According to Quartz, Wheat Thins Family Size boxes slimmed down from 16 ounces to 14 ounces, while their reduced fat sibling shrunk from 14.5 to 12 ounces — apparently deciding to reduce more than just fat.
Ah, the joys of grocery shopping! You stroll down the snack aisle, dreaming of the delightful crunch of Cheez-Its—those cheesy little rectangles that have been a staple in our pantries for what feels like forever. But wait! What’s this? The box says ‘family size,’ but it looks more like a single serving size from 2010. Is this some sort of cruel joke?
Let’s break it down, shall we? When did ‘family size’ transform into ‘I can’t eat this in one sitting’ size? Back in the day, a family size box meant enough Cheez-Its to feed a small army or, at the very least, a family of four for a movie night. Now, it seems like we’re getting a box that barely covers a single binge-watching session of our favorite show.
Thanks to the magic of inflation and the art of downsizing, companies have clearly decided that we don’t need those hefty portions anymore. Maybe they think we’re all on a diet? Or perhaps they think we’re too busy scrolling through social media to actually consume snacks? Either way, it’s mildly infuriating.
And let’s talk about pricing, shall we? The price remains the same, if not higher! It’s like they’re trying to sell us a ‘premium experience’ of opening a box that’s 90% air. Who knew that air was so valuable?
Now, I understand that companies need to make a profit. But come on! If I’m buying ‘family size,’ I want to feel like I’m getting something substantial—not a snack that could fit in my pocket. It’s like they’re saying, “Here’s your family size Cheez-It experience, but you’ll need to buy five boxes to feel satisfied.”
So, what do we do about this? We could start a petition, or perhaps a support group for those who feel betrayed by snack companies. Or, we could just embrace the absurdity of it all and start calling it what it really is: ‘I guess I’ll just have to eat my feelings in moderation’ size.
In the end, it’s a classic case of ‘you can’t always get what you want,’ but at least we can have a good laugh about it. Just don’t forget to bring your magnifying glass next time you go shopping—it might help you find those elusive family size snacks!
Inspired by: “I guess “family size” has now turned into “I can’t eat this in one setting” size” (r/mildlyinfuriating)