Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Shrinkflation!

13 replies

LostInAFrost · 16/04/2024 21:24

I'm a huge M&S fan and often get stuff in via Ocado as I don't drive. But wow have there been some changes this past few months. I realise we have endured a cost of living crisis, but this seems relatively sudden, and new.

Example: the M&S deli turkey. Now pushing £4 for a few grams, has had 10g taken off the packet! So they have raised the price and cut the weight.
I get it, prices increase, but I would rather have paid a touch more for the original weight.
And yes, I know that the turkey is often dry and very hit and miss, but I buy it in store and often get lucky.

This has also been happening with fresh soups, other packaged fresh meat, various veg and fruit, and so on.

It's the lack of transparency that bothers me, as if they think we won't notice. I understand that manufacturers are afraid of us all balking at a price hike, but if it is only for a matter of 30p I would prefer them to simply add it on than shrink the bloody pack.

Another shitty tactic: attempting to keep the price stable on the M&S fresh pizza. Instead of adding a few pence, they chiselled off half the topping. Oddly the carb count shot up but the weight remained the same.

It isn't just M&S (lol, it's simply M&S), this is something I have witnessed at all of the main supermarkets, inc the Co Op.
There. It's off my chest now. Crucify me Mumsnet!

OP posts:
Doingtheboxerbeat · 16/04/2024 21:32

Someone on a ridiculously low income might prefer to pay the same amount for less than to pay more for more . I think most people know shrink flatiron exists and would prefer the choice .

FusionChefGeoff · 16/04/2024 21:36

Agree and what grinds my gears is that where 1 pack used to be just enough, you now need to buy two packs so you don't even save money you spend even more!!!!!

LostInAFrost · 16/04/2024 21:58

Well i doubt anyone on a ridiculously low income was shopping at M&S for a small amount of turkey anyway. But my point wasn't about personal income or poverty, that's a huge problem for another thread entirely.

OP posts:
Doingtheboxerbeat · 16/04/2024 22:18

LostInAFrost · 16/04/2024 21:58

Well i doubt anyone on a ridiculously low income was shopping at M&S for a small amount of turkey anyway. But my point wasn't about personal income or poverty, that's a huge problem for another thread entirely.

Of course, I wasn't referring to your particular situation but the point remains that the prices have gone up for everyone and when you say that you would prefer to pay that little bit extra for the original size, then it implies that you have a choice - which some don't.
I wasn't having a bash at you, I was just offering an alternative way of looking at it. Your last £5 before payday for example, means you can still have the thing, but the smaller version, if that makes sense.

OpusGiemuJavlo · 16/04/2024 22:25

I was shocked that our last supermarket delivery order arrived with the butter in 200g packets rather than 250g.

We are fortunate enough that we don't need to count the pennies but when I cook I will have to remember that what used to be a fifth of a packet is now a quarter.

coronafiona · 16/04/2024 22:30

Everything is smaller. 5 in our house, I like to buy packs of 6 and freeze the spare. Now everything is packs of 2 or 4 and it's costing so much more even though downgraded supermarket, brand and quality eg chicken breasts for thighs. I'm sick of having no money all the time.

DuckBushCityLimit · 16/04/2024 22:31

I noticed today that the medium sized packets of Kelloggs cornflakes are now 450g instead of 500g. The shelf label still said 500g so it must have only just changed.

LostInAFrost · 16/04/2024 22:31

Doingtheboxerbeat · 16/04/2024 22:18

Of course, I wasn't referring to your particular situation but the point remains that the prices have gone up for everyone and when you say that you would prefer to pay that little bit extra for the original size, then it implies that you have a choice - which some don't.
I wasn't having a bash at you, I was just offering an alternative way of looking at it. Your last £5 before payday for example, means you can still have the thing, but the smaller version, if that makes sense.

Understood, I also agree that keeping prices lower is helpful. And i say that as someone currently living on their savings. It's not easy. I don't have to feed a family, but if I did I would not be buying M&S turkey!
I don't like the non transparent way in which they are going about it, though.

OP posts:
LostInAFrost · 16/04/2024 22:32

coronafiona · 16/04/2024 22:30

Everything is smaller. 5 in our house, I like to buy packs of 6 and freeze the spare. Now everything is packs of 2 or 4 and it's costing so much more even though downgraded supermarket, brand and quality eg chicken breasts for thighs. I'm sick of having no money all the time.

Yes, pushing the price up AND shrinking the product is totally shit.

OP posts:
parietal · 16/04/2024 22:39

it is the butter that annoys me most. butter in 250g packs was 8oz so you could easily get 2oz or 4oz by just cutting the block in 1/4 or 1/2 as needed. no need to weight out.

that doesn't work with 200g packs.

coronafiona · 16/04/2024 22:39

@LostInAFrost I used to spend £150 pe on asda 3-3 yrs ago. Changed to aldi, got it to £100pw. It's now over £150 every week even on Aldi. Angry

NamelessNancy · 16/04/2024 22:42

YANBU. Prices going up are one thing but all the smoke and mirrors of trimming pack sizes or changing ingredient ratios is deliberately deceptive.

CranfordScones · 16/04/2024 23:01

Yes! If butter gets much smaller it's going to be those individual sizes you get for your toast in hotels and cafes. And it will still be four bloody quid.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page