The price of gas is going up again. It seems like every trip to the pump is experiencing a rise of 20 cents or more. As much as I don’t like to see this happen, I can say one thing about gas. We can judge the cost because no matter what the price, we pay for a gallon. This is not true of many items we purchase. Other industries have modified their sizes and quality without us readily noticing.
My favorite brand of orange juice is Tropicana. Last week, I saw it on sale for $2.50. I thought this was quite the bargain and bought two. It wasn’t until I got home that I noticed that the carton was now 59 oz. instead of 64. They have been selling other juices at the 59 oz size for some time, but the straight orange juice has only been reduced recently. So in other words, my great find was not really a great find after all.
Cans of tuna are now down to 5 oz. Sure they may be 10 for 10, but they are smaller. I also noticed that the quality of Bumblebee has much to be desired. The last time I opened a can, it contained more water, and the tuna itself was of a lower quality. I now purchase another brand that I pay $1.25 to $1.50 for but it is 7 oz. and much meatier in taste and appearance.
Coffee cans have shrunk too. A small can is now 10.5 oz. What happened to it being a pound? It slowly reduced its size from 16 oz to 13 oz, then 11 oz and now 10.5 oz. Pretty soon we will all be forced to by those little cups for individual servings.
The list can go on and on, detergent, soap, crackers, bread, peanut butter, etc. My sister thinks the roll of toilet paper has gotten narrower too. I took a look the other day and realized that she is probably right.
The makers of everyday goods have pulled a fast one on us. I would rather have to pay more than to be fooled into thinking I am getting a bargain, and finding out that the contents is reduced or modified. So, while I don’t like the cost of gasoline rising, at least I know that a gallon is a gallon. Well…at least for now.
Simple Sensibilities 