The Serving Size Illusion
The first thing we often see on a nutrition label is the 'serving size'. According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), this information is for nutritional guidance, helping you understand the calories and nutrients in a typical
portion. However, it is not designed for value comparison. A brand might list a very small serving size, like three biscuits, to make the calorie count seem low. This is what's known as the serving size trap; most people might eat far more in one sitting, but the number gives a misleadingly healthy or small impression. Relying on it to compare value is a common mistake, as it says nothing about the total amount of product you are actually buying.
Why Total Pack Size is King
The most important number for a value comparison is the net weight or volume of the entire package. This tells you exactly how much product you are getting for your money. A visually larger packet can sometimes contain less product than a smaller, denser one. Don't be fooled by puffy bags of chips or cleverly designed boxes. Always look for the net weight, usually printed at the bottom of the package. It's a legal requirement and your most reliable guide. Comparing a 150g packet to a 200g packet, even if the price difference is small, reveals the true cost effectiveness. The bigger pack might have a higher upfront cost but could be cheaper per gram.
Beware of 'Shrinkflation'
Have you ever noticed your favourite snack packet feels a little lighter than it used to, even though the price is the same? This phenomenon is called 'shrinkflation'. Manufacturers reduce the pack size—for example, from 100g to 85g—but keep the packaging and price identical. It’s a subtle way to increase the price per unit without alarming customers with a direct price hike. It makes comparing old favourites with new alternatives tricky if you aren’t paying close attention to the net weight every time you buy. This tactic preys on the assumption that the size and price you've been accustomed to have remained constant.
Your Secret Weapon: Unit Pricing
The ultimate tool for any savvy shopper is unit pricing. This is the cost of a product per standard unit of measurement, like per 100 grams or per kilogram. While not always displayed on shelves in India, it’s a simple calculation you can do on your phone. To find the unit price, divide the total price of the item by its total size (net weight). For example, if a 200g bag of lentils costs ₹40, the unit price is ₹0.20 per gram, or ₹20 per 100g. A 250g bag costing ₹45 has a unit price of ₹0.18 per gram, or ₹18 per 100g, making it the better buy. This method cuts through all marketing, packaging sizes, and promotional offers to give you a true like-for-like comparison.
A Smarter Shopper's Checklist
Next time you are at the kirana store or supermarket, follow these simple steps to ensure you're getting the best value. First, ignore the claims on the front of the pack like 'Jumbo Size' or 'Family Pack'. These are marketing terms. Second, turn the packet over and find the declared net weight or volume. This is your baseline. Third, if you're comparing two similar items, do the quick unit price math: divide price by weight. The lower number wins. Don't assume bigger is always cheaper; sometimes smaller packages can be on a promotional offer that makes their unit price lower. A moment of calculation can lead to significant savings over time.
