Companies Quietly Using Cheaper Ingredients to Offset Rising Costs
-
Manufacturers using cheaper ingredients in products, called "skimpflation," to cut costs amid rising inflation. Examples include salad dressing and margarine with less oil.
-
Hard for consumers to detect skimpflation since recipes and formulas are not public. Recent example - Costco blueberry bagels containing imitation blueberries rather than real ones.
-
Occurring for years but now easier to catch due to social media and technology. Example - Quaker granola bars switching from chocolate to "chocolatey coating."
-
Concerning for consumers wanting affordable healthy foods. Shoppers say they'll pay closer attention to ingredients going forward.
-
Could increase with new nutrition labels requiring listings for high sodium, sugar and fat. Companies may reformulate more products with cheaper ingredients.