Court Says Chocolate Company Lied to Customers

May 13, 2026, 18:17
EuropeFinance

Introduction

A court in Germany says the company Mondelēz lied to people. They made Milka chocolate bars smaller but kept the same package.

Main Body

The chocolate bar was 100g. Then it became 90g. The price also went up from €1.49 to €1.99. The company did not tell customers about the smaller size on the package. Mondelēz said cocoa and energy cost more money. They said they told people on the internet. The court said this was not enough. The company must put a note on the package for four months. Other companies do this too. Mondelēz changed the size of Toblerone chocolate in 2016. Many chocolate brands now have less food in the box because cocoa is expensive.

Conclusion

The company must now tell customers the truth. Mondelēz has 30 days to fight this decision in court.

Learning

📦 The 'Change' Pattern

When things move from one state to another, we use specific words. Look at how the story describes changes:

  • Size: 100g →\rightarrow 90g (It became smaller)
  • Price: €1.49 →\rightarrow €1.99 (It went up)

Key A2 Phrases to remember:

  1. "Became [adjective]" →\rightarrow The bar became smaller.
  2. "Went up" →\rightarrow The price went up.

⚖️ Action & Result

Notice how the text links a rule to a requirement:

  • The Rule: The company lied.
  • The Result: The company must put a note on the package.

Use "must" when there is no other choice. Example: I must study for the test.

Vocabulary Learning

court (n.)
a place where legal cases are decided
Example:The court heard the arguments from both sides.
company (n.)
a business organization that makes or sells goods
Example:The company announced a new product line.
people (n.)
human beings; a group of individuals
Example:People were waiting in line for tickets.
chocolate (n.)
a sweet food made from cocoa beans
Example:She ate a piece of chocolate for dessert.
bar (n.)
a flat, rectangular piece of food or a place that sells drinks
Example:He bought a chocolate bar at the store.
price (n.)
the amount of money you pay for something
Example:The price of the book increased.
customers (n.)
people who buy goods or services
Example:Customers left feedback after the sale.
package (n.)
a wrapped or boxed item ready for shipping
Example:The package arrived on time.
cocoa (n.)
the powder made from roasted cocoa beans, used to make chocolate
Example:Cocoa is used in many desserts.
energy (n.)
the power that makes things work
Example:The machine uses a lot of energy.
cost (n.)
the amount of money needed to buy something
Example:The cost of the trip was high.
money (n.)
coins or bills used as payment
Example:She saved money for a vacation.
internet (n.)
a global computer network that connects people
Example:He checked the internet for news.
note (n.)
a short written message
Example:Leave a note on the door.
months (n.)
periods of time, each about a month long
Example:The project will take several months.
other (adj.)
different from the one mentioned
Example:Other students joined the club.
changed (v.)
became different after an action
Example:The rules changed last year.
size (n.)
how big or small something is
Example:Choose a size that fits you.
brands (n.)
names of products or companies
Example:He prefers certain brands of cereal.
food (n.)
anything that people eat
Example:Healthy food keeps you strong.
box (n.)
a container made of cardboard or wood
Example:The gift was in a red box.
truth (n.)
the real facts or reality
Example:He told the truth about the accident.
decision (n.)
a choice made after thinking
Example:The decision was difficult but necessary.
fight (v.)
to argue or contest
Example:They will fight for the prize.
days (n.)
24-hour periods
Example:The event will last for three days.