'Shrinkflation:' Social media in uproar after viral post shows truth about TimTams

Sky News AU

a day ago

TimTams are a popular Aussie pantry staple, but a viral post on Reddit has threatened that status.
A Reddit user posted a photo of a packet of TimTams, accusing the company of 'Tim Tam Shrinkflation."
He said it is disappointing that the number of TimTams that had been supplied were shrinking.
'Probably been mentioned before but it's disappointing to see that you only get 9 Tim Tam's to a pack these days," he said.
'I worked out it's 42% empty space inside. And without the plastic spaces in-between each bikky, you could fit about 17 in total.'
Kidspot.com.au reported that people were not happy with the revelation.
'They should make it illegal for companies to sell half-serving packs,' said one person.
'I don't buy them anymore because of the price,' said another.
'Tim Sham,' a third joked.
Other users have said that the chocolates have always been packed that way.
'If you look at all the different flavours, you will see a bunch of different package sizes. They generally (but not always) do this so that they can keep the price per pack the same,' one commenter pointed out.
'Special flavoured Tim Tams are typically reduced in size to 175g (see also the deluxe flavour),' another agreed.
'You get less with the special varieties, it's always been this way,' said a third.
In a statement, manufacturers Arnott confirmed that TimTams had been packed that way.
"The Tim Tam family is comprised of several ranges. Each range contains a different number of biscuits and always has," a spokesperson told Kidspot.
"Tim Tam Chewy Caramel has been a fixture in the range for a number of decades now and has always come with nine biscuits per pack.
"The number of biscuits in each pack, and price differences, reflect the cost and complexity of ingredients contained in each pack.
"To help consumers avoid any potential confusion, the gram size and number of biscuits are clearly displayed on the front of each pack."
The issue of shrinkflation, where the cost remains the same, but the amount of product shrinks was first raised in the federal election, with prime minister Anthony Albanese saying that if he was reelected, Labor would introduce legislation to crack down on the practice.
At the time, Mr Albanese said supermarkets were "taking the piss."