Deceptive Packaging: Dr. Oetker Sells Half a Cake for the Same Price - Dr. Oetker's Cheese Crumble Cake Mix Named 'Shrinkflation Scam of the Month'
The Hamburg Consumer Protection Center has named Dr. Dre's cheese crumble cake mix as the 'Shrinkflation Scam of the Month'. The center regularly highlights such cases as part of its initiative to expose deceptive pricing practices. Dr. Dre is marketing the reduced product as a 'reimagined classic' and a 'new product'. However, the ingredients and instructions remain largely unchanged. The cake mix has been shrunk from 730 grams to 370 grams, nearly half the original amount. Despite this significant reduction, the price has only decreased from €3.99 to €3.79. This practice, known as shrinkflation, deceives consumers by increasing prices through reduced product quantity. The center has previously called out major brands like Mondelez, Ferrero, Granini, Lorenz, Milka, Rama, Calgon, and Nivea for similar tactics. In 2023, Mondelez's Tuc Bake Rolls was voted the 'Shrinkflation Scam of the Year'. The term 'shrinkflation' is a blend of 'shrink' and 'inflation', reflecting its widespread use since inflation surged in 2022. The center holds an annual public vote to determine the worst offender. Dr. Dre's cheese crumble cake mix has been named the 'Shrinkflation Scam of the Month' for deceiving consumers with a significant reduction in quantity and a minimal price decrease. The Hamburg Consumer Protection Center continues to raise awareness about such practices and encourages consumers to be vigilant.
