You think you know what you're buying by looking at the product label? Unfortunately, reality can be brutal. What you see as a gramma is frequently just a part of the truth, and sometimes even misleads. In 2025, this problem is more burning than ever, and clever maker strategies make us pay more for little without being aware of it. This phenomenon, known as "shrinkflation" (shrinkflation) in combination with another marketing tricks, becomes a real nightmare for the wallets of Poles. Our analysis reveals why the declared weight on the description may be a fiction And how to effectively defend yourself against it. Prepare to discover mechanisms that affect your buying all day and learn how to read labels to never be deceived again.
What is the fiction of grammar? Hidden traps of producers in 2025
The problem of grammar fiction is not about open data counterfeiting, but about Use of regulatory gaps And smart marketing. The most popular of them is already mentioned shrinkflation – i.e. reducing the volume or weight of the product at the same or even higher price. A classical example are the favourite sweets, chips or dairy packages, where in the unaltered packaging abruptly we find 10-20% little product. Manufacturers frequently argue that costs are optimised or composition changed, but for the consumer this means 1 thing: less for the same amount.
Another maneuver is the usage of ‘fillers’ or excessive air in packages, which makes the product appear to be larger than it actually is. This is clearly seen in the case of breakfast cereals, detergents or even any food products, where empty spaces are intended to optically enlarge the content. In addition, in flood products specified as canned or processed products, the key is ‘net weight after drainage’which is frequently importantly lower than the overall net weight given on the label. Ignore this item is simply a simple way to overpay for water or flooding alternatively of for the actual product. Experts from the Consumer marketplace investigation Institute are alerting that in 2025 these practices are increasingly common, and their detection requires increased vigilance from buyers.
Law and reality: What do the regulations say about labelling products in Poland in 2025?
In Poland and the European Union, there are circumstantial rules on labelling of food and industrial products to defend consumers. EU Regulations, specified as Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information for consumers, and Polish laws, clarify the request to supply net weight or volume. However, producers frequently operate under tolerances allowedwhich let for slight deviations from the declared gramma. These margins, although seemingly small, translate into immense savings for companies and losses for consumers on a scale of millions of products.
Supervision of the regularity of labelling is exercised, among others, by: Office for Competition and Consumer Protection (OCT) and Commercial Inspection. Unfortunately, the detection of abuse is hard due to the fact that many practices balance at the border of law, not being an open fraud, but a clever marketing. In 2025, the UOKiK announced increased controls, especially in the alleged area. ‘downsizing’ (another name for shrinkflation), however, the burden of verification inactive rests mainly on the conscious consumer. It is crucial to realize that not all change in grammar is illegal, but each deserves your attention and informed purchasing decision. Knowing your rights and marketplace mechanisms is your best weapon in fighting for fair shopping.
How do we recognise and defend ourselves from the “fiction of grammar”? applicable advice to consumers
In the face of the increasing creativity of manufacturers, it becomes crucial awareness and proactive action any consumer. Here are any proven strategies that will aid you avoid the traps of the “fiction of grammar” in 2025:
- Compare prices per unit: Always check the price per 100g, 1 kg or 1 litre of product. This is the simplest and most effective way to objectively compare values, regardless of the size of the package or promotion. Many stores supply this information on price labels.
- Read the labels carefully: Take a minute to check the net weight and, in the case of products in a water, the net weight after dewatering. Pay attention to the composition and nutritional values to make certain you buy what you want.
- Be alert to changes in packaging: fresh design, "limited edition" or "improved recipe" is frequently an excuse for subtlely reducing grammar. If you announcement a fresh packaging of your favourite product, immediately check its weight and compare it with the erstwhile version.
- Lead the ‘home archive’ of prices and scales: For the most frequently purchased products it is worth remembering or saving their standard weight and price. This will let you to catch any changes quickly.
- Report irregularities: If you fishy that the maker is deliberately misleading or violating the regulations, do not hesitate to study this to the UOKiK or the Commercial Inspection. Your notification can aid defend another consumers.
Remember, Your vigilance and conscious choices have a real impact on the market. The more consumers are aware of these practices, the more force on producers to act honestly and transparently. Don't let clever marketing strategies affect your budget and trust in brands.
In 2025, being a conscious consumer is not only a substance of savings, but besides of defending your rights. "Fiction of grammar" is simply a real problem that requires your attention. From now on, all buying is simply a tiny test of economics and perceptiveness. Always check the labels, compare the prices per unit, and don’t be afraid to ask questions and study doubts. This is the only way we can force greater transparency and fairness on the marketplace together. Don’t be fooled – it’s your wallet and your rights!
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The weight of the product on the description is lying? We uncover the truth! Urgent alert for consumers in 2025.