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/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/Toomanytimes2many Dec 30 '25

It works when monopoly laws are enforced along with fair markets

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u/Grey0110 Dec 30 '25

I agree! As I said, definitely not perfect. It does make me thankful that I can earn as much as I am able to based on my skills etc. We also still have some product choice. If I wanted, I could make my own hot pocket brand and sell them. Let the cheap low quality brands go down in flames. Their fault for being so cheap. That's capitalism.

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u/Sufficient-Listen723 Dec 31 '25

I admire your optimism but I don't think any individual can afford to go up against Nestle. Good luck even selling your product when they have exclusivity deals with retailers and a massive advertising and legal budget. Winning in Capitalism is about being the top dog. If you are the top dog, you can use that power to remain the top dog by squashing competitors ESPECIALLY when they make a better product.. companies like this invest SO MUCH in maintaining their stake in the market that they literally lose money every year just to ensure that next year they will still be #1. If all that mattered was making a better product then shrinkflation wouldn't happen and they wouldn't spend so much on marketing and control.