Pringles recently responded to accusations of ‘shrinkflation’ regarding their iconic cans of crisps. Some fans have noticed a reduction in the size of the largest tube from 200g to 185g while the prices have remained the same in certain stores. A spokesperson for the brand clarified that this change was implemented over a year ago to offset production cost increases.
One customer named Michael Smith raised concerns after seeing different sizes of the popular Sour Cream and Onion flavour being sold for the same price in a store. This sparked outrage among shoppers who took to social media to share similar experiences. Some believe that this practice is a way for stores to deceive customers without raising suspicions.
It’s not just Pringles that have allegedly shrunk in size due to ‘shrinkflation’. Other snacks like Wagon Wheels and McVitie’s Digestives have also faced reductions in weight over the years. Supermarket-goers have also been disappointed by the shrinking sizes of beloved Christmas treats and chocolate bars, coupled with price hikes.
The parent company of Pringles, Kellanova, defended the changes by emphasizing the importance of offering consumers choices. They stated that the Recommended Retail Price for the 165g tube is £1.95, while the 185g tube is priced at £2.25. The company made it clear that final pricing is determined by individual retailers.
‘Shrinkflation’ is a term used to describe the practice of reducing product sizes while maintaining the same prices. This trend has sparked outrage among consumers, leading to discussions on platforms like Reddit where people share their frustrations over various products being downsized.
Overall, the controversy surrounding ‘shrinkflation’ serves as a reminder for consumers to stay vigilant and check product sizes and prices before making purchases. As brands continue to navigate production cost challenges, transparency and communication with customers will be key in maintaining trust and loyalty.