**Title: Vintage Mars Bar from 1991 Discovered, Sparking Conversations on Shrinkflation**
*Published: 10 August 2026*
In a remarkable find during a house clearance in Scunthorpe, a 35-year-old Mars Bar has been unearthed, drawing attention to the phenomenon of "shrinkflation." The chocolate bar, which boasts a best-before date of 1991, was discovered by Victoria Gordon, who operates a cleaning service called Pocket Rockets.
Gordon stumbled upon the vintage treat on August 5 while sorting through items in a hoarder's home. She noted the bar's impressive size, weighing in at 62.5 grams, which is significantly larger than the current Mars Bar, which weighs only 40 grams. The size difference caught her eye, leading her to share a photo of the two bars side by side on social media, which quickly went viral.
Speaking on BBC Radio Lincolnshire, Gordon described her astonishment at the find. "It was nearly as big as my hand, which was kind of why I noticed it," she explained. "I was like, 'Wow, look at the size of that!'" Her post has sparked discussions about the changes in product sizes over the years, with many consumers reflecting on their own experiences with shrinkflation—where products decrease in size while prices remain the same or even increase.
In response to the discovery, a spokesperson for Mars acknowledged that the company has made various adjustments to their bar sizes and packaging formats over the past 35 years. These changes, they noted, are influenced by consumer demand as well as external factors such as manufacturing costs and the price of cocoa.
Gordon expressed uncertainty about what she will do with the old Mars Bar. Initially considering discarding it, she now contemplates the possibility of turning it into a unique attraction, joking about a potential UK tour showcasing the chocolate relic. "I do post some hoarding videos but I've never had anything go this viral," she remarked, highlighting the unexpected interest in her find.
The discovery has ignited conversations about the broader implications of shrinkflation in the food industry, with consumers increasingly aware of how product sizes have changed over the years. As companies adjust their offerings to meet economic pressures, many shoppers are left wondering about the value of their purchases.
As the story continues to gain traction online, it serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of consumer goods and the nostalgia associated with products from the past. The 1991 Mars Bar stands not only as a relic of a bygone era but also as a symbol of changing consumer expectations in an ever-evolving market.