Navigating the aisles of a supermarket can be quite an adventure, especially for those of us who have seen many shopping trends come and go.

However, one thing that remains constant is the need for a keen eye on the products we choose, particularly when understanding what we're getting for our money.

It seems that even the most seasoned shoppers among us can get tripped up by some 'sneaky' marketing tactics, as some Australian consumers have recently found out at ALDI.


The issue at hand involves a seemingly innocent package of sausages.

A member of the ALDI Fans Australia social media group brought to light a common misunderstanding that has left many shoppers scratching their heads.


'So I kept not having enough sausages BECAUSE I thought it was 12 sausages. It's not, it's 7,' the shopper lamented.

The confusion stems from the packaging, which features the number '12' prominently, referring to the cooking time, while the actual quantity of sausages is less conspicuous.

This packaging puzzle has sparked a debate among consumers, with some calling it outright deceptive.


'To me, this is a deliberate act of deceit. It doesn't take 12 minutes to cook those sausages. It's meant to grab your eye, so you assume there's 12 in the pack,' one commenter argued.

Others have taken to humour, with quips like 'Ah, the old should've gone to Specsavers trick,' highlighting the need for careful inspection.

‘At first glimpse, I thought it was 12. Not an eyesight problem, it's how the 12 stands out more than every other word. Sneaky marketing,’ another commented.

Conversely, some defend the marketing strategy as nothing more than clever, if not a little cunning.

'I would have thought there were 12 in there without thinking. Great marketing,' a shopper admitted.


The debate raises the question: where is the line between effective marketing and misleading packaging?

The Kidspot team has weighed in, suggesting that parents, in particular, are susceptible to such packaging tricks.

The hustle and bustle of shopping with children in tow can make it challenging to scrutinise every label.

'I have seen that number plenty of times and assumed. I [won't] sit there and count sausages!' one parent shared.

It's a sentiment echoed by many who rush through the supermarket to avoid meltdowns or to get back to their busy lives.


However, the issue may be less pronounced for those who have embraced the digital age and shifted to online shopping.

Taking a moment and reading product descriptions without the distractions of a physical store can lead to more informed decisions.

'I think it's easier to notice these things when you shop online as I do,' a consumer noted.
Have you ever been caught out by what you thought was a 'sneaky' marketing tactic? How do you ensure you get exactly what you're looking for when shopping or ordering online? Let us know in the comments below.