New research reveals that a whopping nine in ten parents (88 percent) have nabbed their children’s Easter chocolate over the years, with over half (51 percent) planning to enjoy dipping in to their kids’ Easter treats this year.

And when it comes to passing the blame, one in ten (13 percent) light-fingered mums and dads blame the unsuspecting Easter Bunny for the chocolate heist.

Nearly half (47 percent) admit to waiting until their children have gone to sleep, before pilfering eggs, while 24 percent have succumbed to a chocolate craving while their kids were at school.

According to research by KITKAT, 36 percent try to justify their actions by telling themselves they are preventing their kids for eating too much chocolate.

However, almost half of Brits (46 percent) have been caught red handed by their children, with a quarter (28 percent) of parents being questioned about it.

When interrogated by their children, 47 percent of parents held their hands up and admitted to stealing the chocolate, while a sixth (16 percent) blamed the act on their partner.

One in ten (13 percent) accused the Easter bunny, with another 10 percent feigning complete innocence.

68 percent of the parents polled claimed they have even bought replacement treats to cover up their chocolate crime, with those in Manchester (39 percent) and Newcastle Upon Tyne (39 percent) the most likely to nip out for replacements before they were caught.

As we head into the nation’s most anticipated chocolate season, Easter egg hunts are being planned across the country, with as many as 80 percent of parents planning an Easter egg hunt for their children this year.

When it comes to hiding Easter chocolate, parents excel, with over half of Brits (52 percent) claiming to have hidden chocolate eggs, bunnies and treats so well that no one could find them.

It’s not just parents who are planning something special for Easter this year - KITKAT Bunny has taken over the sleepy village of Bunny in Nottinghamshire by erecting a giant edible bunny in the local village green. The Parish has also joined in the fun and officially renamed the village from Bunny to Easter Bunny Village for the day. See images here - https://we.tl/t-kNk5GZjeC8


Lucy Fawcett, seasonal brand manager at KITKAT said: “Easter is the perfect time of year to celebrate with the gift of chocolate, and here at Nestlé, we’re not the only ones with a spring in our step. It was wonderful to see the thrilled reaction of local residents as their village green hosted a very special visit from our giant Easter Bunny, who was of course, bearing some delicious gifts.’’

“We’re kicking off Easter festivities in style in the newly renamed Easter Bunny Village and we have a fantastic range of KitKat® Bunny treats to celebrate with.’’