The products remain sweet but the prices are beginning to leave a bitter taste in the mouths of customers.

The prices of many local and imported confectionery products have increased again this year, due largely to higher costs for imported ingredients, sugar, local manufacturing costs and transport.

The changes are small in comparison to increases on food and dry goods but for children and other sweets lovers, they are noticeable.

Prices have increased cross the board on chewing gum, hard candies, chocolates and chocolate products.

Most changes are in the vicinity of 15 cents to 25 cents, resulting in items like mints being retailed by some vendors at 60 cents each. Lollipops and other flavoured rock candies have increased by up to 50 cents at some retailers.

Imported chewables - such as gummy candies - have increased by up to $2 per average retail serving, which is usually one quarter of a pound.

Imported chocolates and chocolates products have undergone similar changes, rising by up to $3 for larger, bar-type candies and up to $2 for products sold by the pound.