Consumers often grab their usual products in the supermarket as a matter of course. But more and more often, when you eat it, it becomes clear that something has changed.
Quality as a silent saving measure
Skimpflation describes the gradual reduction in quality of products without the price falling. The Hamburg consumer advice center has been observing this development with growing concern for some time. According to their information, a significant deterioration in the recipe of around 40 foods was found by mid-2025, often without any indication on the packaging. Instead of increasing prices, companies are increasingly turning to cheaper substitutes and quietly changing the composition of their products. This practice is particularly effective for companies: while they cushion rising production costs through cheaper raw materials, the selling price remains stable. An attractive tool in economically tense times.
Manufacturers rely on consumer habits
Many of the affected products are part of everyday life. Manufacturers rely on consumers to repeatedly buy their favorite products without re-studying the labels. This “faithfulness to habit” makes it possible to change recipes unobtrusively. “Consumers have to have both products available and also compare the ingredients exactly. That is almost impossible,” explained Armin Valet from the Hamburg consumer advice center to ZDFheute.
When it comes to orange juice from the manufacturer Eckes-Granini It was stated: “Whereas before it was 100 percent fruit juice, now it is just nectar with 50 percent fruit juice. The rest is filled up with sugar water and the stretched juice is sold at the same price,” described Valet. But other products are also affected. According to the Hamburg Consumer Center, for example, the “butter content of Knorr Feinschmecker Lemon Butter Sauce” was reduced from 25 to 10 percent. Instead, the preparation instructions specify the addition of five grams of butter. Nevertheless, the manufacturer states that the butter content is higher than usual on the market. The reason for the change was a recipe adjustment. Even types of tea are affected: The “Hot Love” variety from Teekanne not only has less content (shrinkflation), but also gets its taste mainly from the added flavors (skimpflation), according to the consumer advice center.
Demands for clear labeling
The legal situation allows this form of “quality saving measures” as long as the changed composition is declared correctly. There is no obligation to actively label, for example through a conspicuous note on the packaging. Consumer advocates are therefore calling for comprehensive regulation: changes to recipes should be made clearly visible and comprehensible on the front.
But until then, the information advantage remains on the part of the manufacturers. The consumer advice center assumes that the number of unreported cases is very high and recommends regularly taking a critical look at ingredient lists. Even minor changes should not be ignored and should be reported if possible, as consumer complaints lead to detection. Taste, consistency, nutritional values or changed recipes or filling quantities can also provide information about a new composition.
Editorial team finanzen.net
Image sources: Lisa S. / Shutterstock.com