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30 Examples Of Packaging So Misleading, It’s Basically A Scam, As Shared On This Online Community
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines slack-fill as the difference between the size of a container and the volume of product contained therein. And while the agency does try to hunt down the misleading ones that do not allow the consumer to fully view its contents, every potato chips lover would tell you that they still hit the shelves.
Luckily, there's the r/NonFunctionSlackFill subreddit that works hard to expose them — its 49.1K members regularly share pictures of packages looking like they were intentionally designed to lure away our money. Continue scrolling to check out the most infuriating examples.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Buoyancy
WindySwede 2 years ago
*Exhales* You pay per gram/lbs (or similar). I prefer crisp chips in protective environment. And not vacuum packed into crumbs.. :)
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Squishy 2 years ago
when will people realize it's no longer funny when you realize the air in the bags actually has a purpose and would ruin the chips if it wasn't for the airrrr
Becky Samuel 2 years ago
I don't know why people consistently compain about this. Chips are sold by weight, a 150g bag of chips contains the same number of chips whether it has a lot of "air" or a small amount.
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Boris Long-Johnson 2 years ago
Yes and the “air” isn’t air anyway it’s inert gas (generally nitrogen) to stop your crisps going stale.
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Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
It's not air; it's nitrogen, and it keeps the chips fresh. They'd be stale af if they pumped air into the bag. It also provides a cushion in transit so the chips don't end up as crumbs.
Korozive 2 years ago
Why the hell is this so damn hard to understand. There is air because the chips are dumped in and settle over the trip to the market. Of course there is air.
TBW 2 years ago
Because that's not the point. The point is that they are selling less product at a higher price while using the same size packaging as decades ago. The issue is shrinkflation. https://www.foodandwine.com/news/food-shrinkflation-doritos-gatorade
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Jerusalem Cat Syndrome 2 years ago
Idiotic. The whole point of air in the bags is to protect the chips: imagine what your chips would be like if bags could be packaged more closely--crumbs. Lots of crumbs.
Liz-ard 10 months ago
What says the text and pic has anything at all to do with each other?! Someone took (from whatever place) and put a text that is “funny” (for the meme-maker). Idk about other people, but I am so sick of all these claims of being the truth on social! I see in the comments tho - 🙏🏼😇 - that most are intelligent and have knowledge enough NOT to buy the above claim.
We got in touch with one of the moderators of the subreddit and, judging from the chat we had, the community is pretty civil and inclusive too.
"Most of the work I do is [just] removing things that aren't actually nonfunctional slack fill, like packaging for medical products," they told Bored Panda.
"A wide variety of products are posted here, but I see candy and beauty/hygiene products posted most often," the moderator added.
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#2
Biggest Letdown I’ve Had In A While
Lauren M 2 years ago
Nevermind the mislead on the quantity, how about the duplicate and triplicate colours!
Robert T 2 years ago (edited)
The colours can be seen through the lid. The fact that 150 pieces is actually only 75 markers cannot. I'd refer that one to trading standards.
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Maggie Hood 2 years ago
Yeah you don't even have to count the markers to tell that there aren't 150 of them. That's just straight up lying
Milena B. G. Rosa 2 years ago
Actually it's more a case of lack of attention of who brought it. Kiss Army explained It on the most upvoted commentary: it counts 75 markers, 59 stickers, 15 activity sheets and the bucket. It's on a sticker in the front 536158a3-1951-4d94-8ea3-52c36e28bc02_1f08ab557fcadef2cd776ee3d5bd8a14d-6419e414537f8-jpeg.jpg
Load More Replies... Ashley Wright 2 years ago
C’mon. If the box didn’t say how many pens were in the container, then I can see a complaint. But you see it’s 150 so there’s no scam. Only fault is size of box which is a waste of plastic as it could be made smaller.
Ashley Wright 2 years ago
C’mon. If the packaging didn’t say how many pens were encased, then I can see a complaint. It says “150,” and you GOT 150. Only egregious thing here is the waste of plastic; container should be smaller.
#3
Only Function Here Is To Trick You Into Thinking It's A Bottle
Phyllis Turbin 2 years ago (edited)
Yup! I now take the thing apart and use the rest of the tube. And there's still a lot in the tube ! What's galling is the plastic waste.
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Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
Ok, but they're not claiming you get more super glue. The bottle is a precision applicator that doesn't clog and dry out.
Nicole A 2 years ago
Yeah I was going to say they put the number of ounces or grams right on the package so you CAN compare the amount of glue to other options without peeling the wrapper off. The bottom line is the amount of glue.
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Kaspar Kristiansen 2 years ago
I think I've read (on BP last time this topic was up) that the bottle is in fact made for a purpoae, to be able to squeeze the most glue out without getting your hands glued. Don't know if it's true, just worth considering. It doesn't look good, granted.
Mauricio A.Rivera 2 years ago
This kind of packaging should be illegal, if not for being misleading certainly for polluting the planet!
A Random Anvil 2 years ago
And they still run badly. It will keep coming out like a volcano. The benefit of this design is that your hands get a better chance of staying unglued.
According to Nina van Toulon, the initiator of the Indonesian Platform for Prevention and Management of Waste, some slack-fill is needed.
"One valid reason for functional slack-fill is product protection," she explained. "Good examples are packages filled with chips or cookies. The extra space prevents damage to the product by outside pressure. Without this empty space, your product would crumble."
"Another valid reason is avoiding product loss due to spilling when opening the package," she added.
#4
Does This Count?
Marzipanda 2 years ago
What you seez is what you get. (Give or take 1 pepperoni slice. Results may vary. Not valid where invalid.)
Maggie Hood 2 years ago
They saved a whole nickel by doing that. They literally could've put 3 or 4 more pieces on there
#5
This Bamboozling Package
Maggie Hood 2 years ago
Plus they're like 9 dollars for a tiny bowl. Rip off. I'm making my own soup
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Bruhwhydothat 2 years ago
Anyone else see the bottom that says pomade on the top is gone at the bottom
Seamus Crumley 2 years ago
Well, Vikings may need soft beards getting ready for their revolution. Does that say PEE? Pee cream maybe.
Stan Chung 2 years ago
what is a rippoff, same goes with those oil of olay products. they're even worse than this
Another reason is called settling. "Some products fill up a package at production time and the product 'settles' to a lower level inside the packaging over time, for example, flour."
"[One more] technical reason is the closing process of the packaging after it is filled in a production line," van Toulon continued. "There needs to be an allowance of extra material to seal the packaging properly, which in some cases (and depending on the type of packaging) results in some empty space."
#6
Not Buying This Kind Of Box From Michaels Again
RafCo (he/him/ele) 2 years ago
Even so, this feels like a lot of plastic waste
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Ivan Petrov 2 years ago
That's like watching a trailer for a movie, and realizing, that were the best/important parts, after watching the whole thing.
Kajira4evr 2 years ago
Opening jumprings needs two pairs of pliers!! And they don't even tell you what size jumprings or the type of pliers. Run a mile. Cheap kits are always shyte quality
Binky Melnik 2 years ago
This is especially sickening because they used extra dead trees and PLASTIC to create this total lie of a package! How incredibly irritating!
#7
Why Do You Have To Play Me Like That?
ShockSandSniper_ 2 years ago
but Hey! Free plastic! We loooooove plastic...
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Seamus Crumley 2 years ago
It's those leprechauns. Scimping on the pots of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Stan Chung 2 years ago
good chocolate doesn't come in such packaging so you're just buying the container
#8
Bath Bombs
Margaret Witte 2 years ago
WTF IS WRONG WITH THESE MANUFACTURERS ? SHOULDNT THERE BE SOME LAW AGAINST DECEPTIVE MARKETING ???
Kelley Baltierra 2 years ago
This would p**s me off. The stuff in Walmart that is individually wrapped is at least a sphere.
#9
I Know Popcorn Is Mostly Air, But
Satan Laughs 2 years ago
Wow this one is bad— no popcorn would have been more satisfying.
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And the like 2 years ago
My thought. It's the easier thing to make at home anyway
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Dorothy Cloud 2 years ago
I would think the popcorn would be cheaper than the plastic container!
However, as we can see, sometimes there's simply too much slack-fill. "Non-functional slack-fill is a neglected topic. Publications on regulating slack-fill [are] scarce and U.S. lawsuits are mostly related to misleading consumers and not to the unnecessary use of materials, of which the majority of certain packaging materials is not effectively being recycled," van Toulon said.
#10
Why Is This Not Illegal
MilaFi 2 years ago
I've seen this type of packaging in Finland. I suppose it's fine as long as the package says the content volume on the outside of the package. E.g. 15 ml.
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Molly M 2 years ago
Many companies so this for smaller items for 2 reasons: 1. So it's more substantial and therefore harder to steal 2. For medical or skin care products they may do it for more space to list ingredients or directions, other things required to be on the packaging. Or a combo of both?
Liz-ard 10 months ago
However they could have chosen a better kind of package so that the deceiving illusion could’ve been dodged.
Load More Replies... Shelley Dawson 2 years ago
This is partly necessary due to the amount of product information (including ingredients) that by law have to be on the packaging.
Satan Laughs 2 years ago
Shoplifting reasons. The larger the packaging the harder it is to steal. Very expensive makeups and lotions do this. Still annoying tho🤦🏼♀️😳
Rob Harris 2 years ago
In Canada, we have English and French on all labels. I swear some of our packaging is oversized solely to have enough room for it all. Especially medication and personal care products.
Rw Wr 2 years ago
Because you need to go by weights and measures not by eyeballing the package. As long as the weight matches it's legal. Also why I compare price per ounce in the grocery store. It's not always cheaper to buy 1 large size vs 2 small.
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Else Sakshaug 2 years ago
Actually I don't think it's illegal 🤔 If the outer packaging tells you how many milliliters there are, I believe they're "safe". I've seen this here in Norway, and it might be because it's way more expensive to make a machine that produces many different sized boxes.
#11
This "Box" Of Beef Jerky
真壁まつり 2 years ago
I find it amusing that the sentences on it are mostly Chinese but there are some Japanese letters there
Vicente Carmi 2 years ago
I thought doing this was literally illegal in Japan though
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Jeremy Crocker 2 years ago
I don't believe this one, there's nothing in the package stopping them from falling over. Looks like someone took 8 of them and lined the sides just to take picture.
Stan Chung 2 years ago
this should not be an issue because you'll notice the weight immediately.
Ashley Wright 2 years ago
One can tell by mere weight alone there’s not much jerky in the container. One is only fooled if they think they’re getting more.
Margaret Witte 2 years ago
I SHOULD HAVE ENTERED MY BIG BOX OF BANQUET FRIED CHICKEN !!! THERE WAS 4 PIECES IN IT !!!
#12
The Solar Panel Of My Flashlight Came Off And Reveals A Block Of Concrete To Make It Feel More Well-Built And Heavy
Sarah Stalder 2 years ago
They do something similar with Beats by Dre. The technology is very lightweight, but people want heft.
Bakakakariyu 2 years ago
People will never understand that Beats are a scam
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Dianne 2 years ago
I don't think this is a scam. In this case, I think the extra weight is there so that the solar panel always remains on top. I have a desk lamp with a flexible neck (for more than 20 years) and I saw this type of concrete used at the base, to counter the weight of the lamp regardless of the direction it was turned.
Ivan Petrov 2 years ago
My colleague (an electrician) was asked to check some powertool batteries - at least one of them had a bunch of nuts and bolts hotglued together to imitate the weight of a battery pack.
#13
A Yard Of Snickers. Sorry, But I Tore Out The Cardboard Flaps That Kept Them Centered
Devin Singh 2 years ago
I don't understand. What do you guys think a yard is? It's 36 inches. There's 18 candy bars, each one looks to be about 2 inches width. What were you possibly expecting that was different?
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Liz-ard 10 months ago
Well, looking it up on Snickers.com it says 18 ct. But even if one lay the bars short sides it still lacking 4,9 inches to a yard….This is a really ridiculous package! Why not just call it Big Box Snickers or Multi/Mega/Gigantic or whatever??? THAT would at least not be compleatly UN-true as this ”yard” nonsense is!
Stan Chung 2 years ago (edited)
Shame on you snickers! i can guessed what happened, the ad agency came up with the catchy one liner but marketing and client concluded the price point was too high so they told the art dept to get creative. 18 years in advertising- this is bs badly done. paraphrasing Mccann Erickson's Truth Well Told.
Ashley Wright 2 years ago
Pretty sure the box states just how many Snicker®️ bars are in the container. One must look beyond the claim “a foot long.”
One reason why we see so much of it, according to the expert, boils down to the producers trying to create a feeling of "more value for your money."
"Consumers need to rely on the amount of grams or pieces printed on the packaging when the product is ... in non-transparent packaging," van Toulon highlighted. "When the number of pieces is mentioned, it is clear what you get for your money."
Another reason why companies do this is trying to stand taller than their competitors' products on the store shelves.
#14
Sales Genius
Liz-ard 10 months ago
Look at what the package promises in weight. The package choice is unfortunate, but as long as they don’t lye about the weight it’s not a illegal scam. It’s important to actually read what it says. Also in this case they actually made ONE wrap, but then cut it in two… Is it in some kind of kindness if the second wrap for some reason was supposed to be shared or saved for later?
#15
An Airport Sandwich At Its Finest!
LIZ HALL 2 years ago
AirPORT sandwich, not airLINE. Flight attendant not involved.
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Mary Peace 2 years ago
In the UK, lots of pre-made sandwiches in supermarkets are like that. The filling is over the front edge, and the back is hidden by cardboard packaging.
Liz-ard 10 months ago
I don’t really see whats wrong here… you have the bread, folded ham and cucumber slices. So unfold the ham and place the cucumber slices in the other direction! I do so all the time when I buy similar sandwiches both in grocery and cafes! Mostly because they usualy put a lump of the fat in the middle and that I don’t want the topping stackt in several layers. Like those folded ham pices.
#16
These Were £5...guess I Should Have Checked The Weight. 330ml Coke For Scale
Quarkbeast 2 years ago
Still £1 per piece of candy, total scam. Unless they're the most frickin' delicious candy in the world then maybe worth it, just kidding, still not worth it.
Satan Laughs 2 years ago
In the US there would have been a whole scandal. This one is totally absurd.
Liz-ard 10 months ago
😂 My kid bought me a wrap of nougat for Christmas. The package was like an vintages candy cone and rather expensive. She bought one for herself too. It contained THREE (3) pices of nougat 1x2 cm! She was SO disappointed, but I could’ve told her not to buy if I had known that she was about to do one of her worst purchases in her so far young life.
Stan Chung 2 years ago
when you pick it up you would notice the weight immediately. you guys telekinetic or what?
From what they've seen managing the subreddit, the moderator of r/NonFunctionSlackFillI thinks it's usually a mix of these things.
"I believe that companies see it as a way to cut costs by not producing as much product, but also as a way to do so without losing out on the share of consumers who walk down the aisle," they said.
"The average consumer is not reading the small weight or volume label on each product, and companies know that. The additional advertising space is certainly a bonus they get for doing that as well."
#17
This Jumbo Tube Is Only Filled To The Letter E
SuperDarkStudios 2 years ago
I promise I'm not trying to be rude! But people actually enjoy these? When I eat them I'm having the worst time of my life until they turn sweet!
Fast & Curious 2 years ago
i mean i really like the sour, but i hate when it turns sweet...
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Steven Chaloux 2 years ago
They do this with most products like this. Idk why people fall for it still
Klondike Penguin 2 years ago
Whoever decided that filling them up this much should’ve been fired or demoted. Fill it to the top! Please!
#18
Xtreme Asshole I'd Say
A B C the Third 2 years ago
I'm flabbergasted by BP not censoring Ásshole in the title (let's see how long it'll take, haha)
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Nikki Sevven 2 years ago
Had you checked the weight, you would have seen that they're the same.
Caroline Graf 2 years ago
Sorry, but both say "60g". If ya can't read, you're at fault for being scammed.
Bonnie Alcorn 2 years ago
The actual product is the exact same weight, 60gm or 12.2oz., regardless of the size of the container. This is an egregious waste!
Mauricio A.Rivera 2 years ago
WE ARE IN TROUBLE! Really? Imagine this travesty all over the world, yeah, I think I'm going to be sick!
#19
I Get That Samples Are Samples, But What A Waste Of Plastic
Trash Panda 🦝 2 years ago
My mother asked me for help a while back with some make up lotion she uses. The pump quit working, but though more was in there cause she hadn't had it that long. Thing looked like weird hockey puck, but there were 2 parts that could separate. I did, and was shocked. The lotion was empty. The big hockey puck looking dispenser, for maybe 10 grams of lotion. Biggest packaging rip off I've even seen.
Bobbi Lichtenfels Hughes Duncan 2 years ago
All this waste, but WE are supposed to NOT use plastic straws...
Liz-ard 10 months ago
Imagine how much cheaper everything could be if we could pay for just the content, not the packages. And if the producers would get a no-no-fee for using too much package I think a lot of these stupid plastic boxes and other plastic containers would come in just a plastic plat little bag, like some tests already do.
Stan Chung 2 years ago (edited)
cosmetic industry is the worst offender IMHO- because of the price.
#20
Once You Turn This Jar Of Sprinkles Upside Down, You See The Real Quantity
Elizabeth Rose 2 years ago
Not my boyfriend opening a laundry detergent and filling another jug of laundry detergent to the top- in the middle of the aisle. I mean, I'm poor so pride just isn't much of a thing. But when he does that my face turns bright red of embarrassment, especially bc he narrates what he's doing like Morgan Freeman. Send help.
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Dorothy Cloud 2 years ago
At least with this one, you are able to see the discrepancy before buying.
William Dennett 2 years ago
The fine print is key to this debauchery. I always check weights and quantities because I do not trust any of them.
Mauricio A.Rivera 2 years ago
Curious everyone, who's behind this? Is this a world wide epidemic or a very specified source?
The packages we see in the pictures should be downsized not only because it misleads the buyers. "The unnecessary and excessive use of packaging aggravates the climate, waste, and plastic pollution crises, at all stages from resource extraction, production, distribution, transport in collection systems, landfilling, incineration, and recycling," van Toulon said.
#21
Coloring Book For My Son
Kiss Army 2 years ago
Nope, it's a travel coloring "kit" that they sell at the dollar store. I used to keep one or two in my purse when my son was little to keep him entertained when we were out and about. They have a mini coloring book and some stickers on the other side of the package and come with the 4 crayons and for a buck, I never really expected much more.
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Bloobee bloobee bloo bloo bloo 2 years ago
It’s a dollar store item. What more do you expect? You can clearly see through the hole that it only has 4 crayons. The box has to be the same size as the little coloring book that it’s attached too
#22
You Can Probably Imagine My Daughter's Disappointment When We Opened Up This Crayola "Super Art Tub"
Aisling Raye 2 years ago
TBH this one says what's included and doesn't lie about the sizes. It's packaged so you can see all of the contents easily and the plastic bin is to store the supplies. If everything was packaged tightly, you'd be less drawn to it to purchase it. Also, this way you get a nicer sized storage container.
The Original Bruno 2 years ago
Yeah... they just packed that cardboard so you couldn't see it was empty. You'd see everything just as well without that hollow cardboard box.
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Mauricio A.Rivera 2 years ago
Yeah, this one makes sense to me, ya gotta see what the stuff include is in an organized way. And the bucket/pail is part of the trove, for filling with more items.
#23
An Entire Box Of Ice Creams Like This
Marie BellaDonna 2 years ago
The store has nothing to do with it, though. Better off just to not ever buy that brand again. The more people who boycott something, the bigger the message we can send to these greedy, selfish, uncaring companies.
Load More Replies... Marie BellaDonna 2 years ago
Shrinkflation. It looks the same, and it's the same price (or maybe more), but it's actually LESS product. One of the most deceitful, vile things a company can do to us consumers.
Else Sakshaug 2 years ago
One does feel snubbed, especially if you are a kid expecting a large icecream 🍦
"Mismanaged waste which has no or low recycling properties creates additional burdens such as open burning of flexible packaging, a practice which is widespread in most parts of Asia and Africa. This causes CO2, black carbon, and toxic emissions. Aggravating those burdens by using unnecessary packaging is unethical."
The activist calls consumers to be proactive and voice their disappointment to either the authorities, manufacturers, or distributors whenever they feel like they get too much slack fill. She also encourages letting each other know about these products so that we can simply choose not to buy them and hurt the demand. Something tells me van Toulon might be one of r/NonFunctionSlackFill's members!
#24
2/5 Away
DadManBlues 2 years ago
Do you know that the manufacturer of Toblerone moved from Switzerland to Slivakia, so they have to remove the drawing of the Matterhorn after 115 years because that's a trademark of Switzerland. They will replace it with an 'average' mountain peak.
Rachael Jackson 2 years ago
COSTCO _ GBP 65.00 INCL VAT - 1 HUUUUUGE TOBLERONE, my husband loved it xx
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Shirley Heyn 2 years ago
I'm surprised there are as many stacked in there as there are, could have gotten away with even fewer in the stacks. :-(
Seamus Crumley 2 years ago
Lots of Toblerone bars. What's wrong? This is Swiss chocolate heaven.
#25
There’s Just Enough To Fit In The Window
Donna Cheung 2 years ago
It's "dragon beard candy". The inside is a ground sesame and peanut mixture, and the outside is made of spun sugar. But this one got a bit squashed- usually you should see the sugar threads, aka the "beard", clearly.
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#26
$20 For 11 Chocolates. Happy Valentines
mooshoflove 2 years ago
Right?! I only indulge in chocolate once a month and decided to get myself some fancy assorted chocolates... well, there were like 8 little pieces for a box costing $12. I felt every emotion that day....
memyselfandI 2 years ago
Honestly, often the cheap chocolate is actually better than the expensive stuff. By cheap I mean store brand, not Hersheys. Hersheys has its place, but won’t taste the same.
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NotTodaySatan!! 2 years ago
The back of the box would tell the serving size and how many servings. I think if one paid attention, some of these they would figure out.
Shirley Heyn 2 years ago
Also, minus the 2 corner ones. . . so disappointing! We can't even blame this on the pandemic!
Baali Venomax 2 years ago
just buy the Metal tins of Quality Street Or Roses, you will get loads more, for a third of the price.
Jeremy Bell 2 years ago
You buy chocolates for February 14th. You know they're a con, right? If this is the only time you buy them then you is a ...
#27
Just Enough To Make It To The Line
Synlover Too 2 years ago
And this is one of those things! It's "fluffy" when shredded & packaged, but settles during casing and transportation.
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Two_rolling_black_eyes 2 years ago
I buy this exact item regularly and it is always full when purchased. Either an automatic machine messed up on this one bottle or someone already ate some.
JewishPunnyBunny 2 years ago
This is one reason I grate my own, that and it's not just parm in there... lots of wood fiber, too!
Kurichfield 2 years ago
Welcome to the age of fake news where lies are the truth and you can't believe anything you see.
Richie penhallurick 2 years ago
I like how the vegan versions are filled to the spilling point
MAKtheknife 2 years ago
I wonder where this is? In my state - Minnesota, the Kraft parmesan isn't like that. The containers are full.
#28
"Fruit Bread"
Klondike Penguin 2 years ago
And suddenly, I am wondering how bread tastes with whipped cream and fruit like apple slices.
Caliban Taylor 2 years ago
What’s the filling? Marshmallow fluff? Whipped cream? Cream cheese?
Silverion Sairee 2 years ago
It's whipped cream. The bread is on the sweet side, & usually should have more fruit.
Load More Replies... Marie BellaDonna 2 years ago
You shouldn't get downvoted for simply expressing your opinion. Here, have an upvote. 😊
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#29
An Entire Tin Containing 8 Mini Snickers
Phyzzi 2 years ago
And a lot of plastic. Better just to get a tin, and skip the candy.
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Jeremy Evans 2 years ago
and those are the same size as Fun Size candy, which is quite sad if you ask me
#30
This Vegan Ground Meat
FeelingFrisky 2 years ago
This doesn't bother me so much since it's sold by weight
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DadManBlues 2 years ago
Without any hate: why do vegan people buy food that looks like ground meat?
Amy Hornsby 2 years ago
Lol I got this. For the same reason ppl use dildos. Looks the same. Feels the same. And no hearts are broken in the process. 🤣
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xXSamTheBoxerLoverXx 2 years ago
"Incredible hack" may be referencing the big scam they just did you with.
CrappieFlop Adventures 2 years ago
I mean, that's what happens when wet cardboard is cut thin and stacked on its edge. That's essentially what this is ain't it?
#31
My “Ham” Sandwich From My Old School
Marie BellaDonna 2 years ago
Coming from a school?? That's TERRIBLE! School lunch is the only meal some kids get all day. This is SAD.
#32
Why So Much Space Between Cookies?
Lynn Morello 2 years ago
less quite a few biscuits. Tim Tams are doing the same, although TimTams are substantially thicker.
#35
Buying A Solid Milk Chocolate Stanley Cup? Surely You Only Expected Half Of One
#36
Why Have Empty Blister Packages At All??
Little L 2 years ago
It's says on the box that it's 16 pills. So if you got this it's probably a manufacture error, not something they do on purpose.
BG 2 years ago
They come in two "pages" of six tear-away packets. The corners have caplets inside. The blanks are the empty centers of each page. It's to make the box larger for labeling and prominence on the shelf.
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Mylène Asselin-Soucy 2 years ago
Usually, that box contains a sheet of meds. Given that we can see the round corners on some of the blisters, this pack was clearly opened by someone...
BeepBeepBoopBoop 2 years ago
that back doesn't look punctured though. I'll agree with @Little L and @Julian Eastman and say it's a manufacturing error if these are all of them
Load More Replies... #37
Target Was Having A Toothpaste ‘Sale’ And This Is What I Got
#41
What A Nice Bucket Full Of... Nevermind
Hollers 2 years ago
Just to play a little devil’s advocate, this does at least mean you see all of the marker colors without the sticker blocking your view… but we all know that’s not actually why they did it
Ivan Petrov 2 years ago (edited)
And you get a nice bucket. Edit: why would you need a sticker on the top? You have one on the side
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#43
I Should Have Just Hung A Real Play-Doh Container. Penny For Scale
Bubs623 2 years ago
To be fair, those ornaments are supposed to be tiny- they're labeled as such and have been that way for years. The tiny fisher price toys are the best.
The Original Bruno 2 years ago
Nope. They do say miniature online, and they even compare it to a penny. But the box is unreasonably large and there's no sign it's mostly empty.
Load More Replies... Kelley Baltierra 2 years ago
It's an ornament. Of course it's going to be small. An actual playdough container would not work anyway with the usual ornament hooks. 🤦♀️
Marie BellaDonna 2 years ago
If that's a Hallmark Keepsake ornament, those things are expensive! Should have hung a real container of Play-Doh, indeed!
#44
Disney Leaves The Inside Of Their $6 Icecream Hollow
Marie BellaDonna 2 years ago (edited)
Okay, but I kinda expect this kind of cràp from Disney. EDIT: Oh for goddess sake, BP! CRÀP is NOT a curse word!
#45
Went To Poundland And Had The Choice Between These And After Eights, Got These Cause They We're Bigger, I Paid For Air
Dillon Brown 2 years ago
Adam and Eve is an adult store here in Ma of USA
Load More Replies... #46
I've Got A Beef With The Size Of This Brisket vs. The Box It Came In
Marie BellaDonna 2 years ago
As long as the proper weight was listed on the packaging, then unfortunately, they really don't much care, here. The pervading attitude is usually, "whatever makes the most money".
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#48
This Giant Smarties Egg Has A Total Of 30 Smarties
#52
A Solid Half Cup Missing
Marie BellaDonna 2 years ago
Srhiiiiink....you know what, I'm not even gonna say it again, lol.
#53
Bigger Portions!
#54
This Was $70. F**k Me For Buying It Without Reading The Quantity I Guess
Marie BellaDonna 2 years ago (edited)
Well, I personally think paying $75 for a bottle of ANY medicine or supplement is silly, anyway. Healthcare should NEVER be a for-profit industry.
#55
I Texted This To My Partner And He Texted Back A Link To You Guys
#56
This Is Toothpaste! Why Pretend It’s Bigger Than It Is?!
#57
These Rolo Chocolates From The UK
Shark Lady 2 years ago
I definitely won't be giving anyone my last Rolo if that's all you get in the tube.
#58
It Was A Sample. There Was No Need For Misleading Packaging
Little L 2 years ago
Companies usually do this because they want to get more space for the text.
Ouching Tiger Limping Dragon 2 years ago
It's not even the bottle that's on the front. What the heck!
#59
Baklava Bought At The Airport, Packaging Designed To Use Waste Space
#62
Empty Spots Hidden By Packaging On Razors
Little L 2 years ago
It clearly says 7 one the package but there's only six in there. Did you take one out? Otherwise it's not a problem, read the info.
#63
Crappy Houdini Corkscrew Seems Weighty And High-Quality Due To Hidden Hunk Of Cement In The Package. Magic!
#65
I Paid Way Too Much To Be Bamboozled Like This
Phyzzi 2 years ago
Yeah, a normal spice jar of saffron would be worth at least $100.
Load More Replies... ImNotVerySocial 2 years ago
Deceiving container yes but you should know you're not going to get a lot because of what the spice is, if you bought it without knowing what it is then why would you spend that much money without doing your research first?
#66
Do Lesser Versions Of A Product Being Hidden By A Label Count?
Ouching Tiger Limping Dragon 2 years ago
It's odd to see strawberries packaged like eggs or chocolates.
#68
This Box Of Nail Repair
#69
Not So Much Moleskin
#70
Some Of The Fine Folk Over At R/A*sholedesign Have Yet To Fully Grasp The Truly Deceitful Nature Of Our Nemesis
#71
Giant Box Of Crayons
bottomless.abyss.of.bordem 2 years ago
Me too. Maybe the United Colors of Benetton crayons are in the cardboard?
Load More Replies... ImNotVerySocial 2 years ago
At least the cardboard is "fun" and can be colored on unlike the brown ones they usually use, but yeah still deceitful
#72
When It Takes A Large Box To Fit Two Tiny Pills
#73
Hey Trader Joe’s, This Is Some Bullsh*t!
LeeAnne B 2 years ago
225g. That's what you got right? Doesn't matter the packaging, you're paying by weight, not volume.
ί𝔫ＣίŦᵃт𝐔𝐬 2 years ago
But most of us don't carry a scale around with us, this is how it's not illegal, not how it's fair. The packaging is still deceptive, it makes us think we're getting more than we are.
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#74
Brought Some From Nz Since It's Not Widely Available In My Country. Apparently Only Half The Box Contains Chocolates
Anaïs Grobin 2 years ago
Gives me heartburn. Same with Hershey's of any type. M&Ms too. But andes minutes are okay
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#76
The New Paper Cups From Dunkin Donuts Are Already Smaller But They Had To Add This
#78
This Kit Must Be Huge
Phyzzi 2 years ago
My favorite part is the full on box in the bigger box. Like, yeah, we already put it in the reasonable box, let's package THAT BOX in a bigger empty box
Ivan Petrov 2 years ago
At least it's cardboard, not plastic. But that is offset by the wasted space on the transport truck.
Load More Replies... #79
Gotta Let These Breathe Apparently
LeeAnne B 2 years ago
Says 4 links on the front of the package. Not sure what you were expecting.
mooshoflove 2 years ago
I had run over to our fridge to see for myself because we just bought these yesterday!! You have to seriously squish them to fit like this picture. They're fairly.. plump ... 🫣
Roman Hans 2 years ago
And the weight is 13.5 ounces, meaning each is almost the same as the meat in a quarter-pounder. So not bad?
Load More Replies... Marie BellaDonna 2 years ago
So what? Sometimes you need something quick and filling. And no one can be good ALL the time, lol.
Load More Replies... #80
This Giant Hershey Kiss That’s Hollow Inside
Ivan Petrov 2 years ago
Most chocolate figures are hollow. Imagine trying to eat such a solid block of chocolate.
#81
Notice All The Strong Indicators That It Would Be A Meter Of Chocolate Without Actually Saying So
LeeAnne B 2 years ago
The box says 60 mini chocolates which is exactly what you got. Your expectations were perhaps higher than warranted?
Zia Ray 2 years ago
Or the box is nearly double the size needed to deceive the buyer. It doesn't matter that it says there are 60 chocolates and that wasn't a lie. The issue is the fact that they make it SEEM like the is more by the size of the packaging. This whole list is about deceptive packaging, which this is.
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#82
This Little Flap Covering What Could’ve Been Another 140 Balloons
#83
Bowl Of Candy
#84
Grampa Bought Some Paper Clips. To Their Credit, It Does Say "Contains 50 Paperclips" On The Back Of The Box, But
Ouching Tiger Limping Dragon 2 years ago
Paperclip starter pack, I guess. Poor thing looks so sad.
#85
Brand New Pack Of Razors
Amy Watson 2 years ago
The complaint is the waste of materials that went into making a package that COULD hold more, but doesn't. Why waste the extra plastic?
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#86
What I Thought I Was Getting vs. What I Actually Got
Kelley Baltierra 2 years ago
No idea why you got down voted. Because you actually said something reasonable?
Load More Replies... #87
As Usual Its A Kids Toy, The Centre Of The Tub Has A Foam Insert Taking About A Third Of The Total Volume
#89
I’d Say The Contents Were About As Much As Those Little Bags Of Pretzels From The Airline
#91
Have Protein Containers Been Posted Before? This Is Brand New And It’s Maybe 45% Full
Kelley Baltierra 2 years ago
Kim I unfortunately can only up vote one time but I can at least for now still see your comment
Marie BellaDonna 2 years ago (edited)
Or, or, just hear me out, here...you could stop defending these deceitful companies. As others have said, it's not about whether they have the right amount, or room for the font. It's about deceiving consumers, by making packaging look bigger. Hence the name of the article: *"Deceitful Packaging"*. Do YOU read every single word, of ever single package, of every product you buy?? How's the weather up there on your high horse, huh? Sheesh.
Load More Replies... #92
Some Pricy Oil To Be Pulling This Stunt
Catherine Miklavic 2 years ago
This one I get it's kinda like the divot in a lot of wine bottles it actually makes the glass sturdier
#93
Been Sitting On This One That I Got For Christmas
#95
And It’s Not Like The Bag Was Mostly Filled With Air... But It Sure Was Close. Box It Came In For Comparison
#96
It Would Be Cruel To Keep Them Confined In A Tiny Box
Amanda Jecmen 2 years ago
They could have easily separated that with something besides plastic to keep it from becoming a solid clump
Anthony Ramirez 2 years ago
Or, maybe the spacing doesn't have to be so wide between the candys.
Load More Replies... #97
Gingerbread Dough
Kelley Baltierra 2 years ago
Maya, apparently people don't want to put in the effort so bad that they even got offended with you pointing it out 🙄
#99
Andes Mints Are On The Naughty List
Phyzzi 2 years ago
Yeah, and actually this one isn't using a plastic display window or plastic tray, and it makes sense to give those little wafers a cardboard buffer. Definitely not the worst.
Load More Replies... Amanda Jecmen 2 years ago
I actually agree with this one the cardboard protects the chocolate and can also help insulate the package to try and prevent melting and cardboard is easier to recycle.
#100
It's Not Even Tasty
Amanda Jecmen 2 years ago
I think that's to keep the bottom protected in case the box gets dropped.
#101
Mackerel
Little L 2 years ago
This is because the mackerel could be bigger/smaller but still has the same weight. Nothing wrong here.
Juliane Maxwell 2 years ago
It would save the landfill if this product was just shrink wrapped 🙋♀️
Load More Replies... #102
New Oreos Come With Gaps In Packaging
#103
Was Wondering Why A Big Bag Was Less Than $2. At Least It Was Cheap
LIAM THE GOD ∞ KITTY 2 years ago
it was really "TWISTED" (quaote from packaging) that they did that.
#107
Totally Thought It Was A Three Pack
Brittania Kelli 2 years ago
The whole reason manufacturers do these tricks is because they are well aware that the busy consumer does not have the time to read all the labels for weights and counts and compare their price per volume to other products.
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Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Will Cable 2 years ago
Packaging like this should be illegal, total waste of resources and energy during production, conning the public in to thinking they are getting a good deal. You just know that if those behind the ideas were treated the same over a holiday,car etc they would scream blue murder.
Becky Samuel 2 years ago
There are some entries that fall into this category, but I don't have a lot of sympathy when the weight or quantity of a product is featured prominently on the packaging.
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Linziaj 2 years ago
A lot of the products do say the actual quantities, BUT the waste of packaging is a joke. If toothpaste is that size, use a smaller box and the makeup and pills is disgraceful.
Octopus in boots 2 years ago
Why does toothpaste even need a box packaging?
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wowbagger 2 years ago
What pisses me off is how deliberate it is. Someone had to design those oddly shaped packages and the labels that cover things just right. What do they tell themselves in order to sleep at night?
Antoinette Maldari 2 years ago
"Maybe I'll get that big marketing promotion position with that package design I did last week"?
Load More Replies...
Corvus 2 years ago
It's time we started thinking of penalties for companies that resort to such deception. Harsh penalties.
LadyHawk 2 years ago
In the EU countries, it is forbidden to use misleading packaging. In addition, they must always state the price per piece or per 100 grams on the price tag, so that you can compare the price with competing products. I would be furious if someone took my a$$, if I was subjected to what you are subjected to as buyers.
Mistress of Anarchy 2 years ago
The main thing I'm seeing here is less of a product than the package lets on to. However, most of the time it will state ON THE PACKAGE how much of the product is inside it. Read the package before you buy and it'll save you a lot of headache!
Brandy Snap 2 years ago
So the markers saying 150 pieces is on us because naturally the caps count as a piece right?
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Brandy Snap 2 years ago
Yes and it’s only up to the customer to not buy products with plastic waste and manufacturers have absolutely no fault whatsoever.
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Paula Pattison 2 years ago
I would like to say on a positive note, I ordered a kilo packet of Cadbury's mini eggs, and you have no idea just how many of those little things you get in a kilo. It was huge.
Antoinette Maldari 2 years ago
A lot of this stuff is usually found in those 'gourmet' gift baskets.
Little L 2 years ago
Sorry but seriously: every package says how many pieces/items/weight etc. Yes it's crappy but be a little bit more careful.
Brobro McDuderson 2 years ago
But then we couldn't be indignant and offended by some packaging engineer just doing his job lol
Load More Replies... Will Cable 2 years ago
Packaging like this should be illegal, total waste of resources and energy during production, conning the public in to thinking they are getting a good deal. You just know that if those behind the ideas were treated the same over a holiday,car etc they would scream blue murder.
Becky Samuel 2 years ago
There are some entries that fall into this category, but I don't have a lot of sympathy when the weight or quantity of a product is featured prominently on the packaging.
Load More Replies... Linziaj 2 years ago
A lot of the products do say the actual quantities, BUT the waste of packaging is a joke. If toothpaste is that size, use a smaller box and the makeup and pills is disgraceful.
Octopus in boots 2 years ago
Why does toothpaste even need a box packaging?
Load More Replies... wowbagger 2 years ago
What pisses me off is how deliberate it is. Someone had to design those oddly shaped packages and the labels that cover things just right. What do they tell themselves in order to sleep at night?
Antoinette Maldari 2 years ago
"Maybe I'll get that big marketing promotion position with that package design I did last week"?
Load More Replies... Corvus 2 years ago
It's time we started thinking of penalties for companies that resort to such deception. Harsh penalties.
LadyHawk 2 years ago
In the EU countries, it is forbidden to use misleading packaging. In addition, they must always state the price per piece or per 100 grams on the price tag, so that you can compare the price with competing products. I would be furious if someone took my a$$, if I was subjected to what you are subjected to as buyers.
Mistress of Anarchy 2 years ago
The main thing I'm seeing here is less of a product than the package lets on to. However, most of the time it will state ON THE PACKAGE how much of the product is inside it. Read the package before you buy and it'll save you a lot of headache!
Brandy Snap 2 years ago
So the markers saying 150 pieces is on us because naturally the caps count as a piece right?
Load More Replies... Brandy Snap 2 years ago
Yes and it’s only up to the customer to not buy products with plastic waste and manufacturers have absolutely no fault whatsoever.
Load More Replies... Paula Pattison 2 years ago
I would like to say on a positive note, I ordered a kilo packet of Cadbury's mini eggs, and you have no idea just how many of those little things you get in a kilo. It was huge.
Antoinette Maldari 2 years ago
A lot of this stuff is usually found in those 'gourmet' gift baskets.
Little L 2 years ago
Sorry but seriously: every package says how many pieces/items/weight etc. Yes it's crappy but be a little bit more careful.
Brobro McDuderson 2 years ago
But then we couldn't be indignant and offended by some packaging engineer just doing his job lol
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