This year, Easter Sunday falls on 5th April 2026 and what better way to celebrate than with a chocolate Easter egg… or two? From classic hollow eggs to extravagant, filled and themed creations, these seasonal treats have come a long way. But where did this much-loved tradition begin?
The Origins of Eggs at Easter
For centuries, eggs have symbolised life and rebirth, making them a natural fit for springtime celebrations. In Christianity, eggs came to represent Jesus’ resurrection after his crucifixion. During the medieval period, when Christians practiced Lent, foods like eggs were forbidden, and so Easter Sunday marked their much-anticipated return. Over time, eggs soon evolved into gifts, with people decorating and exchanging them as part of the Easter celebration.
Chocolate Eggs
The first chocolate Easter eggs appeared in the 19th century, pioneered by confectioners in France and Germany. In the UK, Fry’s introduced the first hollow chocolate Easter egg in 1873, closely followed by Cadbury in 1875. Early versions were made from dark chocolate, but soon became creamier after the introduction of Cadbury Dairy Milk.
Easter Egg Chocolate Today
Today, chocolate Easter eggs are a firm favourite among chocolate lovers. In the UK alone, around 80 million Easter eggs are purchased each year, making it a multi-million-pound industry. The tradition has also expanded beyond eggs, with chocolate bunnies and chicks becoming seasonal staples. Retailers such as Marks & Spencer have even embraced more playful creations – reimagining classic treats like the nation’s favourite custard creams in chocolate form.