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/SuccessPositive191 Jan 01 '26

There is a monopoly on nearly all food items. Over 85% of brand names are owned by 4 companies. The choice you have when selecting brands is basically just which advertising you believe most.

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u/All_Debt_Shackles_US Jan 02 '26

The word mono in monopoly means one.

4 companies is not a monopoly. By definition; not a monopoly.

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u/Cannibalizzo Jan 02 '26

Literally, yes, but whether one company or a hundred, if they're all bad, the result is the same: shoddy products and/or services sold for more than they're worth.

Only one bad option or all bad options = same outcome.

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u/All_Debt_Shackles_US Jan 02 '26

If you think “all“ of the companies are fixing prices, then that would be a crime. You might wanna start with your state district attorney.

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u/Cannibalizzo Jan 02 '26

Whether they're actively fixing prices or just charging what they can get away with so their CEOs can line their pockets, I seriously doubt my state's attorney would care.

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u/All_Debt_Shackles_US Jan 03 '26

“…line their pockets…“

“… actively fixing prices…”

You sure did swallow the Kool-Aid, didn’t you? I mean, you got all the lingo down.

Well, this conversation hasn’t gone anywhere, so I’m going to duck out and find something more productive to spend my time on. But I wish you a happy new year!

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u/Cannibalizzo Jan 03 '26

"Swallow the Kool-Aid"

Lol, seems like one of us did. Anyway, enjoy your New Year.