Opening a new bag of chips only to find it half-full of air is a universal disappointment. This practice, known as “slack fill,” is a form of shrinkflation. It has become much more extreme in recent years. Companies use a large, puffy bag to trick you. They hope you will not notice the reduced amount of product inside. While some air protects the chips, many brands now seem to sell more air than snacks.
1. Doritos
Doritos bags often seem depressingly empty upon opening. Customers frequently share photos online comparing the bag size to the actual chip content. The “family size” bag can feel surprisingly light. This suggests a significant amount of slack fill is being used. It is a classic case of paying more for less product over time.
2. Lay’s Potato Chips
Lay’s potato chips are notorious for their air-filled bags. The company defends this practice. They say it protects the delicate chips during shipping. However, many consumers feel the amount of empty space has increased. They believe it is a way to hide smaller portion sizes without shrinking the bag.
3. Cheetos
Cheetos, especially the “puffy” kind, are another frequent offender. The light, airy nature of the snack itself means it takes up less volume. Frito-Lay uses large packaging to make the product look more substantial. The result is often a bag that feels disappointingly light and airy.
4. Ruffles
Ruffles potato chips have ridges that make them slightly sturdier. Despite this, their bags also contain a significant amount of air. Shoppers often report that the amount of chips inside seems less generous than it used to be. The large bag size creates an illusion of value that the contents do not always match.
5. Tostitos
Tostitos tortilla chips, especially the “Scoops” variety, often come in bags with substantial slack fill. A “party size” bag might look generous on the shelf. Opening it can reveal a surprisingly small pile of chips at the bottom. This is frustrating for shoppers who expect a full bag for their gatherings.
6. Pringles (Shrinking Chip Size)
Pringles cans present a different kind of shrinkflation. While the can height remains similar, many consumers believe the diameter of the chips themselves has shrunk. This allows the company to fit less product into the same size package. The chips also fit more loosely, creating more air space inside the can.
7. Sun Chips
Sun Chips bags are another example where the amount of air seems excessive. The multigrain chips are marketed as a slightly healthier option. However, they are packaged using the same slack-fill tactics as less healthy snacks. This leaves customers feeling like they are getting less bang for their buck.
8. Fritos
The classic Fritos corn chips also suffer from the half-empty bag syndrome. The simple, crunchy snack is a longtime favorite. Yet, Frito-Lay packages them in bags that often contain a large proportion of air. This reduces the net weight without changing the familiar bag size.
9. Store-Brand Chips
This issue is not limited to major national brands. Many store-brand chips use similar deceptive packaging. They rely on large, generic bags to compete on the shelf. These bags often contain just as much air as their brand-name counterparts. The low price can mask the low quantity.
10. Baked Chip Varieties
“Baked” versions of chips, like Baked Lay’s, often have even more air in the bag. These chips are lighter and more fragile. The company uses this as justification for adding extra air for cushioning. However, this often results in a bag that feels almost weightless. It contains very few actual chips.
The excessive air in snack bags is a clear symptom of shrinkflation. It is a deliberate tactic to give you less product without you noticing. Manufacturers are betting that you will judge the value by the size of the bag, not the weight inside. The only way to combat this is to ignore the packaging. Always check the net weight and the unit price. These numbers reveal the truth about how many snacks you are actually buying.
What snack food do you think has the most air in the bag? Let us know your biggest shrinkflation pet peeves!
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