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God is in the details, they say. But so is the devil. Especially when you’re hungry and drained after yet another bender day in this wild, wild world. And though jerk packaging designs do not apply solely to food, but come in many shapes and product categories, they are the solid reason why so many of us have some level of trust issues.

Like, putting three salami tranches on the side of a pizza so that it gets a “window view,” shining like a diamond out of the package, is borderline bearable. We bear this injustice only because we know it can get worse. Like a wrap packaged in such a way that it looks ⅓ bigger than it truly is.

So Bored Panda has compiled this list as a safe place to talk about shamelessly evil packaging designs that have been spotted all over the world. And even if the phenomenon is more or less universal, it doesn’t mean it’s okay. On the contrary, it serves as a reminder that it can always get worse than your chocolate box with 50% of the candy discreetly concealed from the packaging because it doesn’t exist.

Psst! More infuriating packages that boil even the most Zen blood of all can be found in our previous articles here and here.

#1

1001 Stickers And 768 Of Them Are Useless Squares. Thanks, Disney

1001 Stickers And 768 Of Them Are Useless Squares. Thanks, Disney

Mishi_Moshi Report

#2

Tricked By The Packaging Of My Moisturizing Cream

Tricked By The Packaging Of My Moisturizing Cream

Bail-Me-Out Report

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Hollysmom
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Happens all the time. Always read the amount/ oz's etc... I open the packages too

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#3

Is Anyone Else Bothered By Deceptive Packaging Like This?

Is Anyone Else Bothered By Deceptive Packaging Like This?

sevenhops Report

Bored Panda reached out to Portugal-based graphic designer Laura Vanagaite who specializes in branding and illustration design. Laura said that deceptive packaging like the ones you see in this post is really a way to trick the human mind.

“Once we see unique photos of food and drinks, our mind creates the impression that the volume of the contents is greater than it actually is.” This anticipation is destroyed as soon as you open the package. “And once we find out that the reality is different, we feel the disappointment,” Laura explained.

When asked why there is still so much deceptive packaging sold in the shopping aisles, Laura said that this is a clever marketing technique. “Brands know that beautiful imagery sells and that catchy photos with great products create the illusion which will help to sell it fast.”

#4

Bought These Sticky Notes Cause I Thought The Gold Border Was Nice

Bought These Sticky Notes Cause I Thought The Gold Border Was Nice

KarmasDoll Report

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However, the alluring impression of the deceptive packaging is temporary. Laura says that in order to establish a bond with your loyal customers, brands should employ functional and trustworthy designs. It’s what allows them “to create a feeling of security between them and their customer.”

When it comes to the right kind of packaging design, Laura explained “that all areas of design have a purpose to solve a problem and provide trust to the user.” This means that user-friendly packaging should have features like safety and enhanced usability, be appealing and optimal, and fit the specific customer requirements.

“Every good design needs to be functional, practical, and represent the brand itself in a good way.” But that doesn’t mean it should be boring, on the contrary. In addition to all the features mentioned before, efficient packaging has to grab the consumer’s attention.

This is where the product and packaging designers come into play. “The designer has the ability to make the design stand out by using shapes, colors, orientations. These are key in making it clear to the consumer what the brand is about and what its purpose is."

#7

Ahh Yes, Reality Is Often Disappointing

Ahh Yes, Reality Is Often Disappointing

vicesam Report

#8

"Printed All Over" And Deliberately Leaves The Pattern On The Outside Of The Package

"Printed All Over" And Deliberately Leaves The Pattern On The Outside Of The Package

sorden96 Report

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#9

Natural My Foot

Natural My Foot

93arkhanov93 Report

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80 Van
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It turns out this is due to a quirk in Indian food safety standards that allow only non-processed foods to be called natural without using the disclaimer. The company assures its customers that the sugar is indeed natural, but it is processed from sugar cane juice to sugar. https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/companies/not-its-true-nature-parrys-explains-disclaimer-on-its-natural-brown-sugar-7004201.htm

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#10

Rolling Stone Presents (39 Of The) 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time

Rolling Stone Presents (39 Of The) 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time

-Owlette- Report

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Ty Stratton-Quirk
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They say "Always read the fine print", but I never thought that would apply to the front cover of a book...

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#11

Both Weigh 500g But The Green One Is In A 30% "Bigger Bag More To Share"

Both Weigh 500g But The Green One Is In A 30% "Bigger Bag More To Share"

AApickleAA Report

#12

So Thankful For My Singular Candy Topping

So Thankful For My Singular Candy Topping

hyrte0010 Report

#13

Thought I’d Buy Some Colored Pens. Turns Out Every Single One Of Them Has Blue Ink

Thought I’d Buy Some Colored Pens. Turns Out Every Single One Of Them Has Blue Ink

desperate_ly Report

#14

Bought A Ball Pit For My Baby

Bought A Ball Pit For My Baby

aditisar Report

#15

This "Box" Of Beef Jerky

This "Box" Of Beef Jerky

boot1994 Report

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Raine Soo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, this is deceptive, but always remember to check the weight of the content.

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#16

How Can They Even Call This "Non-Dairy?"

How Can They Even Call This "Non-Dairy?"

thatcadiegirl Report

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Rissie
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's just the law trying to protect people with dietary issues. It contains traces of milk products (Sodium Caseinate) and even if that doesn't cause any problems, it is still necessary to mention it as milk as a potential allergen. But the creamer is not a dried milk product as many creamers are. The main ingredients are corn syrup and palm oil. If you want to throw a fit, start with those two.

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#18

This Cashew Packaging. I Was Wondering Why My Hand Instantly Hit The Bottom When I Opened It

This Cashew Packaging. I Was Wondering Why My Hand Instantly Hit The Bottom When I Opened It

DiggyKalborn Report

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#19

Bought A Coloring Book And Pencils To Keep Myself Busy While I’m Off Work. Thought These Were Full-Size Pencils

Bought A Coloring Book And Pencils To Keep Myself Busy While I’m Off Work. Thought These Were Full-Size Pencils

eva_white Report

#20

New Packaging (Right), Same Quantity

New Packaging (Right), Same Quantity

tuf-tuf Report

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RaroaRaroa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Disgusting. Anything that uses more plastic to pack something than is absolutely necessary is just awful. Arggh, this is making me so mad! Who are these people?!

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#21

800 Pieces. Yeah Right. The Box Is Half Blocked And 550 Pieces Are Tiny Dot Pieces. My Son Was Not Happy

800 Pieces. Yeah Right. The Box Is Half Blocked And 550 Pieces Are Tiny Dot Pieces. My Son Was Not Happy

robstraightedge Report

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Hollysmom
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People need to regularly post this kind of thing to warn others and stop companies from doing things like this

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#22

I Was Wondering Why This Watermelon Juice Tasted So Weird

I Was Wondering Why This Watermelon Juice Tasted So Weird

spamtarget Report

#23

Bought Some Eye Makeup, Just Realized One Of The Eyeshadows Isn’t Safe For Eyes. Found Out Via White Print On A White Background

Bought Some Eye Makeup, Just Realized One Of The Eyeshadows Isn’t Safe For Eyes. Found Out Via White Print On A White Background

“Not intended for use in the immediate eye area”

PmMeYourFear Report

#25

My Mother Ordered 1000 Plastic Blocks For Her Nephews. Ended Up Receiving 523

My Mother Ordered 1000 Plastic Blocks For Her Nephews. Ended Up Receiving 523

Mrm854 Report

#26

Brand New Protein Powder, Not Even Filled Half Whey

Brand New Protein Powder, Not Even Filled Half Whey

Furious_Flames Report

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Sleazy Weaver
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ha! Love the pun. At least you *gained* something from this experience.

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#27

I Guess The Meatballs All Just Wanted A Window Seat

I Guess The Meatballs All Just Wanted A Window Seat

joeChump Report

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#29

Tesco Is Selling "Flushable" Wet Wipes Which Are "Harmful To Aquatic Life"

Tesco Is Selling "Flushable" Wet Wipes Which Are "Harmful To Aquatic Life"

HarryMedawar Report

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ALL “flushable” wipes are harmful and should NOT be flushed because they still don’t break down well and clog up pipes and it is awful for the environment. These should be illegal to be called flushable.

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#30

New Cereal Box Is 11% Taller With 1.6% Less Cereal

New Cereal Box Is 11% Taller With 1.6% Less Cereal

______--------- Report

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RaroaRaroa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

More wasteful packaging. How do the people who come up with these ideas sleep at night. A lot of cereal boxes are half empty. Not only would it save on cardboard, the plastic for the bag inside and the ink, if it were more realistic for the contents, it would also be cheaper to freight because they'd fit more boxes in a truck.

melsmith avatar
Mel Smith
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because money. Big companies don't care about the environment or people, they just want their 9th yacht

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mph seti
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cereal is one of the thing where I always buy the store brand. Tastes the same, costs less.

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Nubmaeme
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A perfect example of why you should always read labels, even those of so-called "trusted" products.

gregory_hoggarth avatar
Greg Hoggarth
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why are product says in the US so weird? Originally 11.1 oz and now reduced to 10.9? Why didn't they make it an even 11? The weights aren't round numbers in metric either.

mohsie avatar
Mohsie Supposie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The extra 5g goes towards the box, so the total weight is still the same.

maemosse avatar
Mae Mosse
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds about right. Totally wrong of course. Paying for air and packaging.

katrinac avatar
Myxomatosis
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I point this out to my boyfriend ALL THE TIME. He's a package fool. Edit: ALWAYS CHECK UNIT PRICES!!

whitewave_39 avatar
Jennifer DeFillippo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

General Mills gives to Planned Parenthood so I would never buy their products anyways. Just sayin'.....

whitewave_39 avatar
Jennifer DeFillippo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

General Mills gives to Planned Parenthood anyways so I would never buy their brand in the first place. Just sayin'.....

nobletruths4 avatar
Sue Sanders
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Makes me want to be a mouse during a corporate meeting where they're discussing this sort of change.

9360swilli avatar
Susan Williams
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They do this because it works. So many buy these without reading or even noticing the package printing.

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Vicki Perizzolo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yes - cereal boxes have been shrinking for years - not so much height as much as width ...and TP is a lot less wide now...but the prices sure haven't shrunk any

davidl_1 avatar
David L
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They get Huge bonuses for coming up with ideas like this. They sleep real easy.

barbieboomer avatar
Mary Mulrooney
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see this sort of thing all the time. I always check weight with prices.

lisa_tetlow_5 avatar
Lisa Tetlow
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again, consumers are paying more for the packaging than the actual contents.

msmischak avatar
Mike Mischak
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Perhaps it's time to stop buying from these rip-off companies.

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JD Lee
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

After having shopped at Costco for the last 20 years, this is the new norm. Every time the price goes up the packaging shrinks. Many times you will now get 2 packages with the reduced contents just so it looks like you’re getting more. .. more plastic, but that’s about it. Fools nobody.

oberlinmom1 avatar
Susan Egan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Way, way back in time I had a course that was part of home ec. We went over all the unnecessary bells and whistles on washing machines (most people use the same settings for all washing) etc. Then she brought out cereal boxes and explained that the companies (at that time) paid more for the graphics, boxes and shipping than for any of the grains or recipes to make the cereals. We were paying for the advertising on the pretty boxes.

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Nicole Tomme
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I see impossible and stupid beauty standards have now reached the food packaging industry.

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Karen Grace
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You also can't be sure of the gluten free aspect because of how they test it.

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Colin Mochrie At Its Finest
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Humanity is gross. I have stopped caring about others based of this crap.

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#31

No, It's Not Bigger. It's Of Same Size

No, It's Not Bigger. It's Of Same Size

ctp_obvious Report

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James016
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn't say what they are comparing it to. Is there some small print saying its now bigger than a pea?

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#32

This Box Of Mostly Sticks With Some Matches In It

This Box Of Mostly Sticks With Some Matches In It

ampma Report

#33

Disappointment

Disappointment

Draiman402 Report

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Enuya
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everybody: "Uhh, this packaging is terrible." Me: "Is this... CATAN on the second picture? Yay, let me play with you!"

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#34

9 Sticker Rolls. One Mildly Infuriated 7-Year-Old

9 Sticker Rolls. One Mildly Infuriated 7-Year-Old

MrsPlague33 Report

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RaroaRaroa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are the worst. Unfortunately there is always a new generation of parents who are clueless enough to fall for them so they keep making them.

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#35

"Made In U.S.A"

"Made In U.S.A"

Report

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wandile dludlu
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The case is made in the USA... we can't actually trust them to make the important stuff.

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#36

Some Acrylic Paints I Bought

Some Acrylic Paints I Bought

LeeKellyLK Report

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RaroaRaroa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not only is this deceptive, but it's producing extra packaging for nothing. You know that package and all the paint tubes are going to still be on this planet long after all of us are dead and gone.

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#37

Went To Poundland And Had The Choice Between These And After Eights, Got These Cause They We're Bigger, I Paid For Air

Went To Poundland And Had The Choice Between These And After Eights, Got These Cause They We're Bigger, I Paid For Air

niamsme Report

#38

Pain

Pain

901koala Report

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Aria Whitaker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So...what the heck ARE these? I dont recognize that (fruit? veggie?) purple thing....

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#39

Actual Size Is Not The Actual Size

Actual Size Is Not The Actual Size

relishmypickles Report

#40

Coloring Kit That Is 90% Empty And Counts Each Piece Of Paper As One Piece In 100 Pieces

Coloring Kit That Is 90% Empty And Counts Each Piece Of Paper As One Piece In 100 Pieces

MchZ Report

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RaroaRaroa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always pays to read the contents list. This kind of item usually has one.

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#41

Coloring Book For My Son

Coloring Book For My Son

PhotosByDrew Report

#42

Sneaky Packaging Cheating Us

Sneaky Packaging Cheating Us

tenebralupo Report

#44

This Sour Batch Candy Bag Felt Oddly Light

This Sour Batch Candy Bag Felt Oddly Light

KevroniCoal Report

#45

One Of The Blocks Isn't One Of The Blocks

One Of The Blocks Isn't One Of The Blocks

golden-potato Report

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Couldnt_Find_A_Good_Name
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But can we appreciate the amount of effort put into making that piece of cardboard into looking like a block?

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#47

These Were Locked In A Glass Case Facing Forward So You Couldn’t Just Read The Back Before Purchase

These Were Locked In A Glass Case Facing Forward So You Couldn’t Just Read The Back Before Purchase

Taylor-Cox-TLC Report

#48

This Pizza Tastes Like False Advertising

This Pizza Tastes Like False Advertising

SIRasdf23 Report

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Catlady6000
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm picturing a sweat shop full of kids frantically rolling 1000s of pizza crusts

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#49

Even Worse - It's Stale

Even Worse - It's Stale

katielh98 Report

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RaroaRaroa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would anyone buy popcorn in a bag, in a box, in a box with a window anyway?

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#50

Thanks Jetstar For My Large Box Of Pencils

Thanks Jetstar For My Large Box Of Pencils

tandol Report

Note: this post originally had 144 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.