Substituting Costly Components - Specialists Warn of Potential Risks - Substituting Precious Components - Specialists Issue Warnings
In the realm of consumer goods, a practice known as "Skimpflation" is gaining attention. This stealthy cost-cutting tactic, distinct from shrinkflation, involves manufacturers reducing the quality or quantity of key ingredients while maintaining the same selling price for their products.
Armin Valet, a food expert at the Consumer Center Hamburg, has been vocal about this issue. He states that consumers are inadvertently buying less quality for their money due to this practice. Valet points out that statements like "New Recipe" or "Improved Recipe" can be misleading and should raise suspicion.
One example of skimpflation is the processed cheese "Milkana cremig leicht," which has seen a decrease in cheese content from 65% to 42%. However, the product now also contains butter and has a higher fat content. The managing director of the German Food Association, Christoph Minhoff, defends such practices as "necessary reactions" to factors such as increased raw material prices and disrupted supply chains.
In response, the packaging of Kölln's products will be labeled accordingly to reflect the change. Yet, Valet emphasizes the need for clear and mandatory labeling of recipe changes. He urges customers to report any affected products.
Another instance of skimpflation can be seen in Netto's "Lieblings Nuss-Nougat-Creme," where the hazelnut content has decreased from 20% to 13%. Similarly, Kaufland's own brand KClassic Ketchup now uses 72% simple concentrated tomato paste instead of 73% double concentrated. The cereal manufacturer Kölln has also chosen to reduce the filling amount of chocolate cereals at the same price, justifying this by the sharply increased cocoa price.
Interestingly, only by comparing the old and new lists of ingredients can differences be noticed. Valet notes that package sizes can also shrink at the same price, a practice known as "Shrinkflation," which is rarely disclosed by manufacturers.
Despite being legal, skimpflation risks damaging brand equity if consumers perceive that value or quality is being compromised without clear communication. The actual number of affected products is likely to be significantly higher than the current list of 40 cases, according to Valet.
A spokesperson from the manufacturer Savencia claims that the change in Milkana cremig leicht has improved the quality. However, Armin Valet advises consumers to be vigilant and make informed decisions about the products they purchase. After all, a little knowledge can go a long way in ensuring that consumers get the best value for their money.
- To combat the practice of skimpflation, eminent voices like Armin Valet, a food expert, are advocating for clear and mandatory labeling of recipe changes.
- In addition to processed cheese, skimpflation is evident in various consumer goods such as Netto's "Lieblings Nuss-Nougat-Creme," where the hazelnut content has reduced.
- Apart from skimpflation, manufacturers also employ shrinkflation, where package sizes can decrease at the same price, a practice often unacknowledged by the companies.
- Responsible lifestyle choices encompass not just science, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, skin-care, and cooking, but also being mindful about the quality of products we consume, ensuring we get the best value for our money.
