The growing trend in shrinking consumer products
A recent post on our new sibling site, Consumerist.com, details the downsizing of Dawn Ultra antibacterial dishwashing liquid and hand soap—the erstwhile 11-ounce container has lost 0.7 ounces.
We've been covering this consumer-product trend for years, most recently in the October 2008 story "The Lowdown on Downsized Products," which offers some tips to stretch your shopping dollars as manufacturers shrink their packages but rarely lower your cost.
We also know that you're aware of these moves by manufacturers. Seventy-five percent of respondents to a July 2008 survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center indicated they noticed that they're getting less in packages; 71 percent said the desire by companies to hide price increases from consumers was the main reason for the contracting containers.
If you come across other shrinking home products—dishwasher detergents or dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents or fabric softeners, and other household cleaners—send us a note with all the details or post a comment below.
Essential information: Learn about the best dishwashing liquids. For Dawn devotees, you might be able to offset any packaging shenanigans with special offers from manufacturer Procter & Gamble.
Posted by: LarryG | Jan 8, 2009 3:34:40 PM
I've noticed some downsizing but on some the concentration has increased - so you use less of it per use.
this is a "good" thing in terms of the environment.
putting more greenhouse gases into our atmosphere so that we can ship ...essentially water in the form of diluted soap is not a good thing.
so.. what Consumers ought to do is to help consumers focus on what are good values when products are concentrated.
In other words.. how much active ingredient is in each use?
Posted by: Andy Raml | Jan 8, 2009 3:35:59 PM
It would be very helpful if you completed a review of water softeners. Thank you.
Posted by: TK | Jan 8, 2009 11:05:17 PM
I have noticed a change in the taste of a number of products. Most recently, Pringles Barbaque flavor chips (or is it crisps). The new taste is awful, more artificial. I think it is a move towards using cheaper products. Has anyone else noticed this downward trend? Perhaps it is a blessing, because I will no longer be tempted to binge on Pringles! Perhaps Consumer Reports can do a report on this.
Posted by: Claudia Parisi | Jan 22, 2009 10:49:45 PM
I have noticed that the Bryers ice cream is now 1.5 qts instead of 2 but the cost is up to over $6.00
too. Hershey is considering using genetic modified sweetners instead of natural cane sugar because they are trying to cut costs. Have you purchased Girl Scout cookies lately? The only ones
that have remained the same volume wise are the thin mints and the shortbreads. The other cookies have far fewer in the box.
I purchase Brown Gold coffee because it tastes great and is still a pound can-16 oz, not the 11.5 that theother popular brands serve up.
Just another way to make more money...I would perfer to have a small increase and have the volume remain the same.
Makes me want to grow my own food and bake my own bread and learn to be more self sufficient.
I use natural cleaners(bio degradable)whenever I can and that is a personal choice. I am
recycling and composting kitchen waste.
Just trying to make my carbon footprint smaller. :)
My silent form of protest is to purchase less.