The “Family Size” label is a powerful marketing tool. It is designed to make you think that you are getting a larger package and a better value for your money. However, in a deceptive and frustrating new form of “shrinkflation,” some companies are now just slapping a “Family Size” label on their standard-sized product. They are using the new label to justify a price increase. They are hoping that you will not notice that the net weight of the product has not actually changed at all.
1. A Popular Brand of Crackers
Consumers on social media have recently called out a major cracker brand for this very trick. The company introduced a new “Family Size” box of their popular cheese crackers. However, a side-by-side comparison with the old, “regular” sized box showed that the net weight was the same. The only thing that had changed was the name on the box and the higher price.
2. A Box of Frozen Fish Sticks
Another documented case of this was with a brand of frozen fish sticks. The company had been selling a 24-ounce box for years. They then introduced a new “Family Size” box. A closer look at the fine print revealed that the new, more expensive box also contained exactly 24 ounces of fish sticks. The new label was a clear and deceptive way to hide a price hike.
3. A Bag of Potato Chips
A major potato chip brand recently rebranded its standard, 10-ounce “party size” bag as a “family size” bag. The bag itself looks a little larger and has a new design. However, the net weight is still the same. The company is using the new name to make you feel like you are getting more, while they have quietly raised the price.
4. A Box of Cereal
The cereal aisle is another place where this trick is common. A company might have a standard, 18-ounce box of its cereal. They will then change the name of that box to “Family Size” and raise the price. They are hoping that the new name will distract you from the fact that you are now paying more for the exact same amount of cereal.
5. A Jar of Pasta Sauce
Some pasta sauce brands have also been accused of this. They will take their standard 24-ounce jar and will simply change the label to say “Family Size.” They may also change the shape of the jar to make it look bigger, even though it still holds the same amount of sauce. It is a subtle but effective way to implement a hidden price increase.
6. A Package of Cookies
A package of cookies is another product where this is common. A brand might have always sold its cookies in a 16-ounce package. They will then re-launch that same package with a new “Family Size” banner on the front and a higher price tag. They are betting on the fact that most shoppers will not remember the exact weight of the old package.
7. A Box of Granola Bars
For products that are sold by count, this trick is very easy to pull off. A brand might sell a box of 12 granola bars as its standard size. They will then change the name of that box to “Family Size” and will raise the price. You are not getting any more bars for your money; you are just paying more for the same old box.
8. A Bag of Frozen Vegetables
The frozen vegetable aisle is another hotspot for this kind of “shrinkflation.” A brand of frozen peas or corn might have always come in a 16-ounce bag. The company will then change the name of that bag to “Family Size” to justify a higher price. The new name creates the illusion of a better value where one does not actually exist.
9. A Carton of Ice Cream
This is one of the most classic examples. The standard, half-gallon carton of ice cream has been slowly shrinking for decades. It is now only 1.5 quarts, or 48 ounces. However, many of these smaller cartons are now being marketed as a “Family Size” to make them seem like a large and generous package, even though they are much smaller than they used to be.
The Deceptive Label
The misuse of the “Family Size” label is a deeply cynical and deceptive marketing practice. It is a direct and intentional effort to mislead the consumer. It is a powerful reminder that we can no longer trust the marketing claims on the front of the box. The only way to protect yourself is to become a vigilant shopper. You must ignore the words on the label and focus only on the two numbers that matter: the net weight and the unit price.
Have you ever noticed a “Family Size” product that was the same size as the regular version? What is the most outrageous example of shrinkflation you have ever seen? Let us know!
What to Read Next
- 10 “Family Size” Products That Offer Less Than Two Standard Packages
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- Here’s What Your Choice of Grocery Cart Size Says About Your Finances
- 5 Brands That Quietly Cut Portion Sizes by Over 30%
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