There are things we routinely eat, so when I shop, I often just pick up a box of what I need and never even look at the content size. I mean, when was the last time you checked how many ounces was in a box of cereal or a candy bar? If you’re anything like most Americans, it’s never. You might compare a box of cereal to the one sitting next to it, but who actually remembers how many ounces was in the box you purchased?
Food companies are banking on no one remembering. A few companies have started downsizing the contents of the products you buy on a regular basis, while not altering the size of the packaging. So you still think you are getting the same amount, and you are certainly paying for the same amount, but you are taking home less! Sneaky, isn’t it?!
It’s also a brilliant way to cut costs without the consumer knowing they are doing just that! Tropicana reduced the size of its Orange and Raspberry juice by 15%, a 400g Toblerone bar is now a 360g bar and instead of 15 peaks it boasts only 11, and a Snickers bar went from 58g to 48g. And we were none the wiser.
What do you think? Is this a sneaky way to cut costs or a brilliant one? Would you rather know about the reduced sizes or stay in the dark? Would it change what you buy?
Let me know what you think!
~Mavis
Sarah says
I have noticed this myself. More so when buying online. Buy the economy size but it’s not as big as what you are used to getting. I’ve always checked amount sizes since there are 5 of us to buy for but it seems like the cost is staying high but the amount in the packaging is getting smaller.
Sharon says
Hi Mavis 🙂
Mavis Butterfield says
Hey!
Jenny Young says
I don’t think there is anything sneaky about it. Should we expect companies to send us a notice pointing out the smaller sizes? We choose what we buy & It’s our job to read labels. As far as saving money, in some ways it’s more expensive to use smaller packaging because you have to use more packaging.
My husband works in the food industry. He does a lot of reading about food production & what consumers want. His employer has been asked for smaller sizes from consumers. The smaller sized packaging sells well so they keep producing more.
When I was feeding a growing family, larger portions were more important to me. Now that we’re in the empty nest I like finding smaller or individual portion sizes for products we would only use in small amounts. I buy a lot more this way than I ever have.
UpstateNYer says
Something to consider: Smaller portion sized products and individual portions boxed and bagged equals more packaged waste.
I am single. I often make family sized dinners and portion it out to eat a second time or pop it in the freezer for a choice at a later date.
Ramona says
I’ve known for years that product amount was being reduced but packaging still the same size. Boxes of cereal have more air in the bag, less cereal, same size box. Tuna cans same size, less fish, more water or oil added to can. More packaging adds more waste and adds more to landfills.
Deborah says
Yes, we haven’t had 1/2 gallons of ice cream for quite a while. And I don’t know when it happened but sugar is 4# now.
Aggie from Ohio says
Has anyone else noticed the quality of products has decreased also? DUCK TAPE has changed its ” holding stregth”. Now the super or max strength is like the original strength was years ago ! You now have to pay more for what was standard adhesion before by buying the super or max strength. Check the sizes or amounts to see for yourself. Read the labels.
Deborah says
I first. It iced this on coffee, and then sugar. I’m not sure about what I think about shrinking the size, but keeping the price the same. We use a lot more coffee than sugar. LOL We are a two pot a day family. (I only drink one cup, the rest goes to HD and his mom). I will drink a cup or two of hot herbal, caffeine free tea. I have to have the caffeine free. Caffeine does not like my body, or my body doesn’t tolerate caffeine. I like the herbal tea cold, too. I have also found that if I make a hot drink using cranberry juice,mint is good on cold days.
Cinnamon Imperials Punch
1 quart bottle of 100% Cranberry juice (or Apple cider)
A smallish package of Cinnamon Imperial candies
I use a percolator to heat mine. Pour in the juice, add the basket to the percolator, and place the cinnamon candies in it. Perk for about 5 minutes, or until the candies are all dissolved.
Since we don’t drink it all at once, after it cools, I pour it back into the bottle and refrigerate the rest. When I want a cup, I pour in the amount I want and heat it in the microwave. Usually one minute is enough for me.
Kathy G says
I have noticed recently if there is a super sale on an item many times the packaging is going to change. Downsizing and changing the weight on the package comes after me stocking up on a favorite item.
When buying baking supplies for the holidays I kept on seeing sales on 4 pounds of sugar. Not sure when that changed, always was 5 pounds before!
Emily B. says
It feels inherently a bit sneaky, (ie. they splash across the packaging when something gets bigger, or improved, but certainly not when they reduce or lessen the quality of an item).
That said, I wish manufacturers would use more size appropriate packaging if they are going to reduce the volume.
I’m not up in arms about it, and think most of the supersized lifestyle we live in now could do with a little downsizing.
Mavis Butterfield says
“I wish manufacturers would use more size appropriate packaging if they are going to reduce the volume.” Me too!
Renay says
Yep, noticed over here, too. On the one hand, it’s business. On the other hand, a little less is good for our muffin tops!
bobbi dougherty says
It does feel a little sneaky, mainly because they don’t adjust the price, but it IS up to us to check labels, etc and make good choices. We need to have accountability for ourselves and quit leaning on…’others’. And I agree with Emily, we could stand some downsizing, lol. I don’t think it changes the way I buy though. I try to buy on the perimeter of the store anyway and rarely buy processed things, soda and the like.
Linda Sand says
It’s a challenge when you have entered your favorite foods into a food tracking program but you don’t notice the quantity has changed–that a can of tuna is no longer a can of tuna. There is a minimum number of calories per day people need to eat so this can quickly become unhealthful if you don’t catch the change right away.
Barb says
I first noticed this about 25 years ago with diapers. Fewer in the package, same cost!
Gina says
It’s like, my half gallon size icecream is no longer half gallon, ugh! Maybe they are trying to tell me something…..:)
Erin says
I noticed a long time ago when trying to follow my mom’s old recipes. They would call for a 15 or 16 ounce can of something, but I could only get 14 1/2 ounce cans. Doesn’t surprise me at all that they do this. It’s all about reducing costs while increasing profits. Sad, really.
Linda Tibbetts says
Another problem with smaller sizes in what used to be the “standard” size is that I have a lot of recipes that say ” 1 package of” or “1 can of” and changing the product size results in changes in those recipes. I don’t like the smaller sizes for other reasons, too. My canisters hold a certain size of flour, sugar, etc. I know the size changed -the price didn’t, and neither did my recipes or my canisters. ACK!
Marcia says
I freaking HATE it and I’ve noticed it for years. When did they shrink canned beans from 16 oz to 14 oz? Or tomatoes.
The WORST is all the companies that suddenly (a few years ago) shrunk the size of a bag of frozen veggies from 16 oz to 12 oz. That’s so stupid. I need a full pound for dinner. I flat out REFUSE to buy them. The *only* places I buy frozen veg now (which are my “back ups” when we run out of fresh veg by Thursday) are Trader Joe’s or the 99 cent store, because they are a full pound. Or costco.
Stephanie Hughes says
I think that some of it has to do with government regulations requiring smaller portions sizes, and reduction. Notice the smaller cans, reduced sugar and the balance adage everywhere?
When all else fails blame the government.
Dawn, DE says
Have you noticed how hard it is to get a pound of bacon? The packages are all 12 oz. Mayonnaise is now 30oz not 32. One thing I like about Walmart is they put the price per oz on the same sticker as the price. I compare oz prices. Makes it much easier on my brain.
Karin says
Yes! I have noticed and I agree that it is sneaky. I’m observant about the changes but I’m sure there are a whole lot of people who don’t check sizes. And it’s not just paying more per ounce, this can also negatively affect recipes. I totally disagree with the poster who says it’s due to consumer needs. Consumers are asking for less tuna per can?? Are consumers asking for their toilet paper rolls to narrower too? They make the rolls the same diameter and same number of sheets but shrink the width of the roll. I see no benefit to the consumer in that.
Helen in Meridian where we have 16" of snow on the gorund and below zero weather today. says
I have noticed that Costco quarts, gallons, and 5 lb pkgs are correct, like the good old days. Their ice cream is a quart etc.
Mavis Butterfield says
Do you really have 16″ of snow? I should come visit!!!!
UpstateNYer says
I just realized today that there is less pasta in a box after a shopping trip and loading up my pantry with what I purchased! Ronzoni sells penne in 16 oz boxes. But if you try their new White Fiber Penne there is only 12 oz. in a box. You should not be penalized for making healthier choices for your family!
Cheryl says
For families with lots of growing kids (especially teen boys) and hungry mouths it represents a real financial pain and those smaller packages no longer feed 4 but just 3 making it necessary to add another dish to the table. I think it VERY DECEITFUL!