As savvy shoppers, we are looking for the best deals and ways to stretch our hard-earned dollars, especially in this economy.

What happens when the products we buy don't measure up to expectations—literally?

A recent discovery by consumers has unveiled a little-known detail that has left many feeling short-changed and questioning the integrity of supermarket practices.

An Aussie woman's experience sparked a conversation after she weighed a 230g packet of ALDI potato chips and only found 139g of chips inside.

This revelation has caused a stir among shoppers, with many expressing their outrage over a ‘deceptive practice’.

‘How is this okay at all?’ she asked online.

‘[We] try and save money by buying from ALDI and don't even get the amount on the packet.’

‘That isn't an estimation though. Even Woolies mince has the 'e' and usually it's minimal difference—but nearly 100g is massive!’ one exclaimed in disbelief.

Before we grab our pitchforks, what is this 'e' symbol found on food packets, and what does it mean for shoppers?

Measuring grocery items for accuracy ensures shoppers they get the best value for their money. Image Credit: Pexels/Ksenia Chernaya

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The 'e' mark, which means 'estimated', is a legal designation used in the EEC (European Economic Community) to indicate that the weight or volume stated on the packaging is an average value.

While some packets may contain slightly more than the stated weight, others may contain less.

Overall, the average weight should match the packaging.

Many countries have adapted to using the ‘e’ mark, including Australia and South Africa.

While this might seem reasonable, how much variance is acceptable?

Packaging machines in the food industry are not 100 per cent precise, so there will be a margin of inaccuracy.

However, when a customer finds nearly 100g missing from a 230g packet, it's understandable why they would feel cheated.

Supermarkets like ALDI, Woolworths and Coles conduct regular audits and use commercial scales to ensure their products comply with weight requirements.

ALDI encourages customers to go to their help centre with feedback and offers a full refund or replacement for unsatisfactory products.

However, the issue of underweight products isn't exclusive to potato chips.

Reports have surfaced of other items like butter and tomato paste also falling short at various stores.

A former Woolworths employee revealed that they used to check product weights, and anything over a 10 per cent discrepancy was reported to manufacturers.

In defence of the potato chips, some have pointed out that the 'air' in the bags is nitrogen gas, which protects the chips from breaking and prevents staleness by displacing oxygen.

This is a common practice in the snack industry and is a legitimate reason for space in the packaging.

However, this doesn't fully address the issue of significant underweight products.

Consumers also need to be aware of the 'e' mark and understand its implications.

If you suspect a product is underweight, weigh the items and compare them with other items to check the accuracy of your scales.

Key Takeaways

• Shoppers have discovered the 'e' symbol on product packets stands for an average value of volume or weight, which can result in receiving less than the stated amount on the package.
• A woman found a significant weight discrepancy in a packet of ALDI potato chips, causing an uproar among consumers.
• All major supermarkets have systems in place for regular audits and use commercial scales to ensure compliance with weight requirements.
• There's a debate about the necessity for 'air', or nitrogen gas, in chip packets, which is claimed to protect the product and maintain freshness.

Have you ever encountered a product that didn't weigh as much as it should? How did you handle the situation? Share your experiences in the comments below.

 

[Bill MacL]

I would bet that more are under weight than over weight.

 

[Rob44]

Yes.

Why ask the question?

 

[Barbara V]

Not only less weight but smaller sizes. Some seems to have shrunk in sizes too

 

[Luckyus]

Any minced meat product can give an accurate weight? This is why I don't buy meat in supermarkets.

 

[Douglas1934]

I have purchased items at 50% SALE PRICE when the packet has been reduced by half.