Have you ever had a favorite product you’ve been buying for years, that suddenly seemed a little worse than usual?
I have with toilet paper. It used to flush more easily, it used to not clog anything and now it’s clogging very frequently, said shopper Ashley Howe.
Consumers are being warned they’re getting shortchanged on some of the most popular products at the grocery store. The reason may be something consumer advocates call skimpflation.
Skimpflation very simply is when a manufacturer reformulates a product with cheaper ingredients. He may actually, literally, water it down, said Edgar Dworsky, founder of Consumer World.
Skimpflation is a side effect of inflation. As companies pay more for ingredients, they cut back but charge you the same price.
Last year, Smart Balance spread changed its formula from 64% vegetable oil to 39%. The company said it was in order to make it easier to spread. When customers complained, they changed the formula back.
Skimpflation can show up at the grocery store, in cleaning products, and even in over-the-counter medications. Too often, consumers don’t even notice it’s happening.
The trouble is, it’s very hard to detect. If a manufacturer of beef stew, let’s say, used to put four ounces of beef in the package, and now all of a sudden it has 3 ounces, you’re not going to see that on the label, Dworsky said.
It’s disappointing to know that you’re getting the short end of the stick as the consumer, paying the same amount for an inferior quality product, said shopper Jordan Cobb.
Dworsky says to spot skimpflation you’ll need to be a savvy shopper.
If your dishwasher detergent doesn’t clean as well, if your stew doesn’t taste as good as it used to, if your paper towels are thinner than they were, you’re getting less for your money, he said.
While products often list the ingredients on the packaging, many don’t include the quantities of each ingredient, making this trend even more difficult to spot.
Skimpflation is a rising concern among consumers who want to ensure they’re getting their money’s worth. It’s no secret that prices have been increasing due to inflation, but now there’s another sneaky phenomenon that’s affecting shoppers. Commonly known as skimpflation, this practice occurs when manufacturers reformulate their products with cheaper ingredients or reduce the quantity, all while keeping the price the same. It’s a clever way to cut costs while still maintaining profit margins. However, it leaves consumers feeling shortchanged and unknowingly buying inferior quality items.
One shopper, Ashley Howe, recently experienced the frustration of skimpflation with toilet paper. She noticed that the product she had been purchasing for years started to clog more frequently. As she shared her experience, it became apparent that this issue extends beyond just one item or brand. Grocery store shoppers across the nation are finding themselves victims of skimpflation, as popular products undergo secret changes that compromise their quality.
Edgar Dworsky, founder of Consumer World, shed light on this concerning trend. Skimpflation very simply is when a manufacturer reformulates a product with cheaper ingredients. He may actually, literally, water it down, Dworsky explained. As the cost of ingredients rises due to inflation, companies take advantage of skimpflation to maintain profits. Often, these changes are subtle and go unnoticed by consumers, who continue to pay the same price for an inferior product.
The issue of skimpflation is not limited to just groceries. Cleaning products, over-the-counter medications, and various other everyday essentials may also be affected. This presents a challenge for consumers as it is difficult to detect these changes. Unlike nutritional information that is required to be listed on the packaging, the specific quantities of ingredients are often omitted. Therefore, consumers are left in the dark, unaware that they are receiving less for their hard-earned money.
For Jordan Cobb, another frustrated shopper, the realization that skimpflation was robbing her of better quality products was disappointing. It’s disappointing to know that you’re getting the short end of the stick as the consumer, paying the same amount for an inferior quality product, Cobb expressed.
To combat skimpflation and ensure they are getting their money’s worth, consumers need to become savvy shoppers. Dworsky advises paying attention to any changes in product performance. If the dishwasher detergent doesn’t clean dishes as well as before, if the stew no longer tastes as delicious, or if the paper towels feel thinner, these could be signs of skimpflation. While it may be challenging to identify, being aware of potential changes in product quality is the first step towards avoiding the pitfall of skimpflation.
Unfortunately, the lack of transparency on product labels makes it even more difficult for consumers to spot skimpflation. Ingredients are often listed without specific quantities, leaving shoppers clueless about any alterations. This leaves consumers vulnerable to paying the same price for an inferior product without even realizing it.
In conclusion, skimpflation is a deceptive practice that deceives consumers by reducing the quality or quantity of goods while maintaining the same price. Recognizing this phenomenon is crucial for shoppers who want to make informed purchasing decisions. By staying vigilant, paying attention to changes in product performance, and demanding greater transparency, consumers can protect themselves against the hidden cost of skimpflation. After all, everyone deserves to get what they pay for.
