Old label, new bag: Shoppers say Milano cookies now come with less chocolate, more air

Shoppers argued that Pepperidge Farm's Milano cookies are another unfortunate example of shrinkflation.

After a Reddit poster compared an old nutrition label with a new one and included images of the cookies, complaints about the treat rolled in, noting the cookies seemed to offer less chocolate despite their high price.

Here's what to know

"Less chocolate and more air in Pepperidge Farm's Milano cookies these days?" the original poster wrote on the r/shrinkflation forum. "Cookie quality seems a lot worse. Included an old nutrition label I found online to compare to latest bag."

Commenters piled on with similar frustrations. "The picture on the bag and that cookie aren't the same," one wrote, while another said, "It tastes more like crackers and chocolate instead of cookies and chocolate." A third commenter added: "Milanos are completely different now from what they were when I was a kid. So disappointing, but what else is new?"

Still, not everyone in the thread saw the comparison as definitive. "Look at the serving size, though," one person cautioned.

More background

Such complaints tap into broad concerns about shrinkflation, with shoppers saying they are getting less food, less quality, or both while packages and prices still suggest premium experiences.

There is also an environmental angle to these concerns. When packaging stays the same but the amount of food inside shrinks, shoppers pay for empty space while generating unnecessary waste.

Even when a change is subtle, it can erode trust in a brand and add to a sense that companies are squeezing households already dealing with high grocery bills.

But when a product no longer feels worth the money, consumers still have options. Leaving direct feedback for the company, switching to a better-value alternative, or avoiding such overvalued items can protect wallets and reduce waste from disappointing purchases.

Where can I learn more?

Shoppers have raised similar complaints across snacks and sweets when big packaging makes the product inside feel skimpy. 

• Oreo shoppers blasted a troubling change to packaging after photos showed wasted space.

• Sondey cookie shoppers condemned allegedly deceptive cookie packaging that hid a tray.

• Milka customers were baffled by a popular chocolate brand's packaging after spotting excess space.

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