Paying More for Less

Food Packaging Containers Decrease in Size; The Price You Pay Increases

Annette Robbins
Annette Robbins, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Apr 28, 2011 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
As you meander through the grocery aisles of your favorite supermarket, you have probably noticed a dramatic decrease in the size or weight of the food packaging container while paying more for the item. I first noticed the change several years ago when a half gallon of ice cream became less than a half gallon but the marked price increased instead of decreasing to correlate with the lesser weight of the food item. At first, the changes were almost imperceptible but as time went on and a few years later, I notice that canned items, frozen foods and an array of food items are a lesser weight or contain less in the packaging than several years ago. It appears the entire food industry has adopted the practice of offering less food content for more money. This is not good news for shoppers' shrinking pockets. It is quite frustrating but what can one do? We cannot stop shopping. If you change supermarkets, you are faced with the same dilemma---less content with higher prices. The practice is pervasive in the food industry.

So what can a shopper do to offset the higher food prices? If you are frustrated by the trend of paying more and getting less you can contact the manufacturer and respectfully voice your complaint and some manufacturers may reward you with coupons to help offset the cost of your favorite food items. I have written food manufacturers and often received a coupon in return for sending a letter of commendation or even the occasional complaint letter. One other tactic is to note the sales in your favorite grocery store or supermarkets and stock up on the items on sale. Yes, the weight is still the same but at least you get a bargain for your dollar. In today's economy I am appreciative of any savings that helps me keep more dollars in my pocket.

Published by Annette Robbins

After working 20 fulfilling years as a vocational rehabilitation counselor in an outpatient program, my husband and I retired, moved from New Jersey and relocated to Georgia. We have a 7 year old grandson...  View profile

There is a growing trend in the food industry for manufacturers to reduce the weight and size of the product and charge more for less content.

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  • Betty Asphy5/17/2011

    This is so true Annette. I purchased a bag of potato chips. The bag was mostly air. almost could not find the chips.

  • Melissa Matters5/5/2011

    Great idea to contact the company!

  • Jeanne Baney5/2/2011

    With gas prices high, they have to either raise prices or make the amount smaller. They always pass on costs to the consumer. Writing a real letter goes a long way!

  • Bridgitte Williams5/1/2011

    I agree! Many companies are feeling the bad economic times, just like us. Good article!

  • Jack Wellman4/30/2011

    Yes, it is discouraging to see prices skyrocket and so also the profits from oil companies while the average consumer struggles to make ends meet. We have to make decisions on what to buy, based not on nutrition but one what money we have to spend on groceries.

  • Lori Gunn4/28/2011

    excellent writing - thank you for sharing

  • Michele Starkey4/28/2011

    I actually did this awhile back and contacted Melitta coffee because the can is smaller. Now, the CEO of Melitta is one of my fans on AC and reads all of my stuff! Imagine that! cheers :)

  • Lee Hansen4/28/2011

    I think I'll take your suggestion Annette. It is frustrating as a consumer.

  • Julie Wimmer4/28/2011

    it does stink about the prices, but maybe people will eat less!!!! ha!

  • Carla Fuentes4/28/2011

    It is discouraging to see prices go up and the amount of food we get decrease. Wonderful ideas, ty!

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