Special Report: Size Matters

They're the products you need and want: paper towels, soap and even ice cream. But a weekly trip to the grocery store can add up, especially for parents like Nicole Barton.

Nicole Barton, Shopper
"I feel like every time I go grocery shopping even for a couple of items I spend more than $100 every time."

While Nicole's grocery bills are big, something else is actually getting smaller.  We found many companies are quietly reducing the amount of product in their packages, but keeping the prices the same.  Consumer expert Edgar Dworsky says it's a common practice.

Edgar Dworsky, Consumer Expert
"It's very sneaky to take out some of the content of the product because some of the packages look identical."

Dworsky explains manufacturers are paying more for things like fuel and raw ingredients.  So instead of shocking consumers with higher prices, many companies are quietly reducing the amount of product in their packages.

Edgar Dworsky, Consumer Expert
"Consumers are very price sensitive because of the tough economy so they'd rather give you less and keep the price they say, familiar to the consumer."

Most shoppers would not notice! 

These tubs of Haagen Dazs look and cost the same, but one tub is one pint, or 16 ounces and the other, 14 ounces.

Cans of Bumble Bee tuna shrunk from 6 ounces to 5, but the price is the same.

Nicole Barton, Shopper
"I feel taken advantage of, extremely taken advantage of."

It's a slippery trend that even affects soap.  Look closely and you can see 4.5 ounce Dial bars are now just 4 ounces.

These Bounty paper towels offer fewer sheets and these Kleenex tissues are smaller in size, all for the same price.

We contacted all the manufacturers and the ones we spoke to say they have made adjustments to their products in order to stay competitive.

To make sure you get what you pay for, be sure to check the net weight of a product.  Pay attention to packaging that lists "new" improvements.  Sometimes that's a trick to divert you away from noticing the product is smaller.  And if you have questions about their new product sizing, feel free to call or e-mail the manufacturer.

For Nicole, the smaller sizes means she needs to look for more ways to save.

Nicole Barton, Shopper
"I'm probably going to be cutting more coupons at this point and paying a lot more attention when I do the grocery shopping."

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