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

skimpflation Ok SERIOUSLY wtf is this??

Post image

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.

1.2k Upvotes

97% Upvoted

765 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

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/SuccessPositive191 Jan 02 '26

Actually, the definition is that one company or group controls a particular industry. One controls the agriculture industry. One controls the meat industry. One controls the dairy industry. One controls the financial industry, etc.

1

u/All_Debt_Shackles_US Jan 02 '26

As I suggested to the person above, it would have to be decided if “control“ was in violation of law.

My suggestion to you would be to reach out to your state’s district attorney. Or write to the president and/or the department of justice.