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
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