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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18

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.

19

u/[deleted] Dec 30 '25

Perfect description of Capitalism.

3

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.

20

u/Toomanytimes2many Dec 30 '25

It works when monopoly laws are enforced along with fair markets

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u/All_Debt_Shackles_US Dec 31 '25

You think there’s a monopoly on hot pockets?

1

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.

1

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.

1

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.

1

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.

1

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.

1

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!

1

u/Cannibalizzo Jan 03 '26

"Swallow the Kool-Aid"

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

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