The grocery aisles, once a simple place for our weekly food haul, have become a hotbed of consumer frustration. Shoppers are feeling the pinch, witnessing prices climb while product sizes shrink, a sneaky trick known as ‘shrinkflation.
In today’s world, consumers are more informed and vocal than ever, thanks to social media. A perceived slight, a sudden price increase, or a questionable ingredient choice can spread like wildfire, putting even the biggest grocery brands on the defensive. People are looking for transparency and fairness, and when they don’t find it, they’re always ready to take their dollars elsewhere. Let’s examine ten grocery brands that have recently found themselves squarely in the crosshairs of unhappy shoppers.
Procter & Gamble (P&G)
While perhaps not strictly a “grocery brand” in the traditional sense of food items, P&G manufactures many household essentials commonly found in grocery stores, including cleaning supplies and personal care products. They have faced significant backlash for double-digit price increases across their product lines. Since consumers often buy these items regularly, the higher costs quickly add up, affecting overall household finances.
Mondelez International
Mondelez, the company behind beloved brands like Oreos and Milka chocolates, has also been in a tussle with supermarket chains over pricing. Reports indicate a significant rise in their product prices, contributing to consumer frustration over grocery costs. Shoppers are increasingly questioning the value they receive, especially for everyday treats. Data shows Mondelez increased prices by 5.4% worldwide in 2024.
Nestlé
Nestlé, a global food and beverage giant, has drawn consumer ire for both price increases and instances of “shrinkflation” across its extensive product portfolio. From coffee to chocolate, shoppers have noticed that products are getting smaller while prices remain the same or even rise. This practice of reducing product quantity without a proportional price cut can leave consumers feeling cheated and undermine trust. Nestlé’s prices increased significantly between 2021 and 2024.
Unilever
Unilever, with its wide range of food, home care, and beauty products, has faced backlash due to what many perceive as unjustified price hikes. Consumers are feeling the strain on their household budgets, and some are actively seeking more affordable alternatives. The company’s pricing actions have led to confrontations with retailers, indicating broad market resistance. Unilever’s prices rose by 11% between 2022 and 2024.
Hershey’s
Even sweet treats aren’t immune to controversy. Hershey’s, known for its iconic chocolates, has been called out for shrinkflation, particularly with products like Hershey’s Kisses. Consumers have noted smaller package sizes for the same or even higher prices. This tactic can feel like a bitter pill, especially during Christmas or Easter when people are stocking up on holiday treats. A brand of snack cookies reduced their size by 50% in 2024, from 1.5 ounces to 1 ounce, illustrating the broader trend of shrinkflation.
Kellogg’s
Kellogg’s, a household name for breakfast cereals, has experienced its share of consumer discontent. Like many other food brands, it has been criticized for price increases and instances where cereal box sizes have been reduced. For families relying on cereals as a quick breakfast option, these changes can be particularly frustrating, as they impact their grocery budget and meal planning strategies.
PepsiCo
The maker of popular sodas and snacks, such as Lay’s chips, PepsiCo, has faced considerable criticism for its pricing strategies. Retailers, including French supermarket giant Carrefour, have openly challenged PepsiCo over “unacceptable” price increases, with some even refusing to stock their products in certain regions. This pushback from stores reflects a broader consumer sentiment that prices are too high. PepsiCo has seen sales volume decline across one or more brands every quarter since late 2020.
Kraft Heinz
Kraft Heinz, a major player in pantry staples and packaged food, has also faced consumer backlash over pricing. Shoppers have expressed concern about the rising costs of their staples, from ketchup to macaroni and cheese. In response to widespread consumer pushback, Kraft Heinz announced in February 2024 that it did not expect further price hikes for the remainder of the year, acknowledging the pressure on household budgets.
Coca-Cola
Recently, Coca-Cola has faced legal challenges and consumer complaints regarding its “100% Natural Flavors” labeling on products such as Fanta and Sprite. A class-action lawsuit alleges that these drinks contain synthetic additives that contradict the “natural” claim, tapping into growing consumer frustration with misleading marketing. This highlights a broader desire for transparency in ingredients and a focus on healthy products.
Conagra Brands
Conagra Brands, with its portfolio including Slim Jim, Chef Boyardee, and Healthy Choice, has been called out for contributing to the overall rise in grocery costs. As consumers feel the economic pinch, even modest price increases on regularly purchased items can trigger frustration. Many shoppers are now more closely scrutinizing the value offered by these packaged food products, leading to a shift towards private-label alternatives.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
But a lot has changed. And fast. In 2025, building wealth doesn’t require a finance degree—or even a lot of money. The tools are simpler. The entry points are lower. And believe it or not, total beginners are stacking wins just by starting small and staying consistent.
Click here and let’s break down how.
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
We all click on them with the hope that just THIS time the secret to changing a bad habit or adopting a healthy one will be revealed and we’ll finally be able to stick to that diet, stop that one or ten things that might in the moment make us feel temporarily good but really
