Chip lovers can expect larger servings of Doritos, Tostitos, Ruffles and Lay’s as PepsiCo reacts to consumers’ complaints of “shrinkflation.”
A PepsiCo representative told CNN customers will soon see 20% more chips in Tostitos and Ruffles “bonus” bags while prices will remain the same. The snack food brand also reportedly plans to grow its 18-count variety packs to include 20 small bags.
Consumer advocate Edgar Dworsky reported in 2021 that certain Tostitos products had shrunk in size by an ounce or two. Years earlier, he also reported that bags of Ruffles Sour Cream & Onion Chips had gotten smaller. Dworsky told CNN he’s pleased to see PepsiCo giving its consumers more bang for their buck.
“It’s about time,” he said. “Chip lovers have suffered through years of downsizings.”
But PepsiCo’s reasons for adding more chips to their bags may not be entirely altruistic.
Company snack sales dropped 1% last quarter, according to CNN, which noted that the price of snacks has risen more rapidly than grocery items overall — 36% since 2020, compared to 21% for all products.
The problem has been compounded by some companies offering less product for the same price.
Shrinkflation, a retail term describing that process, has been seen as greed by critics including President Joe Biden and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Research shows the sale of chips has gone down as customers look for greater value.
According to CNN, many consumers who haven’t limited their salty snack food consumption have switched to cheaper store-brand products rather than going with traditional chips made by multinational corporations.
Fewer Doritos in your bag.
Fewer Oreos in your box.
Less toilet paper on your roll.You aren’t imagining it—big corporations really are making you pay the same amount (sometimes more) for less. It’s called “shrinkflation,” and we’ve got to crack down on it.
— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) February 6, 2024
One analyst told CNN he expects other snack brands to follow PepsiCo’s lead by increasing product quantity.
PepsiCo has not responded to a Daily News request for confirmation.
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