Tostitos and Ruffles Add More Chips to Bags Following ‘Shrinkflation’ Accusations
Good News for Shrinkflation Concerns
A representative for PepsiCo, the makers of chips including Tostitos and Ruffles, confirmed to TODAY.com that the company will soon add 20% more chips to "bonus" bags of Ruffles and Tostitos for the same retail price.
Shrinkflation: The Problem Itself
The decision comes as consumers online are complaining of widespread "shrinkflation," paying the same retail price – or more – for a product that’s now smaller. In 2021, the Consumer World website reported that a bag of Tostitos’ "Hint of Guacamole" chips had shrunk in size from 12 ounces to 11 ounces. The site, launched by consumer protection lawyer Edgar Dworsky, also found that a bag of Tostitos "Hint of Lime" chips had dropped from 13 ounces down to 11.
A Vast and Growing Problem
A quick search for #shrinkflation content on social media shows shoppers annoyed by the skimpier content sizes of everything from Chef Bombay frozen dinners to Glad kitchen garbage bags to the now "comically small" McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish. One TikTok user filmed himself opening a snack-size bag of Doritos only to find five chips inside. "Five chips!" the user yells in frustration while holding up five fingers. The video garnered more than 670 comments from equally irritated shoppers, one of whom wrote, "I can’t even bring myself to buy chips anymore. To get two handfuls in a $6 bag is maddening!"
A Rise in Prices
Despite the skimpier packaging sizes, the prices of salty snacks have continued to rise in recent years. In September 2020, the average price of a 16-ounce bag of potato chips was $5.02, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. By September 2024, the price had jumped to $6.46.
Lawmakers Take Notice
Everyday consumers aren’t the only ones riled up about "shrinkflation." Lawmakers are also getting involved. Earlier this month, Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Rep. Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania called out PepsiCo, General Mills, and Coca-Cola for using shrinkflation tactics as a means to boost their bottom line. The two lawmakers sent individual letters to each of the companies’ CEOs, pointing out how they have reduced product sizes while charging the same or a higher retail price.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the move by PepsiCo to add more chips to their "bonus" bags is a step in the right direction. It’s a recognition of the concerns raised by consumers and a response to the growing issue of shrinkflation. However, more needs to be done to address the problem of price gouging and tax dodging by big corporations.
FAQs
- What is shrinkflation?
Shrinkflation is a term used to describe when a company reduces the size of a product while keeping the price the same or increasing it. - What are some examples of shrinkflation?
Shrinkflation can be seen in various products, such as potato chips, cereal, and even garbage bags. - What is happening with prices?
Prices of salty snacks and other consumer goods are continuing to rise, despite the reduced product sizes. - Are lawmakers taking action?
Yes, lawmakers such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Madeleine Dean are calling out companies for using shrinkflation tactics and accusing them of price gouging and tax dodging.
