These 5 Costco Finds Are Smaller Than They Used to Be. Here’s Why

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When shopping, you may want to check if your favorite products have gotten smaller. Learn more about which Costco finds have been subject to shrinkflation. 

As living costs rise, we’re all getting more used to paying more for groceries and household essentials. But not every item sold at your favorite retailers has increased significantly in price. Some products are now being sold in smaller packages instead.

Costco members have noticed that some items sold at the warehouse club have shrunk in size, and they’re now getting less product for the same price, meaning they’re not getting as good of a deal as they once were. Here’s why some Costco finds are smaller than they used to be.

Here’s why you may see smaller packages on shelves

Some brands want to avoid upsetting customers with significant price increases, so they’ve adjusted the size of product packaging instead of raising prices. The practice, known as shrinkflation, allows companies to keep prices similar while reducing the size of the product being sold. When that happens, consumers get fewer items for the same price.

In many cases, shoppers don’t realize there’s been a change in packaging because it’s easy to miss. Even Costco is not immune from shrinkflation. Some shoppers have taken to Reddit to share their shrinkflation findings as a warning to other members. We’ve outlined a few examples of Costco finds that have been reduced in size below:

1. Dixie Ultra 8.5-inch Paper Plates

Paper plates can be handy for parties and events. But if you plan to buy paper plates at Costco, you may get fewer plates for the same price. A Reddit user took to r/Costco to share their experience. The member noted that the Dixie Ultra 8.5-inch plates used to contain 285 plates in a package but now contain only 240 for the same price.

2. Gillette Mach3 Razor Cartridges

Many people buy razor cartridges at warehouse clubs like Costco. But you may be getting fewer cartridges thanks to new packaging. A Costco member shared their disappointment with recent package changes in r/Shrinkflation. The shopper shared a photo of Gillette Mach3 Cartridges that they purchased at their local club.

The newer packaging includes five four-packs of cartridges. The Reddit user noted that earlier versions of the same product featured more cartridges for the same price. Several other members commented that they’d also noticed this packaging change.

3. Windex Glass Cleaner

Another item impacted by shrinkflation is Windex Glass Cleaner. Costco packages this glass cleaner with a spray bottle and a refill. One member took to r/Shrinkflation to discuss the packaging changes. The previous package sold at Costco totaled 208 oz. of product. But the newer version totals only 201 oz. of product. While only a slight change in size, this packaging change could impact your personal finances.

4. Las Fortunitas Organic Flour Tortillas

Another item sold at Costco that has been impacted by shrinkflation is the two-packs of Las Fortunitas Organic Flour Tortillas. One shopper went to r/Shrinkflation to warn members that Costco now sells two packs of 19 tortillas instead of two packs of 20 for the same price. If you buy these tortillas at your local club, you can expect to get two fewer tortillas now.

5. Kirkland Signature Organic Medium Salsa

Another victim of shrinkflation is Costco’s Kirkland Signature Organic Medium Salsa. A Reddit user noticed that Costco switched the product from its original plastic packaging to a smaller glass jar and shared their findings in r/Costco. Earlier versions were 38 ounces, while the new glass jars feature only 35 ounces of product. But some members consider it a win now that their favorite salsa is sold in a glass jar, as they’re trying to cut down on their plastic usage.

It pays to pay attention to product packaging

While a slight change in packaging resulting in you receiving less product for the same price may not feel like a big deal, it can add up, especially as more brands make changes to their product packaging. Whether you like to shop at Costco or another retailer, it’s worthwhile to pay attention to product packaging details.

You can calculate the true cost of the items that you’re buying by reviewing the packaging details and looking to see how much product you’re getting in each package. Knowing the best place to buy certain items to maximize the amount or number of products you receive for the price you pay can help you keep more money in your checking account.

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The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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