Some big brands are continuing to downsize their products as shrinkflation continues.
In the seemingly never-ending shrinking of Bounty towels, the double rolls have just gone down from 98 select-a-size sheets to just 90. The new packages are noticeably lighter.
*MOUSE PRINT:
The triple rolls of Bounty were also downsized from 147 select-a-size sheets per roll to 135. Thanks to Richard G. for spotting that.
P&G continued its downsizing with Gain liquid laundry detergent. The now standard 92-ounce size just lost four ounces and is down to only 88 ounces. It is hard to tell any difference between the bottles. Could Tide be next?
*MOUSE PRINT:
People have been complaining about the amount of filling (the “stuf”) in Oreos decreasing lately. We don’t know if it has actually changed or not. But one thing for sure is some of their packages are getting smaller. In addition to regular Oreos and some of gluten-free ones, the family size bags of Double Stuf Oreos now have four fewer cookies in each bag. Perhaps the family got smaller.
*MOUSE PRINT:
Dawn is another one of those brands that periodically changes sizes. This time, the 19.4-ounce bottle was downsized to 18 ounces. Did you notice?
*MOUSE PRINT:
Colleen M. reported that even medical products are getting downsized. In particular, BD brand syringes used for injecting insulin have gone from 100 in a box down 10-percent to just 90. Yet, the package erroneously still says there are 10 multi-packs inside when there are really only nine. Our consumer went on to say, “The packaging has not changed at all, the box is the same size (making people think they are getting the same amount), but we are now getting 10% less.”
When you buy a baker’s dozen of bagels, you get one additional bagel. What do you call it when you buy a pakcage of Sara Lee bagels and get one less? Steve C. of Arizona says it is a sneaky change.
*MOUSE PRINT:
This brand of ice cream and frozen yogurt, primarily distributed in western states, was one of the last holdouts to reduce their 56-ounce containers to 48 ounces. Thanks to Janet W. and Michael F. for this tip.
*MOUSE PRINT:
P&G continues to shrink various varieties of their toothpastes. This time it is Crest Detoxify which went from 4.1 ounces to 3.7 ounces — about a 10% reduction.
*MOUSE PRINT:
Snack foods, and in particular potato chips, are one of the categories of groceries that keep being downsized. This time, it is Kettle potato chips going from 8.5-oz. bags to 7.5-oz. bags.
*MOUSE PRINT:
Another category subject to periodic shrinkage is laundry detergents. This time, it is All Free & Clear’s turn, where the number of laundry pacs in one of their larger sizes had gone from 66 to down 60. So you get a half a dozen fewer loads per bag.
*MOUSE PRINT:
They used to call these “Sugar Pops” years ago, but Kellogg’s found a healthier-sounding way to market them. The small 10-ounce box appears to be getting company in places like drugstores with an even smaller box being introduced –one with over 20-percent less. To see them head-on, they look identical.
*MOUSE PRINT:
We asked Kellogg’s if the 7.8 oz. size was replacing the 10-oz. one. Customer service responded, “Both sizes are currently in the market and it is up the retailer to decide which sizes they will carry.” Walgreens apparently carries both at the moment, and at the same price.
The large size of Corn Pops also is being downsized from 14.3 ounces to 13.1 ounces. The new box is actually taller than the old one (but narrower), costs 20 cents more at our Stop & Shop, and provides nine servings instead of ten!
Nick B. told us about Ortega taco shells in “new look” packages, that almost an ounce going from 5.8 ounces to 4.9. And he said, they no longer came in a protective tray. The change took place around the fall of 2022.
*MOUSE PRINT:
Thanks to all our submitters. If you find an item that has recently gotten smaller, please send a sharp, side-by-side picture of the old and new product, showing the net weight or net count to Edgar (at symbol) ConsumerWorld.org . Thanks!
The internet has been buzzing about Zesta saltine crackers of all things (and so has reader J.C.). Some purchasers discovered when they opened the familiar one-pound boxes that the sleeves of crackers inside were as much as two inches shorter than normal.
