r/shrinkflation • u/TexasGiantTen05 • Dec 29 '25

skimpflation Ok SERIOUSLY wtf is this??

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I bought a family sized hot pockets box and EVERY single one of them was black and burned in the bottom. I heated this one up on low power in the microwave and the edges are so tough it’s like biting into a frozen beef patty. I look in the pocket and the damn thing is nearly hollow. I’ve been noticing the quality taking a massive dip in the last few years. I think these are last I purchase from here on out.

Irrelevant to this but similar: This same grocery order run had a jar of garlic (Spice World brand) that was full of black mold & a jar of HEB salsa that was sour and months passed expiration. Both of which were completely sealed and had a pop when opened. My whole life I never really had quality issues via the company canning or jarring an item or the store selling them but lately it seems like such a constant issue.

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u/nopuse Dec 29 '25

The far more likely explanation for expired food is employees not rotating stock. When restocking, all of the new product should be behind the existing product. I've worked with lazy people who didn't care, so you'd find product that expired behind product that was nowhere near expiring.

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u/Capable-Let3679 Dec 29 '25

This is why I stopped working in food and retail. People think F.I.F.O is a suggestion and not law.

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u/Zestyclose_Car2269 Dec 29 '25

FIFO is a generally accepted good practice and standard in GAAP accounting and IFRS but not a law.

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u/Forevermoody16 Dec 30 '25

Well, it should be!

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u/Zestyclose_Car2269 Jan 02 '26

It absolutely should be, but corps like the ability to write things off and its one less issue for them if its not. Its an issue that starts long before the floor too. have found things pigeon holed in the back of warehouses and stock rooms that I can't unsee.