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[Guevara]

Did they think we wouldn't notice? Until about 2003 yogurt came in 8 oz. containers, since then it's been 6 oz.

Dannon's aggressive tactics are an example of a ''weight-out,'' the industry term for shrinking package sizes without reducing the price by an equal amount. The practice is legal as long as the label on packaged goods accurately reflects what is inside the container.

I went to Trader Joe's this weekend and this is their new yogurt container:

5.3 ounces, not even a regular size. Where does it end? Just raises prices by a reasonable amount each year. It's not just yogurt either, this is happening to cereal, chips and other food items sold by volume.

 

[planar1280]

Did they think we wouldn't notice? Until about 2003 yogurt came in 8 oz. containers, since then it's been 6 oz.

I went to Trader Joe's this weekend and this is their new yogurt container:

5.3 ounces, not even a regular size. Where does it end? Just raises prices by a reasonable amount each year. It's not just yogurt either, this is happening to cereal, chips and other food items sold by volume.

its yogurt AKA healthy food, it will keep on shrinking while your fried potatoes package will keep on getting bigger. I don't believe fatty foods are shrinking in fact they are getting bigger

 

[Divvy]

Have chips been shrinking? I remember when they used to all be in 170g bags, but now they're all 270g.

 

[Cudder]

Yogurt is yummy..mmm

 

[ezrarh]

If it helps Americans eat less then it's a good thing? Also, rising food costs and no growth in wages are already hurting a lot of people. By doing it this way, it allows people to get what they usually get, only in smaller quantities. It's also not that big of an issue if you're someone what pays attention to unit pricing.

 

[chaostrophy]

I just buy yogurt in the 2 lb. containers. It's cheaper that way.

 

[captmcblack]

Everything is doing that, and this practice has only accelerated since 2008 and the economic meltdown, IMHO.


...but omg new packaging and logos and shit!!!1

 

[planar1280]

If it helps Americans eat less then it's a good thing? Also, rising food costs and no growth in wages are already hurting a lot of people. By doing it this way, it allows people to get what they usually get, only in smaller quantities. It's also not that big of an issue if you're someone what pays attention to unit pricing.

the issue is the size of healthy portion food is becoming less and fatty foods is become more, plus the healthy food is becoming expensive while fatty food is relatively stable.

 

[balladofwindfishes]

the usually do it in a way where the package looks identical to. Like they'll make a huge bump in the bottom you can't see unless you pick up the container, and even then it's hard to tell.

It's very shady and deceptive to consumers.

 

[-KRS-]

Was it at least also a bit cheaper to reflect the new size?

 

[Harry Dresden]

If it helps Americans eat less then it's a good thing? Also, rising food costs and no growth in wages are already hurting a lot of people. By doing it this way, it allows people to get what they usually get, only in smaller quantities. It's also not that big of an issue if you're someone what pays attention to unit pricing.

If americans are going to eat something less, Yogurt shouldnt be anywhere near the top of the list.

 

[backflip10019]

If it helps Americans eat less then it's a good thing? Also, rising food costs and no growth in wages are already hurting a lot of people. By doing it this way, it allows people to get what they usually get, only in smaller quantities. It's also not that big of an issue if you're someone what pays attention to unit pricing.

Yeah, but it won't because fatties will just eat two.

 

[Nose Master]

Everything is doing this. I work in a grocery store, and it's funny to watch everything gradually shrink over time.

 

[Neuromancer]

I just buy yogurt in the 2 lb. containers. It's cheaper that way.

I make my own using cat's milk. Delicious and economical.

 

[Messypandas]

i would rather they just raised the price. i avoid snacks that were otherwise filling because they just aren't value for money anymore

 

[George Claw M.D.]

Unless you shop at Costco, this has been a trend for like ... everything.

 

[Guevara]

the usually do it in a way where the package looks identical to. Like they'll make a huge bump in the bottom you can't see unless you pick up the container, and even then it's hard to tell.

It's very shady and deceptive to consumers.

That's the other deceptive practice. I'm not even sure what that's called or I would have included it in my rant. They can hide behind food labels if they want, but does anyone really check food sizes week to week to ensure they're not getting screwed with suddenly smaller packages?

 

[jkoch]

Drives me fucking nuts... I eat a yogurt every day at work for lunch. 8oz was perfect. These shitty little 6 oz containers suck.

BTW cherry, and I mean real cherry not that god forsaken cherry vanilla, is the best flavor.

 

[Trojita]

Chocolate bars have been doing this too.

 

[outunderthestars]

I make my own using cat's milk. Delicious and economical.

But you have a male cat......

 

[Messypandas]

i also like Pringles 'party size' thats like twice the price in the uk

i'm having a party so i need 7 extra pringles

 

[ezrarh]

Yeah, but it won't because fatties will just eat two.

Well, I was speaking in general terms and not just yogurt. I don't know if the sizes for chips and other sugary treats have decreased or not but eventually the costs will affect them. Yes, I realize there are a lot of problems with high carb/high sugar foods being cheaper thanks to subsidies. I was trying to look for a positive effect from this.

 

[railGUN]

Reminds me of the Cadbury eggs conspiracy.

http://youtu.be/_FiA57ir5QM

 

[Parallax Scroll]

http://www.theonion.com/articles/new-texasstyle-yogurt-to-feed-mansize-hunger-for-y,2422/

 

[chaosblade]

As a retail worker (unfortunately) I see this all the time. On one hand it sucks because it's done pretty deceptively, on the other it's not necessarily a bad thing that people are buying (and hopefully consuming) less food.

That might help at least a little with the obesity problem, unless these people are just buying more to make up the difference.

 

[freenudemacusers]

But you have a male cat......

You don't even need the cultures, it's already thickened!

 

[Deleted member 17706]

Why the hell are you buying fat free yogurt? You should really look at the ingredients that go into that garbage.

 

[Pristine_Condition]

Everything involving cows/cattle is going to be smaller/more expensive after this drought.

Almost 30% of the contiguous states were in drought conditions, with the most severe conditions in areas like Texas which produce a whole lot of the nation's beef and dairy.

These conditions created a short supply of hay and feed for beef and dairy cattle, which made prices for feed and hay skyrocket. And more of this scarce hay crop was sold to China than ever before, because they were willing to pay top-dollar, and shipping containers to China are practically free.

So there you go...

 

[freenudemacusers]

Why the hell are you buying fat free yogurt? You should really look at the ingredients that go into that garbage.

? Mine has fat free milk, pectin, and cultures. The horror?

 

[TheLastCandle]

Speaking of yogurt, I've been really into greek yogurt lately. Didn't like it much at first, but now i eat one every morning for breakfast.

Chobani lemon yogurt is a delight.

 

[Mudkips]

the usually do it in a way where the package looks identical to. Like they'll make a huge bump in the bottom you can't see unless you pick up the container, and even then it's hard to tell.

It's very shady and deceptive to consumers.

The bump in the bottom is there to provide structural strength to the container and make it easier to stack. Countless products have containers that use this design. It is not to make the product appear larger. The same goes for a bag of chips being 2/3 full. The extra air is to prevent them from breaking during shipping and while monkeys paw at them on the shelf.

If you compare a modern soda can to one made before about 2004, you'll notice that it's using thinner aluminium. Yet it's still as strong. The top and bottom on a newer can are slightly more domed than on older cans.

It's about the strength and portability and cost of the container, not about deceiving customers. They list the weight of the product, and most grocery stores have a price tag that says "$X, $Y/oz".

 

[Deleted member 22576]

I just buy a big thing of yogurt. Like 32oz or something.

 

[speculawyer]

Shrinking package sizes have been used for several years now by food producers in order to protect profits from increasing commodity prices.

 

[balladofwindfishes]

Everything involving cows/cattle is going to be smaller/more expensive after this drought.

Almost 30% of the contiguous states were in drought conditions, with the most severe conditions in areas like Texas which produce a whole lot of the nation's beef and dairy.

These conditions created a short supply of hay and feed for beef and dairy cattle, which made prices for feed and hay skyrocket. And more of this scarce hay crop was sold to China than ever before, because they were willing to pay top-dollar, and shipping containers to China are practically free.

So there you go...

I'm sure when the drought is over the size will go back to normal

 

[Drazgul]

i also like Pringles 'party size' thats like twice the price in the uk

i'm having a party so i need 7 extra pringles

And the best part is that that party size is still smaller in weight than the old regular size.

 

[GhaleonEB]

Ice cream is the most egregous for me. From a half gallon to 1.75 quarts to 1.5 quart containers. Bastards.

 

[demon]

My favorite is when you get a back of chips or nuts or something, and you open it only to discover that 75% of the bag was filled with air.

 

[chaosblade]

The bump in the bottom is there to provide structural strength to the container and make it easier to stack. Countless products have containers that use this design. It is not to make the product appear larger. The same goes for a bag of chips being 2/3 full. The extra air is to prevent them from breaking during shipping and while monkeys paw at them on the shelf.

If you compare a modern soda can to one made before about 2004, you'll notice that it's using thinner aluminium. Yet it's still as strong. The top and bottom on a newer can are slightly more domed than on older cans.

It's about the strength and portability and cost of the container, not about deceiving customers. They list the weight of the product, and most grocery stores have a price tag that says "$X, $Y/oz".

I think it's kind of deceiving when the packaging makes it appear that you're getting more when you're actually getting less (I've also seen this come with price increases). Or when the packaging doesn't change visually, but there is less product.

A lot of people don't shop by "$Y/oz" or even check the amount they're buying and sometimes that drives me crazy. Of course I never say anything, I just recognize them as awful shoppers.

 

[GoldenEye 007]

Chocolate bars have been doing this too.

Reese's Cups too. Obvious offender there.

 

[equap]

/firstworldproblem

 

[dralla]

I want to like greek yogurt but it's too thick and sour, are there any out there that doesn't taste like shit

 

[soultron]

i also like Pringles 'party size' thats like twice the price in the uk

i'm having a party so i need 7 extra pringles

Hahahax999. Fucking killed me.

Yeah, it happens. However, allow me to use this thread to soapbox my own personal beliefs on yoghurt and containers:

Wait for the tubs to go on sale, then just buy those. If you need to go anywhere with your yoghurt, just use small tupperware containers. It pains me when people think it's okay to create shit tonnes of plastic waste just so they can bring 6oz.s of yoghurt with them to work or to their picnic or whatthefuckever. You're a terrible person no better than those people who buy little individual boxes of cereal in packages of 24 when you do this.

Also, get fullfat greek yoghurt and add your own fruit/nuts/seeds/etc. in. (And exercise.) The nonfat shit isn't doing you any favours.

Don't get me started on "health foods."

 

[jamesinclair]

5.3 ounces, not even a regular size. Where does it end? Just raises prices by a reasonable amount each year. It's not just yogurt either, this is happening to cereal, chips and other food items sold by volume.

Actually, looks like it's 150g, which I would bet is the standard size Aldi uses in Europe...and they own TJs.

AKA: regular size.

 

[Invisible_Insane]

/firstworldproblem

Yeah, food inflation is a first world problem.

Better luck next time.

 

[Pristine_Condition]

I'm sure when the drought is over the size will go back to normal

Sure, whenever we get back into a supply-rich state for a certain ingredient commodity.

Offering a larger quantity for the same price as your competitor is a tactic often used to gain market share and that valuable shelf space. Happens all the time, when it makes sense to do it, which is when commodity prices are low. But right now, no...you certainly aren't going to see that.

 

[SeanR1221]

? Mine has fat free milk, pectin, and cultures. The horror?

He perseverates on telling people they're unhealthy unless they eat meat and fat.

 

[Ashhong]

They slowly reduce the sizes of the product, and then later they bring it back to the old size with a sign that says "BONUS 25% MORE!" and possibly increase the price as well. Standard procedure for everything. I notice it more in shampoo.

 

[Slayer-33]

BOW BEFORE YOUR CHRIST.

I discovered this shit a few days ago, I am HOOKED NOW.


All flavors are fucking god sauce. SO GOOD IT'S NOT EVEN FUNNY AND ALL DAT PROTEIN MAN! IT'S LIKE CHEATING!!!

 

[balladofwindfishes]

Sure, whenever we get back into a supply-rich state for a certain ingredient commodity.

Offering a larger quantity for the same price as your competitor is a tactic often used to gain market share and that valuable shelf space. Happens all the time, when it makes sense to do it, which is when commodity prices are low. But right now, no...you certainly aren't going to see that.

you actually believe that they will increase the size back to normal?

Wow...

People will get used to the smaller size (or not even realize it happened) and the company will make more money per unit, or make the old size a "deluxe" size and charge more for it.

 

[esquire]

If it's too small, you're too fat! Time to lose some weight fatty.

Chobani is God sauce though.