A new type of inflation (lower quality)?

We know that inflation usually takes place at around 2 or 3% every year in our prices.

Sometimes our prices stay the same, but they shrink the product (Lay's chips used to be 9 oz. for the regular bag and now they are 7.5 or 8 ounces).

For years, Ben & Jerry's was my favorite ice cream and I'd pay a premium for them. I've bought them for $4.45/pint before (high end of the spectrum).

Now, I don't know anymore. The last two times I bought some (strawberry cheesecake and vanilla), the quality seems lower. The ice cream seems softer and not hard like before. I always liked B&J's for that hard high-quality ice cream. Now, the ice cream seems "stretchy" and softer.

Why, Ben and Jerry's? WHY???!

Am I the only one noticing this?

Create an Account or Log In

Membership is free. Simply choose your username, type in your email address, and choose a password. You immediately get full access to the forum.

I have noticed a lot more air in packaging in general, whether it's the air to keep the product protected (so they say lol) or things that were firm and dense are more air and fluff. I remember a time long, long a go when B&J was 2.99 a pint or 2 or $5 at WaWa and as teenagers, we had no guilt about consuming the entire thing in one sitting lol.

Shopping the South Jersey Shore

Is it possible that they lowered the fat content? I don't eat as much packaged food as I used to (for the reasons you mention). However, I know some brands like to improve their image by selling "healthier" products. Fat content is what will make ice cream freeze harder. I learned in a culinary class that chocolate is typically harder than other flavors because ice cream makers don't adjust their base to account for the fat in chocolate.

Do the ingredients list any gums? Lower fat (not necessarily "low fat" ) ice creams usually need added ingredients to give it the right texture. That might be the stretch you're seeing.

I'm not saying it's not a loss in quality. It just might also be that they want to bring down the calorie and fat content to improve sales with health conscious consumers.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/03/2019 06:37AM by 1cent.

I notice my Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies don't taste as yummy as they used to.

*goes to store. gets beloved Milanos. will do taste test*

@Monk-N-Nut wrote:

I notice my Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies don't taste as yummy as they used to.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu

@1cent wrote:

Is it possible that they lowered the fat content? I don't eat as much packaged food as I used to (for the reasons you mention). However, I know some brands like to improve their image by selling "healthier" products. Fat content is what will make ice cream freeze harder. I learned in a culinary class that chocolate is typically harder than other flavors because ice cream makers don't adjust their base to account for the fat in chocolate.

Do the ingredients list any gums? Lower fat (not necessarily "low fat" ) ice creams usually need added ingredients to give it the right texture. That might be the stretch you're seeing.

I'm not saying it's not a loss in quality. It just might also be that they want to bring down the calorie and fat content to improve sales with health conscious consumers.

All possibilities, 1c.

I'd have to check the label next time I shop. I did hear that B&J was bought by a public stock offering company a while ago. Maybe their brand integrity is affected now by shareholder "value."

As in...they will do whatever to maximize profits - even if it means cheaper ingredients.

If that's at all true (or inflation changes), I just would say: I AM WILLING TO PAY MORE!

I hate when companies tinker with things to cheapen the price for us, but we get a worse product! If I wanted soft ice cream, I'd buy Breyers (a good brand too). But Ben & Jerry's hard ice cream was like the stuff you buy at your local ice cream shop. I WANT THAT! in a can/pint.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/03/2019 04:45PM by shoptastic.

umm... wait... Did you mean the original milk chocolate or all of the PF Milano flavors?
[I hope you mean all the varieties.]

By the way, I found a recipe for Milano cookies You could make your own and control the ingredients..

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao-Tzu

I doubt that the rising prices have as much to do with companies wanting more money as they do with an increase in the money supply. The more that gets printed, the less each bill is worth. They have to cover the difference -- whether it's by raising prices or using less expensive ingredients.

"Let me offer you my definition of social justice: I keep what I earn and you keep what you earn. Do you disagree? Well then tell me how much of what I earn belongs to you - and why?” ~Walter Williams

The gas company lowered their baseline charge. Your bill went up. The gas company said they didn't raise prices, they just lowered the baseline.

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

Click here to login

A new type of inflation (lower quality)?

Create an Account or Log In

Official List of Mystery Shopping Companies

Mystery Shopper Magazine