Are the products you're buying really what you think? How subtle label changes are tricking shoppers like you!
- Replies 4
When sparkly new supermarkets open, they operate like theme parks, filled with wonder and delicious treats! People love to take a spin through the aisles, get the weekly groceries, and even pick up something extra that has caught their eye.
But lately, some have noticed that a lot of products have had some label specifics adjusted ever so slightly–potentially taking a toll on your grocery budget.
On these products, you'll now find phrases such as 'Plant Protein Power' (on Edgell brand items like their black beans) or, as with a pack of Indomie noodles, a blue badge claiming to reflect that it won in Canstar Blue’s 2022 Most Satisfied Customers Awards Instant Noodle Brand category. There are even labels telling us that certain products are 'oven baked, not fried' and 'foil wrapped for freshness'.
The aim of the game: To lure us, the unwitting shoppers, into including them into our shopping haul without a second thought.
To verify what’s really going on, consumer experts gave their insights.
'When in a supermarket, and doing routine and familiar tasks, we rely a lot on our auto-pilot brain,' said Consumer Psychologist and marketing agency Thinkerbell founder Adam Ferrier.
'So we tend to look for clear signs and symbols that make shopping easier,' he added.
Ferrier explained that signs containing similar messages of quality make it easier for shoppers’ ‘over-worked’ brains to make a selection.
‘I don't think people look at these things long enough for them to process what the labels actually mean—they are just a promise of overall goodness,’ he said.
‘Medals on wine labels work in much the same way. “It has a medal, therefore, it must be good.”’
Brands have also been quick to catch on to an emerging trend towards healthy options among shoppers.
Consumer Psychologist, Behaviouralist, and Brand Strategist Peter Resanceff noted: ‘We are starting to see more processed and packaged goods in supermarkets aligning themselves with plant-based health, nutrition and well-being.’
‘The burden, as always, lies with consumers to educate themselves to take care not to take such claims at face-value,’ Resanceff explains. ‘To view such claims with caution and question the motivation of the manufacturer in making such claims.’
But members, it's up to each and every individual to figure out what's really going on under the hood. Have a really good look at these labels and decide for yourself whether or not they are really worth your money!
Because the truth is–unless something stands out as a super special deal or is top-notch quality, it's best to be wary of products with labels that promise the moon and stars.
And while we're here; what about the price tag? Even with all these attempts to trick you, there are still big savings to be made in supermarkets–you just have to know where to look for them.
Most people recommend shopping around for the best deal and take advantage of loyalty programs and points that may be on offer. These incentives alone can save us a lot of money over time.
Plus, when you can, compare nutritional information and ingredient lists of alternative products–the same principle applies at physical and online stores.
If you equip yourself with all the relevant information concerning product labels, prices and loyalty offerings, you're fairly well set up for success in your weekly grocery shop.
What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments below!
But lately, some have noticed that a lot of products have had some label specifics adjusted ever so slightly–potentially taking a toll on your grocery budget.
On these products, you'll now find phrases such as 'Plant Protein Power' (on Edgell brand items like their black beans) or, as with a pack of Indomie noodles, a blue badge claiming to reflect that it won in Canstar Blue’s 2022 Most Satisfied Customers Awards Instant Noodle Brand category. There are even labels telling us that certain products are 'oven baked, not fried' and 'foil wrapped for freshness'.
The aim of the game: To lure us, the unwitting shoppers, into including them into our shopping haul without a second thought.
An Edgell product containing ‘Plant Protein Power’ phrase. Image: Woolworths
To verify what’s really going on, consumer experts gave their insights.
'When in a supermarket, and doing routine and familiar tasks, we rely a lot on our auto-pilot brain,' said Consumer Psychologist and marketing agency Thinkerbell founder Adam Ferrier.
'So we tend to look for clear signs and symbols that make shopping easier,' he added.
Ferrier explained that signs containing similar messages of quality make it easier for shoppers’ ‘over-worked’ brains to make a selection.
‘I don't think people look at these things long enough for them to process what the labels actually mean—they are just a promise of overall goodness,’ he said.
‘Medals on wine labels work in much the same way. “It has a medal, therefore, it must be good.”’
Brands have also been quick to catch on to an emerging trend towards healthy options among shoppers.
Consumer Psychologist, Behaviouralist, and Brand Strategist Peter Resanceff noted: ‘We are starting to see more processed and packaged goods in supermarkets aligning themselves with plant-based health, nutrition and well-being.’
An Indomie product containing 'CANSTAR BLUE “most satisfied” in 2022' phrase. Image: Lazada
‘The burden, as always, lies with consumers to educate themselves to take care not to take such claims at face-value,’ Resanceff explains. ‘To view such claims with caution and question the motivation of the manufacturer in making such claims.’
But members, it's up to each and every individual to figure out what's really going on under the hood. Have a really good look at these labels and decide for yourself whether or not they are really worth your money!
Because the truth is–unless something stands out as a super special deal or is top-notch quality, it's best to be wary of products with labels that promise the moon and stars.
And while we're here; what about the price tag? Even with all these attempts to trick you, there are still big savings to be made in supermarkets–you just have to know where to look for them.
An Arnotts’ product containing 'oven baked, note fried' phrase. Image: S&R Membership Shopping
Most people recommend shopping around for the best deal and take advantage of loyalty programs and points that may be on offer. These incentives alone can save us a lot of money over time.
Plus, when you can, compare nutritional information and ingredient lists of alternative products–the same principle applies at physical and online stores.
If you equip yourself with all the relevant information concerning product labels, prices and loyalty offerings, you're fairly well set up for success in your weekly grocery shop.
What are your thoughts on this story? Let us know in the comments below!
.png){kind=icon}
