfect for kids—or grown-up fans of the classic!

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Mars Egg (171g)

Smooth milk chocolate paired with that unmistakable Mars nougat and caramel centre. A crowd-pleasing favourite.

Shop here.

Hop into Easter with Something Sweet!

At One Stop British Shop, we bring you the best of British Easter chocolate, combining tradition with modern indulgence.

Whether you’re a fan of classic Cadbury eggs or looking to try something new, we’ve got a selection that will satisfy your Easter cravings.