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Crisp packets lighter than they seem?
1 Mar
Summary
- Consumer watchdog reports widespread shrinkflation in groceries.
- Crisp packet contents were weighed and counted for popular brands.
- Some packets contain fewer crisps than expected for their price.
The cost-of-living crisis has intensified scrutiny on grocery prices and product sizes. Consumer watchdog groups have identified a growing trend of 'shrinkflation,' where manufacturers decrease product quantities while maintaining or increasing prices. This practice has been observed across various essentials, including toothpaste, coffee, and chocolate.
A recent investigation delved into this phenomenon by examining popular crisp brands. Researchers meticulously counted the number of crisps in various packets and weighed their contents to compare against stated quantities. This process aimed to reveal discrepancies between perceived value and actual product delivered to consumers.
Findings indicated varied results across brands. Some packets contained fewer crisps than anticipated, with factors like crisp fragmentation and the 'dust' at the bottom of bags affecting the overall count and weight. The presence of air in crisp packets, necessary for protection during transit, was also noted as a contributing factor to apparent volume discrepancies.
While most tested packets adhered to their stated net weights, some fell marginally short. The investigation highlighted consumer concerns about receiving less product for their money, especially during periods of economic pressure. It suggests that shoppers may wish to remain vigilant about product sizes and weights when making purchasing decisions.
