Supermarkets have come under fire with shoppers after they noticed a cupboard essential had decreased in size but not in price. The product has been a staple in many households for years, and is a quick and easy solution for those who struggle to find time to cook.
But shoppers have noticed that Ben's rice packets (formerly Uncle Ben's), don't contain as much rice as they used to. In a report by the Grocer, it was found that Mars has shrunk the size of its Ben's Rice packets by 12% to mitigate soaring input costs. 250g pouches are being gradually replaced with 220g ones in supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury's.
Ben's has removed 30g from its 250g pouches, reducing them to 220g. But the packs of the rice still cost 99p at Tesco and £1 at Sainsbury’s. In Morrisons 250g Long Grain pouches were priced at £1 each. These have been replaced with 220g packet which also cost £1.
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Mars confirmed to the Grocer that price remained the same, despite the shrinking pack sizes. Shoppers are now concerned about 'shrinkflation' - that's where items shrink in size but remain the same price.
The decision on how much supermarkets charge for branded products lies directly with the retailer. The manufacturer has no bearing on how items are priced in individual chains.
A spokesperson for Mars said: "We have been absorbing these rising costs for some time, but the growing pressures we are facing mean more needs to be done. While it has been a difficult decision to decrease the weight of our ready-to-heat pouches, we believe we are still providing nutritious, great-tasting, quality products that offer value for money."
A spokesperson for Sainsbury's said: "While prices can go up and down for a range of reasons, we’re committed to offering our customers great choice and value when they shop with us."
When approached by Manchester Evening News, Tesco declined to comment, but pointed out that shoppers can opt for their own-brand instant rice packets priced at 35p should they wish. Morrisons is yet to respond.
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