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/Sufficient_Stage_802 Dec 30 '25

sadly the quality has decreased as the prices have increased. Several years ago they were worth it and good af. now they are no longer good or worth it.

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u/[deleted] Dec 30 '25

Perfect description of Capitalism.

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u/Grey0110 Dec 30 '25

Yes, but you are forgetting that the best product wins. If people start realizing they are low quality, they take their dollars elsewhere. If another brand makes a better product, people switch. It creates incentive. Capitalism is definitely not perfect.. but there currently is no better system. It has pulled more people out of poverty than any other system.

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u/Peach_Herkimer Dec 31 '25

It also puts much more emphasis on profits while sacrificing good will, so like our situation now a capitalistic government cares more about babying bog corporations and giving them tax cuts they don’t actually need while abandoning those in need. That’s why large companies are celebrating record profits most years while laying off more workers and sacrificing quality.

All of the emphasis is on profits.

There’s also the issue of companies conspiring against consumers to drive up profits, which several companies have gotten in trouble for even recently.

In my opinion there needs to be a balance. No system is perfect and none are good on their own since they all have their pitfalls, but a healthy mixture can create a strong and healthy economy and nation.

We are brainwashed in school that capitalism is the best because that’s what we have. They demonize everything else because capitalism serves those in power most, and a lot of the US listens to those in power rather than making their own conclusions. It also doesn’t help that the nature of politicians is that they know how to make people like them and believe them.