Jump to Navigation

The Incredible Shrinking Package

Does it seem as though the packages lining grocery store aisles are getting smaller? They are. It's a strategy some packaged goods manufacturers are using to pass along their higher costs. Instead of raising the price on a normal sized container, they are shrinking the container but charging what they used to charge for the larger container. According to a New York Times story, some of the most common shrinking package categories include canned tuna, paper towels, chewing gum, butter-type spreads, candy bars, coffee, and ice cream.

Matt's View

Now more than ever, a price book is an essential tool for smart grocery shoppers. A price book is simply a small notebook (or an electronic organizer) where you list the types of products you buy most frequently, the best prices you've found on a per-ounce or per-count basis, the brands that tend to offer the best deals, and the stores. Evaluating prices on a per-ounce or per-count basis makes it easier to figure out which product is a good value no matter what the size of the package.

This article filed in: Groceries , Spending

« Return to Matt About Money® archives

Managing Money by The Book

"I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word." - Psalm 119:16

Read this eNewsletter »


Recommended Resources

Money Strategies for Tough Times
Are you feeling the effects of today's economy? Who isn't? "Money Strategies for Tough Times" can help you successfully navigate the tough times, get to a better place with your finances, and stay there. In this new book you'll find...…Read the rest

View All »