At court on Tuesday, Pool, from Dewsbury Road, Tingley, near Leeds, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and theft.
Prosecutor Owen Beale said the offence was not "spur of the moment", and there had been "significant planning".
Police said Pool had used a metal grinder to get through the gates of the industrial unit from where he stole the eggs and other varieties of chocolate.
His plan fell apart when he reached the northbound M42 where police pounced.
Mr Beale said: "He gave up at junction 11 and walked towards the police with his hands up - he was arrested and the load was recovered."
The haul was said to be worth more than £31,000 - about £9,000 less than Monday's police estimate.
Magistrates were told Pool had previous convictions in 2019 for similar offences including theft, handling stolen goods and driving while disqualified.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Shrewsbury Crown Court on 14 March for sentencing.
John McMillan, solicitor for the defendant, said his self-employed client knew a substantial sentence was likely.
He added: "There has been no interference with the food products that were taken - they will be in a condition that they can go back on the shelves."