The festive season is traditionally a time of national culinary overindulgence but eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed that this year’s crop of big-budget Christmas TV ads have been decidedly lean and sugar-free.

From Tesco and Waitrose to Marks & Spencer and Asda, the UK’s biggest exponents of extravagant festive food marketing have put their Christmas ads on a diet to comply with new regulations banning junk food products from appearing in TV ads before 9pm.

The UK advertising watchdog will officially start cracking down on ads featuring junk food on TV – and in paid online advertising at any time of day – from 5 January. But the UK advertising industry voluntarily chose to start adhering to the new rules from October, making this TV’s first-ever low-fat, low-sugar and low-salt Christmas.

Gone are shots of Christmas puddings and sweet treats, while healthy products have made a conspicuous appearance. Advertisers have had to cleverly market a wide range of other food to stay within the complex new rules.

In the climax of waitrose’s Christmas romance ad, Keira Knightley receives a home-baked pie, while in lidl a young girl grabs apples for a last-minute addition to the family festive shop.

Simultaneously occurring, Asda used the fresh fruit and vegetable aisle for the Grinch to make his big entry into one of its supermarkets, and morrisons opted not to show any products at all.

Quirks under the regulations rule out showing gravy on the conventional Christmas dinner’s roasted meat centrepiece in festive ads. However, a “marinade, glaze, dressing, seasoning rub or similar accompaniment” will keep the advertising watchdog away, according to the government’s new rules.

“Advertisers are having to be very strategic,” said Richard Exon, the co-founder of the ad agency Joint. “there is an upside for creativity here. It’s less about the products and more about brands and messaging and keeping to the spirit and letter of the legislation. Mainstream premium brands will be very careful not to breach regulations. A big dollop of common sense will be needed in the first quarter next year.”

while on-screen viewers are enjoying a merry Christmas, off screen the road to the introduction of the rules has been a bitter battle between health campaigners and the food industry.

In 2020, Boris Johnson’s government promised to implement a ban on products that were high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) online and be“`html

Shrinkflation: Why Your Groceries Cost More and Contain Less

Have you noticed your favorite snacks and household staples seem to be getting smaller, even as prices remain the same or even increase? This phenomenon, known as “shrinkflation,” is a subtle but significant way companies are coping with rising costs, and it’s impacting consumers worldwide. Shrinkflation isn’t simply inflation; it’s a specific tactic that alters the quantity of a product while maintaining or increasing its price, effectively raising the price per unit.

What is Shrinkflation?

Shrinkflation is a portmanteau of “shrinkage” and “inflation.” It describes the reduction in the size or quantity of a product while its sticker price stays the same. This results in consumers paying more for less product. It’s a strategy manufacturers employ to maintain profit margins when facing increased costs for raw materials, labor, packaging, and transportation. Rather than directly raising prices, which can deter customers, companies subtly reduce the amount of product offered.

The History of Shrinkflation

While the term “shrinkflation” gained prominence in recent years, the practice itself isn’t new. It first became widely recognized in the UK in the 1970s, when the country faced high inflation. The Guardian details how manufacturers began reducing product sizes to avoid significant price increases. It has resurfaced periodically throughout economic downturns and periods of high inflation, and is currently experiencing a resurgence globally.

Why is Shrinkflation Happening Now?

Several factors are contributing to the current wave of shrinkflation. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains, leading to shortages and increased costs for many goods. Reuters reports that the war in Ukraine further exacerbated these issues,especially impacting the cost of energy and agricultural products. These increased costs are being passed on to consumers, frequently enough through shrinkflation rather than overt price hikes.

Key Contributing Factors:

• Supply Chain Disruptions: Ongoing issues from the pandemic and geopolitical events.
• Rising raw Material Costs: Increased prices for ingredients, packaging, and other essential materials.
• Labor Costs: Higher wages for workers in manufacturing and transportation.
• Energy Prices: Fluctuations and increases in energy costs impact production and distribution.

Examples of Shrinkflation

Shrinkflation is visible across a wide range of products. Some common examples include:

• Chocolate Bars: Many chocolate bars have decreased in weight while maintaining the same price.
• Cereal Boxes: The net weight of cereal inside boxes has been reduced.
• Toilet Paper: Rolls now contain fewer sheets.
• Potato Chips: Bags contain less product, often with increased air.
• Coffee: Container sizes have shrunk, while prices remain stable.

These changes are often subtle, making it difficult for consumers to instantly notice the reduction in quantity. NBC News provides a detailed list of products affected by shrinkflation, highlighting the widespread nature of the practice.

How to Spot Shrinkflation and Save Money

Consumers can take steps to identify and mitigate the effects of shrinkflation:

• Check Unit Prices: Pay attention to the price per ounce or per unit, rather than just the overall price. This allows for a direct comparison between different sizes and brands.
• Compare Brands: Consider switching to different brands that offer larger quantities for a similar price.
• Buy in Bulk (When Practical): If you have storage space, buying in bulk can sometimes offer better value.
• Be Aware of Packaging Changes: Pay attention to any changes in packaging size or weight.
• Calculate Cost Per Serving: Determine the actual cost per serving to make informed purchasing decisions.

Key Takeaways