Grocery brands relabel packets 'XL' - but they're smaller and more expensive

10 June 2023 , 17:02

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Brands have been accused of 'shrinkflation' during the cost of living crisis (Image: Getty Images)

Best-selling groceries are being relabelled “XL” despite becoming smaller and more expensive.

We compared four products at Tesco, including large £9 bottles of Ariel washing liquid.

Ariel now calls them “mega” but they give three fewer washes and cost £2 more than in 2020.

Comfort fabric conditioner now comes in “XL” size at £5.50 for 83 washes – compared with £4for 85 in 2021.

Kellogg’s has a “big pack” banner on its £4 large boxes of Rice Krispies even though you get one fewer serving than in 2021, when they cost £3.

Even the Tooth Fairy is feeling the cost of living crunch with payments down 10%

And Nestle’s Cheerios are sold as a “family pack” after the box shrunk to 540g from 600g in 2021 and costs £3.95, up from £3.30.

Comfort fabric conditioner now comes in 'XL' size at £5.50

Consumer rights expert Martyn James said: “Big brands are using more tricks than Houdini to distract us from out-of-control shrinkflation. Like any confidence trick, expect to be ripped off and you’ll spot the air-filled bags, busy packaging and reducing sizes.”

Unilever and Kelloggs said shop prices were up to the retailer. Tesco and Nestle were approached for comment.

Ben Turner