Don't judge a book by its cover and don't make assumptions about a product—or its quantity—by its packaging. What you (think you) see isn't always what you get! The odds are that your wallet has felt the effects of shrinkflation and skimpflation in recent years. You might have noticed that you’re getting less of the thing you want, and a drop in quality, despite paying the same or higher price.
Some companies are downright shameless when it comes to designing packaging in order to subtly trick their customers. Our team at Bored Panda has collected some of the most infuriating and eco-unfriendly examples of products that consumers have found at their local stores. Scroll down for a crash course on what not to do if you want your business to have a reputation for honesty, transparency, and ethics.
We wanted to learn about the fallout these sorts of practices can have on companies, as well as what customers can do to push back. Matt Johnson, PhD, a marketing psychology expert specializing in topics such as consumer psychology and serendipity, shed some light on this. Read on for the insights he shared with Bored Panda.
#1 Arguably The Infuriating Chocolate Boxes
Image credits: TheGrandHydra
Johnson explained to Bored Panda how deceptive product packaging can have negative repercussions on a company's reputation in the long term.
"Deceptive product packaging might boost short-term profits, but it’s a risky game that can undermine consumer trust—the bedrock of long-term brand loyalty. When customers feel misled, it sparks a sense of betrayal, which can ripple through word-of-mouth and online reviews, tarnishing a brand's reputation," he said.
He stressed the fact that the fallout isn't just emotional, it's also financial. "The cost of regaining trust often outweighs any initial savings, as brands must invest heavily in rebranding or damage control."
#2 I Want My Money Back
Image credits: PPIIKKAACCHHUU
#3 The Chocolate Wafers I Bought A Week Ago vs. The Ones I Bought Today. Same Price Ofc
Image credits: Statakaka
We were curious about where the line between frugality and cheapness lies with regard to business. According to Johnson, this line is defined by transparency.
"Frugality is about smart, cost-effective decisions that don’t compromise value or honesty, while cheapness signals cutting corners at the customer’s expense. The best brands understand that consumers value authenticity as much as affordability, and a short-term win through deception risks a long-term loss that no amount of clever marketing can undo," the marketing psychology expert said.
Bored Panda was also interested in the things that the customers themselves can do to push back against deceptive practices like shrinkflation and skimpflation. Johnson noted that we aren't as powerless as we might seem.
"Shrinkflation and skimpflation—when products shrink or their quality diminishes without a corresponding drop in price—can feel frustrating, but consumers hold more power than they might realize. One of the best ways to push back is to vote with your wallet. Opt for brands that maintain transparency and value, even if it means exploring lesser-known or store-brand alternatives," he said.
#4 The Pointless Waste Of Plastic
Obviously it’s slightly misleading in terms of size, but more infuriating is the excess plastic used for no practical purpose.
Image credits: mynameischrisd
#5 Opened The Pizza Box To This
I was so excited then I opened the box and a mild wave rage crept over my entire body. My husband and the cat are both hiding from me while I try to calm down, but I just stare at the pizza and get even angrier. Thought about calling the number on the box but the poor underpaid employee doesn’t deserve my unbridled wrath right now.
Might be over reacting but I am pregnant and was very excited for pizza.
Image credits: sunsetauras
#6 So, Not A 2-Pack
Image credits: Thepicausno
"Social media is another powerful tool; calling out misleading practices can create public pressure on brands to be more accountable. Consumer advocacy groups and platforms like Consumer Reports also offer ways to amplify concerns and demand change collectively. Additionally, being a vigilant shopper—reading labels, comparing unit prices, and keeping tabs on subtle changes—can help you make informed decisions," Johnson told Bored Panda.
"When consumers collectively prioritize value and transparency, they nudge the market toward fairer practices. Brands that respect their customers tend to win in the long run."
#7 The Ultimate In Deceptive Packaging From Sunday Riley
Took the lid off to get any that was left in the jar and the actual product is in the most minuscule little bag attached to the pump.
Image credits: meghanomicon
#8 The Label On My Honey
Image credits: KamueSavor
#9 Bought This Sandwich At Nice Airport
Image credits: Expyou
To be completely blunt, if you constantly lie to your loyal customer base, you’ll push them away. Nobody enjoys feeling like they’re being taken advantage of. And as a consumer, if you’re willing to do a bit of research, there are always better, more consumer-friendly alternatives for you to find.
Besides, it’s a very human feeling to want to get back at a person or organization that constantly lies to everyone. For example, someone might start posting about those deceptive practices on social media, and it can go viral, damaging the business’s reputation and—perhaps more importantly—profit margins.
The World Economic Forum explains that shrinkflation is the phenomenon where consumer products get smaller in size, but their price doesn’t change accordingly. A similar phenomenon is so-called skimpflation, where companies reduce the quality of their product or service while keeping the price the same.
When it comes to shrinkflation and skimpflation, you’re paying the same amount of money as before for less quantity or quality, respectively. Or, to flip that around, you end up paying more than before per measure of quantity or quality. In short, your purchasing power and overall satisfaction go down.
#10 That's Just Deceptive
Image credits: luckebjucke
#11 This Has To Be Illegal. Found In A "Handmade" Country Store
Image credits: reddit.com
#12 Have Celiac Disease, Bought A New Gluten Free Product That Looked Good
To clarify, these are not the burgers. These are the buns that came out of that bag.
Image credits: redcurrantevents
With so many sales happening during every holiday season, companies can rack up a massive profit if they suddenly decide to use up fewer resources to put out more products. It’s an ever-present temptation to go beyond the impact of inflation.
CNN reports that American consumers spent a jaw-dropping $13.3 billion on Cyber Monday in 2024, a spike of 7.3% compared to a year ago. It’s hard to resist ‘last call’ deals. Especially if you’re still looking for holiday gifts for your loved ones, decide to treat yourself, or you realize that you can save a ton of money on big purchases you would’ve made in the near future anyway.
As per Adobe Analytics, the total amount spent in the US by consumers this year during the 5-day holiday stretch from Thanksgiving reached a whopping $41.1 billion.
“While Cyber Monday remained the season’s and year’s biggest online shopping day, year-over-year growth was stronger on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday,” says Adobe Digital Insights lead analyst Vivek Pandya.
According to Adobe, holiday spending in the US for November 1 through December 31 is likely to go above $240 billion, a rise of 8.4% compared to 2023.
#13 My Unopened Tub Of Protein Powder Only Comes A Third Of The Way Full
Image credits: chickn_nugget7
#14 We Bought 12 Quail Eggs For Price Of 12. We Got 10 Due To Clever Packaging
Image credits: TheOnlyRushIn
#15 1/3 Full Brand New Deodorant
Image credits: Skymaster7
According to LendingTree, 71% of Americans have noticed at least one incident of shrinkflation in the past year, while 57% said they’ve experienced multiple incidents. As per LendingTree’s analysis of 98 commonly used consumer products, a third have shrunk. “Household paper products—toilet paper and paper towels—saw the highest rate of change via fewer sheets per roll.”
Meanwhile, “seven of the 16 (or 43.8%) breakfast items analyzed have been downsized since 2019 or 2020. Family-size Frosted Flakes dropped 9.6% from 24.0 ounces to 21.7, leading to a 40.0% price increase per ounce. Of the 13 candy items, five (38.5%) changed size. Meanwhile, six of 22 (27.3%) snacks analyzed underwent size reductions.”
As it turns out, the price isn’t the only important thing. “Consumers don’t just look at prices, and they prefer price bumps over shrinking products. 89% of Americans always or sometimes compare brands’ product sizes or quantities when shopping. Many Americans would prefer that companies raise prices (38%) rather than reduce sizes (28%).”
#16 Box Of Chocolates Missing Row Hidden By Packaging
Image credits: ComfortableChair316
#17 This Wine Bottle Had A Completely Different Label Underneath
Image credits: owl-exterminator
#18 How Is This Allowed
Image credits: redditdude9000
Shrinkflation and skimpflation hurt your wallet, the quality of your life, your potential savings, and, in the long run, can affect your lifestyle, because you can’t afford what you used to and need to cut back.
That’s on top of the sinking feeling that your hard-earned wage isn’t as valuable as it was in the past. You then have a few options. First of all, you can look for cheaper alternatives, potentially sacrificing some product quality in the process.
#19 It’s Come For My Kids Candy Now
Should be a lawsuit for deceit and false advertising. The candy is just over half as long as the packaging
Image credits: Every-Cook5084
#20 Well… That Packaging Was Misleading
Image credits: swimfish09
#21 This Hair Gel
Image credits: foxydogman
Sure, there are cheaper chocolates available if your favorite brand has embraced shrinkflation. However, the alternatives might taste different or use cheaper ingredients. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s not quite what you’re looking for. Hardly anyone enjoys making lifestyle changes when they don’t have to. It feels nice to have some basic comforts you can rely on in your life.
#22 This Trend Really Needs To Stop
Like they fill it up just high enough to cover the little window on the box but if you look closer you'll see that it stops right there. Tilt the box on its side and you can see how much is really in it. I'm so sick of this stuff.
Image credits: IDE_IS_LIFE
#23 Who Designs A Easter Egg Box Like This?
Image credits: alsuperhero1
#24 Father-In-Law Bought A Jacket Advertised With Recco Included (Avalanche Beacon). Felt Off To Me, And Lo And Behold It's Just A Piece Of Foam
Image credits: thereluctantpoet
Another thing to consider is that not every alternative to your fave products is going to be available in your local shops. You might need to walk or drive further or even rely on deliveries. This can eat into your time due to a longer commute, or your cash due to more fuel use or added delivery costs.
You can also decide to focus on bringing home more money so that you can afford the same standard of living you got used to. This might mean talking to your boss about that overdue raise or promotion, applying to new jobs at your company or other businesses, or working longer hours for overtime.
#25 What A Crock
I have storage space!
Image credits: logicnotemotion
#26 35% More, Sure
Image credits: jessew1987
#27 25 Grams... Yeah
Just bought this
Image credits: schiil
Or you might even feel pressured to pick up a side hustle or two just to maintain your and your family’s lifestyle and reputation in your local community. Public perception and the desire to be admired and respected are phenomenal sources of anxiety if you let them run wild.
#28 We Bought A Seemingly Delicious Pastry Cream Dessert At The Grocery Store. This Was The Amount Of Cream In Every Croissant In The Package
I wish I could say at least it tasted good, but I can’t.
Image credits: nukeskywalkerr
#29 When They Hide It Through Deception: They Pack 120, Not 125 As Indicated On The Package. (Counted Last 2 Purchases - Both Were 120)
Image credits: WhaneTheWhip
#30 Come On Fannie May…you Had To Short Us One?
btw Corporate Douchebaggery Apologists, don’t even start with the “extra protective room” for the chocolates…
Image credits: HoppesNo9
Which of these examples of misleading designs made your blood boil? Have you noticed any examples of shrinkflation in your local shops over the past few years? What is the most recent case of deceptive product packaging you’ve stumbled across?
Would you rather companies raise prices or reduce the amount (or quality) of the products and services you get? Let us know in the comments!
#31 Opening A Box Of Chocolates Only To Find More Air Than Actual Chocolate Inside Is Mildly Infuriating
Image credits: Alarmed-Definition94
#32 Deceptive Front Label - Canola Oil Is In A Very Light Font Color LOL
Image credits: Falafel_Fondler
#33 Embarrassed To Say I've Been Tricked By The Gap
Image credits: Jambone91
#34 Paper Thin Layer Of Egg Custard On Top
Image credits: veenell
#35 I Mean Yeah Read The Weight But Like. Really? My Aunt Bought These And This Is Just Mildly Infuriating Thing. I Don't Think The Weight Would Indicate This
Image credits: F4ntomP
#36 Kids Book
Bought this book for my kid. "For touching and feeling". The lion has fur on it but every other page after the cover is just a blank page.
Image credits: germaniko
#37 Looks Like Ice Cream Is More Expensive Than Ice
Image credits: pygmy
#38 This Is Ridiculous…
Image credits: hotfuzzindahouse
#39 String Cheese I Get Every Week, Left Is Old And Right Is New (All The New Ones In The Bag Were Smaller)
Image credits: Adorable-Cookie-733
#40 I'm Disappointed That Palmer's Resorts To Deceptive Packaging
Image credits: Colibiri
#41 At Its Finest
Image credits: ValuableApart69
#42 Have A Cold, So I Got Myself Some Claritin… What Is This
Image credits: revlark
#43 I Just Bought These... The Label Hides What A Scam It Is
Image credits: fjake
#44 When You Read Ingredient Labels For Fun
Image credits: Zyibat
#45 This Power Rangers Box Is Twice As Big As It Should Be, Intentionally Misleading Kids Into Thinking They Get A Big Toy
As an added infuriation, they only made the Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops, Mastodon, and Sabertooth Tiger. Sorry Kimberly and Tommy. And EXTRA sorry if you were hoping to build a megazord.
Image credits: TroaAxaltion
#46 Why Though?
Image credits: TankArtist
#47 Deceptive Packaging Sizes
It could fit into a bag a 1/4 of the size. At what point is this just false advertising lol
Image credits: VoteForCookie
#48 I Discovered Why My "Fragrance Free" Face Wash Has Such A Strong Floral Odor
Image credits: Brym
#49 My Wife Tried To Get A Little More Out Of Her Serum And Discovered This
Image credits: haterindisguise
#50 Putting 1 Less Pizza In The Package Is Seen As 'New Recipe'?
The one on the right is replacing the one on the left. They only took 10% off the price. Marketing sucks.
Image credits: AssignmentWilling486
#51 This Cereal Advertises As Having 13g Of Protein, But The Nutrition Info On The Side Shows It Only Has 5.6g. The Other 7.4g Of Protein Is Only If You Add Milk
Image credits: Soupdeloup
#52 Cookies Of Lies
Oh, you wanted them ALL to have sprinkles? Well, you only get two. Bozo.
Image credits: reddit.com
#53 I Bought A Two-Pack Of "Pride-Themed" Socks From My Local Drugstore. When I Got Home, I Found That Only One Pair Has A Rainbow Design; The Other Is Plain White. They Had The Former Facing Forward, Presumably So That Customers Would Not Notice The Latter
Image credits: TimeWalker77
#54 Ready In 10 Mins. Cook For 16-17 Mins. Velveeta Explain
Image credits: dudebrohmanguy
#55 One Of The Blocks Isn't One Of The Blocks
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#56 My 8oz Bag Of Cheese Was Only 4oz
Image credits: TheParadox3b
#57 Bought A Bag Of Frozen Fruit Thinking That It Might Come With Some Strawberries. It Be Like That Sometimes
Image credits: TheGaslighter9000X
#58 I Bought A Frozen Chicken Parmesan, And The Chicken Is Missing Entirely
Image credits: Hotate_Scallop
#59 Caught Our Japanese Exchange Student About To Drink This Because It Says “Soda” And Has Fruit On The Label
Image credits: McBeardedson
#60 Natural Beef Sticks, Disappoint
they look full size in the package but are pretty tiny in reality.
Image credits: naytebro
#61 This Toy Bucket Looks Like It’s Full. A Classic Waste Of Plastic
Image credits: CagunReddit
#62 It’s Not The Worst In The World But Annoys Me Anyways
Image credits: DarkCarnageFN
#63 Dr Squatch Deodorant Air Gapped
Image credits: WireRot
#64 Completely Misleading Packaging
Image credits: reddit.com
#65 This Packet Of Pills I Bought At The Airport
Image credits: kittie6888
#66 Dove Deception - The Entire Left Side Is Empty. It's An Entire Box Just Half Filled
Image credits: Commercial_Sun_6300
#67 This Box Of Chocolates Has A Spacer That Takes Up Half The Box
Image credits: DonkeyTron42
#68 Sneaky Bastards
Image credits: VeganMeatHead
#69 My Wife Just Showed Me How They Are Packaging Bacon Now To Fool Customers. They Use That Front Flat To Hide That There Are About Two Less Slices Of Bacon Now. Look At The Front View, Then Look At The Side View
Image credits: WallStreetMav
#70 Less Than Half Of The Bag Is Filled Of Chips
Image credits: kiwilovethekiwis
#71 Walgreens “Actual Size” Label Compared To The Actual Size
Image credits: ihatewinter
#72 Caught In The Act (Shrinkflation). Same Price But One Is Almost A Third Less Product
Image credits: PiercedGeek
#73 Got Yelled At By Wife For Eating All The Cookies Until We Saw This. Middle Row Holds Two Less Cookies. Thanks Celebration Cookies
Image credits: 25thaccount
#74 Family Size!
Image credits: blush_inc
#75 Excuse Me?? This Is A Scam
$4.39 after tax and it looks like someone sneezed product into this jar. I don’t know if it actually counts as shrinkflation because I have never bought this product before, but it’s a goddamn scam. Straight back to Walmart it goes.
Image credits: -Infamous-Interest-
#76 Misleading Label On My Juice
I wanted 100% cranberry juice so I bought this juice labeled “100% JUICE CRANBERRY”, only to get home, pour myself a glass, and notice the next line on the label, in much, much smaller print.
Image credits: heretic_eric
#77 These “Double Stuff” Oreos I Bought
Image credits: IceCreamMeatballs
#78 Thought I Bought A Box With 40 Coffee Stick Packs… Until I Looker Closer
Image credits: 911ThatCrazedFangirl
#79 Not Only Have They Reduced From 750ml To 600ml ... Strategic Label Positioning
Thought something wasn't quite right when tipped to side, so removed label to confirm...
Image credits: tgb00
#80 This Fish Sauce Does Not Contain Any Of The Creatures Pictured On The Label
Image credits: Bri-guy15
#81 My Shoe Deoderiser From Aldi Is Actually Just A Coles Women's Anti-Perspirant With A Plastic Label
Image credits: cl3ft
#82 This Is Beer Not Cider
I am so disappointed. Can’t legally return alcohol. What kind of misleading packaging is this??
Image credits: gnarble
#83 The Size Of The Packaging vs. The Size Of The Bar
Image credits: Mcstopwatch
#84 What A Nice Big Plant Steak... Not
Bought this some time ago, and just remembered it when I saw the chocolate bar here...
Image credits: MoonToast101
#85 This Wizards Of The Coast Dungeons And Dragons 180 Card Set "With Evocative Images" Has Images On About 30 Cards, The Other 150 Cards Just Have This Red Symbol
Image credits: LiftingDa
#86 This Candy Coffin Design That Is Raised To Hold Less Candy. The Candy Is Decent Tasting
Image credits: martusfine
#87 “12 Days Of Hot Sauce” Advent Calendar Has Only Six Flavors
Image credits: reddit.com
#88 Hmart In Arcadia, Ca Likes To Hide Salmon Scraps Behind The Labels.. Got Me This Time.. Never Again!
Image credits: klee1113
#89 What I Bought vs. What Came In The Bag
Image credits: barnesnoblebooks
#90 Reminder To Always Read The Ingredients List Before Buying A New Product. Almost Bought This Chocolate That Claims To Be Vegan, It’s Not. How Is This Legal??
Look out for fake certification badges!
Image credits: Jacked_Shrimp
#91 Extra Strength vs. Maximum Strength
Image credits: coolcat_tom
#92 Only The Top Eggs Have Cool Patterns. Thank God We Only Paid Five Dollars For This
Image credits: Young_Person_42
#93 Claiming 10% More The Packaging Is Even Bigger To Deceive
Image credits: Liluzisquirt2x
#94 The Contradicting Labels On The Packaging For Ice Blending
Image credits: Pernicious_Enigma
#95 More Misleading Packaging
Image credits: duckswithbanjos
#96 Turns Out Pure Fat Is Zero Calories If You Just Make It Small Enough
Image credits: supyonamesjosh
#97 This Margarita Mix Made Their Label The Exact Same Color As The Drink, So That You Can't Tell It's A Wine Cocktail And Doesn't Actually Have Tequila In It Until You're Halfway Done With It
Image credits: notesfromthemoon
#98 Same Multivitamin Product At Publix $1 Higher When Labeled For Women
Image credits: Pukefalillo
#99 Bought A 'Chocolate' Cake At The Grocery Store
Image credits: realbigexplosion
#100 Deceptive Packaging On Expensive Popcorn From William Sonoma
$50 for this which makes it look like there is triple the popcorn kernels. The screwed up part is how cheap regular popcorn is.
Image credits: Zenged_
