I figured I was just getting old. I heard myself say, “Didn’t we used to get more food for our money?” It was one step away from, “Back in my day…” But, it did seem that the amount of food in the packages lasted longer and tasted better. And then I read an article by CBC on the concept of shrinkflation and I realized that it wasn’t (just) that I was getting older. Companies are giving us less for our money, and it’s affecting keto products too.
The Research on Shrinkflation and Skimpflation
The article published by CBC defines skimpflation as companies switching up the recipe to use ingredients that are cheaper. The example they use is Quaker granola bars. People were saying the chocolate coating tasted old. Yet, it was well within the best before date. Turns out, Quaker had changed the recipe and instead of using cocoa butter, they used palm oil in their outer coating. Now, this meant they couldn’t call it chocolate – so they changed it to “chocolatey.”
Back in 2022, Marketplace investigated shrinkflation. This is when companies reduce the size or weight of a product. The idea is that if they reduce the amount you get, they can keep the cost to you the same. I knew it! I knew that Gatorade Zero I bought was less drink!
Examples of Shrinkflation with Keto Products
Obviously, this is not just with keto products. A lot of household items have been the victim of shrinkflation. Walmart’s paper towels used to have 168 sheets per roll, and now they have 120. Spices, dishwasher pods, and laundry detergents are also in smaller packages now. Heinz ketchup (no sugar added, of course) used to be 1.5 liters and now is 1.25 liters. The list goes on. Neil Chauhan from Toronto has a Tik Tok channel dedicated to the many items that have reduced their size but not their price.
The one I noticed recently was Gatorade Zero. My massage therapist suggested I might need more electrolytes, so I bought some Gatorade Zero and started drinking one a day. The bottle seemed the same height, but something seemed a bit off about it. Then I realized that the bottom of the bottle was actually up about 1/4 inch and the outside edges were down below. So I was getting less drink for my dollars while the bottle looked to be the same height. When I looked into it, Gatorade had repackaged the bottles as “more aerodynamic” and “easier to grab.”
Spotting Shrinkflation in Keto Products
If you notice your favourite keto product has changed its packaging, take a second look at how much and what you are getting for your money. They may be offering a smaller amount of the product. Or, it may go from chocolate to “chocolatey.” Keto products are expensive at the best of times. We pay for better ingredients and a certain amount of product. So, I’ll be pretty upset if they decide to cheap out for more profits.
Now, companies will give you many reasons for shrinkflation. They know times are tough, and they don’t want to increase their prices. The cost of quality ingredients is rising. There’s new taxes aimed at environmental objectives. I get all that. I also understand that company CEO’s are making more in a week than I do in a year. So, my sympathy is underwhelming to say the least.
What Can We Do About Changing Keto Products?
I don’t have a problem with companies needing to charge me a bit more or reduce the amount of product I get. I have a problem with businesses lying to me. My goal is to support the keto companies who are honest and upfront about their challenges and tell me why they have to change things up. If you need to increase your minimum wage for workers, I can pay a little more or get a little less. But if you really need that yacht to keep up with the owner of a company down the road, I’m out.
Support the companies who are honest about the changes and try to keep their practices ethical. I will support those who maintain their quality, because one of the reasons I do keto is for my health. I’m not interested in “chocolatey” food. And most of all, let’s continue to share the information and keep the companies accountable for the changes they make.
Wendy
