Some companies are downright shameless when it comes to designing packaging in order to subtly trick their customers. Our team atBored Pandahas collected some of the most infuriating andeco-unfriendlyexamples of products that consumers have found at their local stores. Scroll down for a crash course on what not to do if you want your business to have a reputation for honesty, transparency, and ethics.

We wanted to learn about the fallout these sorts of practices can have on companies, as well as what customers can do to push back. Matt Johnson, PhD, a marketing psychology expert specializing in topics such asconsumer psychologyandserendipity, shed some light on this. Read on for the insights he shared with Bored Panda.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Evil packaging design of a sandwich, showing only minimal fillings when sliced.

Johnsonexplained to Bored Panda how deceptive product packaging can have negative repercussions on a company’s reputation in the long term.“Deceptive product packaging might boost short-term profits, but it’s a risky game that can undermine consumer trust—the bedrock of long-term brand loyalty. When customers feel misled, it sparks a sense of betrayal, which can ripple through word-of-mouth and online reviews, tarnishing a brand’s reputation,” he said.He stressed the fact that the fallout isn’t just emotional, it’s also financial. “The cost of regaining trust often outweighs any initial savings, as brands must invest heavily in rebranding or damage control.”

Johnsonexplained to Bored Panda how deceptive product packaging can have negative repercussions on a company’s reputation in the long term.

“Deceptive product packaging might boost short-term profits, but it’s a risky game that can undermine consumer trust—the bedrock of long-term brand loyalty. When customers feel misled, it sparks a sense of betrayal, which can ripple through word-of-mouth and online reviews, tarnishing a brand’s reputation,” he said.

He stressed the fact that the fallout isn’t just emotional, it’s also financial. “The cost of regaining trust often outweighs any initial savings, as brands must invest heavily in rebranding or damage control.”

RELATED:

Misleading packaging design of Mr. Fresh jumbo food container showing 2 pack with only one lid visible.

Obviously it’s slightly misleading in terms of size, but more infuriating is the excess plastic used for no practical purpose.

Misleading packaging design of a lotion bottle with a false bottom.

“Frugality is about smart, cost-effective decisions that don’t compromise value or honesty, while cheapness signals cutting corners at the customer’s expense. The best brands understand that consumers value authenticity as much as affordability, and a short-term win through deception risks a long-term loss that no amount of clever marketing can undo,” the marketing psychology expert said.

Bored Panda was also interested in the things that the customers themselves can do to push back against deceptive practices like shrinkflation and skimpflation.Johnsonnoted that we aren’t as powerless as we might seem.

“Shrinkflation and skimpflation—when products shrink or their quality diminishes without a corresponding drop in price—can feel frustrating, but consumers hold more power than they might realize. One of the best ways to push back is to vote with your wallet. Opt for brands that maintain transparency and value, even if it means exploring lesser-known or store-brand alternatives,” he said.

Deceptive packaging design showing a box of chocolates with half the spaces empty.

I was so excited then I opened the box and a mild wave rage crept over my entire body. My husband and the cat are both hiding from me while I try to calm down, but I just stare at the pizza and get even angrier. Thought about calling the number on the box but the poor underpaid employee doesn’t deserve my unbridled wrath right now.Might be over reacting but I am pregnant and was very excited for pizza.

Pizza with sparse toppings next to a box showing a fully topped pizza, illustrating misleading packaging design.

To clarify, these are not the burgers. These are the buns that came out of that bag.

Misleading packaging design example showing unappealing bread next to vibrant packaging of “The Better Bun."

“Social media is another powerful tool; calling out misleading practices can create public pressure on brands to be more accountable. Consumer advocacy groups and platforms like Consumer Reports also offer ways to amplify concerns and demand change collectively. Additionally, being a vigilant shopper—reading labels, comparing unit prices, and keeping tabs on subtle changes—can help you make informed decisions,“Johnsontold Bored Panda.“When consumers collectively prioritize value and transparency, they nudge the market toward fairer practices. Brands that respect their customers tend to win in the long run.”

“Social media is another powerful tool; calling out misleading practices can create public pressure on brands to be more accountable. Consumer advocacy groups and platforms like Consumer Reports also offer ways to amplify concerns and demand change collectively. Additionally, being a vigilant shopper—reading labels, comparing unit prices, and keeping tabs on subtle changes—can help you make informed decisions,“Johnsontold Bored Panda.

“When consumers collectively prioritize value and transparency, they nudge the market toward fairer practices. Brands that respect their customers tend to win in the long run.”

Took the lid off to get any that was left in the jar and the actual product is in the most minuscule little bag attached to the pump.

Misleading packaging design example showing a bottle of skincare product with excess inner packaging.

Label showing blended cashmere on fabric misleadingly made of 100% polyester.

Empty chocolate tray next to a half-filled one, demonstrating misleading packaging design.

To be completely blunt, if youconstantly lieto your loyal customer base, you’ll push them away. Nobody enjoys feeling like they’re being taken advantage of. And as a consumer, if you’re willing to do a bit of research, there are always better, more consumer-friendly alternatives for you to find.Besides, it’s a very human feeling to want to get back at a person or organization that constantly lies to everyone. For example, someone might start posting about those deceptive practices on social media, and it can go viral, damaging the business’s reputation and—perhaps more importantly—profit margins.The World Economic Forum explains that shrinkflation is the phenomenon where consumer productsget smallerin size, but their price doesn’t change accordingly. A similar phenomenon is so-called skimpflation, where companies reduce the quality of their product or service while keeping the price the same.When it comes to shrinkflation and skimpflation, you’re paying the same amount of money as before for less quantity or quality, respectively. Or, to flip that around, you end up paying more than before per measure of quantity or quality. In short, your purchasing power and overall satisfaction go down.

To be completely blunt, if youconstantly lieto your loyal customer base, you’ll push them away. Nobody enjoys feeling like they’re being taken advantage of. And as a consumer, if you’re willing to do a bit of research, there are always better, more consumer-friendly alternatives for you to find.

Besides, it’s a very human feeling to want to get back at a person or organization that constantly lies to everyone. For example, someone might start posting about those deceptive practices on social media, and it can go viral, damaging the business’s reputation and—perhaps more importantly—profit margins.

The World Economic Forum explains that shrinkflation is the phenomenon where consumer productsget smallerin size, but their price doesn’t change accordingly. A similar phenomenon is so-called skimpflation, where companies reduce the quality of their product or service while keeping the price the same.

When it comes to shrinkflation and skimpflation, you’re paying the same amount of money as before for less quantity or quality, respectively. Or, to flip that around, you end up paying more than before per measure of quantity or quality. In short, your purchasing power and overall satisfaction go down.

Misleading packaging design showing a wrap that appears full but is partially empty.

Misleading packaging design showing a label indicating product origin as multiple countries on a honey jar.

Should be a lawsuit for deceit and false advertising. The candy is just over half as long as the packaging

Misleading packaging design of Airheads candy, showing a partially filled wrapper on a wooden surface.

With so many sales happening during every holiday season, companies can rack up a massive profit if they suddenly decide to use up fewer resources to put out more products. It’s an ever-present temptation to go beyond the impact of inflation.

CNN reports that American consumers spent a jaw-dropping$13.3 billionon Cyber Monday in 2024, a spike of 7.3% compared to a year ago. It’s hard to resist ‘last call’ deals. Especially if you’re still looking for holiday gifts for your loved ones, decide to treat yourself, or you realize that you can save a ton of money on big purchases you would’ve made in the near future anyway.

“While Cyber Monday remained the season’s and year’s biggest online shopping day, year-over-year growth was stronger on both Thanksgiving and Black Friday,” says Adobe Digital Insights lead analyst Vivek Pandya.

According to Adobe, holiday spending in the US for November 1 through December 31 is likely to go above $240 billion, a rise of 8.4% compared to 2023.

Close-up of a knife and misaligned label on jacket, illustrating misleading packaging design.

Aurora chocolate bar with packaging showcasing enticing design but revealing plain chocolate inside, exemplifying misleading packaging.

Heart-shaped box with misleading packaging design, showing fewer chocolates than expected.

According to LendingTree, 71% of Americanshave noticedat least one incident of shrinkflation in the past year, while 57% said they’ve experienced multiple incidents. As per LendingTree’s analysis of 98 commonly used consumer products, a third have shrunk. “Household paper products—toilet paper and paper towels—saw the highest rate of change via fewer sheets per roll.”Meanwhile, “seven of the 16 (or 43.8%) breakfast items analyzed have been downsized since 2019 or 2020. Family-size Frosted Flakes dropped 9.6% from 24.0 ounces to 21.7, leading to a 40.0% price increase per ounce. Of the 13 candy items, five (38.5%) changed size. Meanwhile, six of 22 (27.3%) snacks analyzed underwent size reductions.”As it turns out, the price isn’t the only important thing. “Consumers don’t just look at prices, and they prefer price bumps over shrinking products. 89% of Americans always or sometimes compare brands’ product sizes or quantities when shopping. Many Americans would prefer that companies raise prices (38%) rather than reduce sizes (28%).”

According to LendingTree, 71% of Americanshave noticedat least one incident of shrinkflation in the past year, while 57% said they’ve experienced multiple incidents. As per LendingTree’s analysis of 98 commonly used consumer products, a third have shrunk. “Household paper products—toilet paper and paper towels—saw the highest rate of change via fewer sheets per roll.”

Meanwhile, “seven of the 16 (or 43.8%) breakfast items analyzed have been downsized since 2019 or 2020. Family-size Frosted Flakes dropped 9.6% from 24.0 ounces to 21.7, leading to a 40.0% price increase per ounce. Of the 13 candy items, five (38.5%) changed size. Meanwhile, six of 22 (27.3%) snacks analyzed underwent size reductions.”

As it turns out, the price isn’t the only important thing. “Consumers don’t just look at prices, and they prefer price bumps over shrinking products. 89% of Americans always or sometimes compare brands’ product sizes or quantities when shopping. Many Americans would prefer that companies raise prices (38%) rather than reduce sizes (28%).”

I wish I could say at least it tasted good, but I can’t.

Misleading packaging design: croissant package with pastry cream, but minimal filling inside visible sliced croissant.

Like they fill it up just high enough to cover the little window on the box but if you look closer you’ll see that it stops right there. Tilt the box on its side and you can see how much is really in it. I’m so sick of this stuff.

Misleading packaging design showing macaroni box with smaller actual product window.

Misleading packaging showing a stack of 125 paper plates labeled First Street, appearing larger than actual size.

Shrinkflation and skimpflation hurt your wallet, the quality of your life, your potential savings, and, in the long run, can affect your lifestyle, because you can’t afford what you used to and need to cut back.That’s on top of the sinking feeling that your hard-earned wage isn’t as valuable as it was in the past. You then have a few options. First of all, you can look for cheaper alternatives, potentially sacrificing some product quality in the process.

Shrinkflation and skimpflation hurt your wallet, the quality of your life, your potential savings, and, in the long run, can affect your lifestyle, because you can’t afford what you used to and need to cut back.

That’s on top of the sinking feeling that your hard-earned wage isn’t as valuable as it was in the past. You then have a few options. First of all, you can look for cheaper alternatives, potentially sacrificing some product quality in the process.

Two wine bottles with similar labels revealing misleading packaging design examples.

Bottle labeled “Extra Virgin Olive Oil” but contains canola oil, illustrating misleading packaging design.

Clear gel deodorant package appears full but is mostly empty, an example of misleading packaging design.

Sure, there are cheaper chocolates available if your favorite brand has embraced shrinkflation. However, the alternatives might taste different or use cheaper ingredients. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s not quite what you’re looking for. Hardly anyone enjoys making lifestyle changes when they don’t have to. It feels nice to have some basic comforts you can rely on in your life.

Misleading packaging design with empty space inside chocolate box, revealing less content than expected.

Misleading packaging design showing a large protein jar with sparse powder content, emphasizing the empty space.

Quail eggs in a carton, an example of misleading packaging design with fewer eggs than expected.

Another thing to consider is that not every alternative to your fave products is going to be available in your local shops. You might need to walk or drive further or even rely on deliveries. This can eat into your time due to a longer commute, or your cash due to more fuel use or added delivery costs.You can also decide to focus on bringing home more money so that you can afford the same standard of living you got used to. This might mean talking to your boss about that overdue raise or promotion, applying to new jobs at your company or other businesses, or working longer hours for overtime.

Another thing to consider is that not every alternative to your fave products is going to be available in your local shops. You might need to walk or drive further or even rely on deliveries. This can eat into your time due to a longer commute, or your cash due to more fuel use or added delivery costs.

You can also decide to focus on bringing home more money so that you can afford the same standard of living you got used to. This might mean talking to your boss about that overdue raise or promotion, applying to new jobs at your company or other businesses, or working longer hours for overtime.

btw Corporate Douchebaggery Apologists, don’t even start with the “extra protective room” for the chocolates…

Misleading packaging example: chocolate box with empty slots and an arrow pointing at them.

Just bought this

Misleading packaging design shows peanut snack with minimal contents on a scale.

Misleading packaging design with cheese sticks in large wrappers, creating the illusion of more product.

Or you might even feel pressured to pick up a side hustle or two just to maintain your and your family’s lifestyle and reputation in your local community. Public perception and the desire to be admired and respected are phenomenal sources of anxiety if you let them run wild.

Misleading packaging with cookies in a large tray, creating an illusion of more content.

Misleading packaging design showing a large cosmetic stick next to a small amount of product inside.

Comparison of Tic Tac packaging highlighting misleading design with differing weight labels.

Which of these examples ofmisleading designsmade your blood boil? Have you noticed any examples of shrinkflation in your local shops over the past few years? What is the most recent case of deceptive product packaging you’ve stumbled across?

I have storage space!

Misleading packaging example showing a Country Crock container half-filled with margarine.

Chocolate bunny packaging with smaller egg inside, illustrating misleading packaging design.

Misleading packaging design: “Thin Vegetable” crackers, showing healthy claims on the front and detailed ingredients list on the side.

Misleading packaging example: large Old Spice container with smaller inner product visible.

Box of chocolates with misleading packaging design showing minimal content.

The one on the right is replacing the one on the left. They only took 10% off the price. Marketing sucks.

Misleading packaging design with Dr. Oetker mini pizza showing different quantities on boxes.

Misleading packaging design of a cream container with false interior size.

Blister pack showing empty spots, demonstrating misleading packaging design.

As an added infuriation, they only made the Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops, Mastodon, and Sabertooth Tiger. Sorry Kimberly and Tommy. And EXTRA sorry if you were hoping to build a megazord.

Misleading packaging design with oversized Dinozord construction set box and small Lego pieces inside.

Misleading packaging with “Non-Dairy Creamer” label, but ingredients list shows “Contains Milk."

Bead box with compartments filled, some partially empty, showing misleading packaging design.

Misleading packaging design showing a large box for a small Estee Lauder product inside.

It could fit into a bag a 1/4 of the size. At what point is this just false advertising lol

Misleading packaging design shows a small bag of snacks inside a large box.

Fragrance-free facial cleanser misleading packaging; fragrance listed in ingredients.

Deceptive cake packaging, displaying a filled pastry on the package but revealing minimal filling inside the actual product.

Misleading packaging design showing pepper sachet with transparent contents.

Misleading packaging with mostly empty chocolate sections in a box.

Misleading packaging design with wrap and gravy dip container creating a deceptive impression of contents.

Bought this book for my kid. “For touching and feeling”. The lion has fur on it but every other page after the cover is just a blank page.

Children’s book with misleading packaging design, showing various animals like lion and tiger.

Misleading packaging design with ice cream looking smaller than on the box.

Continue reading with Bored Panda PremiumUnlimited contentAd-free browsingDark modeSubscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign In

Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium

Unlimited contentAd-free browsingDark mode

Unlimited content

Ad-free browsing

Dark mode

Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber?Sign In

they look full size in the package but are pretty tiny in reality.

Misleading packaging design showing large beef sticks bag and one small stick in front.

Kellogg’s Vector cereal box misleading packaging with bold high protein claims.

Oh, you wanted them ALL to have sprinkles? Well, you only get two. Bozo.

Misleading packaging design showing cookies with colorful sprinkles only on the front.

Misleading packaging showing a large fun bucket of unicorn toys with only a few figures actually inside.

See Also on Bored Panda

Misleading packaging design showing white socks with rainbow packaging.

Misleading packaging of caramel cake bars, showing more in the picture than in the box.

Misleading packaging showing soft blocks in vibrant colors, actual blocks differ in design underneath.

I wanted 100% cranberry juice so I bought this juice labeled “100% JUICE CRANBERRY”, only to get home, pour myself a glass, and notice the next line on the label, in much, much smaller print.

Cranberry juice bottle with misleading packaging, highlighting “100% juice” but notes added apple juice and other flavors.

Misleading packaging design with a large outer bottle and a small inner container of face cream.

Misleading packaging design example: cheese labeled 8 oz but weighs 4.1 oz on scale.

Misleading packaging design showing boxed chicken parmesan but revealing plain pasta after opening.

Misleading packaging example of Fabuloso cleaner resembling a beverage bottle with baking soda label in a kitchen setting.

Misleading packaging of plant milk cleansing bars with a large box and smaller product inside.

Velveeta packaging promises 10-minute prep but instructions specify 16-17 minutes, highlighting misleading packaging design.

Hand holding a small speaker grille next to deceptively large packaging, illustrating misleading packaging design.

Misleading packaging showing a large container with a small amount of product inside, revealing empty space when opened.

Misleading packaging with large flavor graphics on a partially filled chip bag.

Misleading packaging showing different fruit mix on the outside of the bag compared to the contents inside.

Misleading packaging design showing a half-full Wheat Thins box next to its contents in a bag.

Premium paper towels packaging with “2 giant rolls” claim displayed.

Misleading packaging design showing coffee cup and unclear hazelnut flavor indication on box.

Misleading packaging design showing bacon label with hidden section behind the front layer.

Misleading packaging showing a large travel capsule box with few capsules inside.

Allergy medication bottle with a large pill, example of misleading packaging design.

Misleading packaging design with deodorant labeled as shoe spray upon peeling.

Misleading packaging design: an empty chocolate box with vibrant mango-themed cover art.

$4.39 after tax and it looks like someone sneezed product into this jar. I don’t know if it actually counts as shrinkflation because I have never bought this product before, but it’s a goddamn scam. Straight back to Walmart it goes.

Misleading packaging design for Revolution Power Brow Fix showing large box, small jar of product.

Empty packaging tray with a single chocolate piece, showing misleading packaging design.

Hot sauce packaging showing 12 bottles with various flavors, highlighting playful design with hints of marketing exaggeration.

Misleading packaging design: BBQ wings bag with less appetizing wings served on a plate.

Hershey’s chocolate next to its misleading packaging design on a lined notebook.

Bought this some time ago, and just remembered it when I saw the chocolate bar here…

Misleading packaging with a small plant-based steak inside oversized box.

Misleading packaging design of Halloween sour pumpkins in a skeleton-themed box, half-empty when opened.

Thought something wasn’t quite right when tipped to side, so removed label to confirm…

Powerade bottle with label covering half the bottle, demonstrating misleading packaging design example.

Misleading packaging design of Golden Double Stuf Oreo, showing fewer cookies inside.

Misleading packaging design with seafood images but label states no crab, shrimp, pomfret, or squid content.

Look out for fake certification badges!

Misleading packaging showing vegan chocolate with milk ingredients in the description.

Two Nature Made melatonin gummy bottles with seemingly similar packaging designs.

D&D Creature cards with misleading packaging displaying Velociraptor, Triceratops options.

I am so disappointed. Can’t legally return alcohol. What kind of misleading packaging is this??

Six-pack of Redd’s Hard Apple in packaging that suggests apple flavor but contains beer. Misleading packaging design example.

Colorful Easter egg packaging with fewer eggs inside, illustrating misleading packaging design examples.

Misleading packaging design of salmon tray showing strategic placement of fish pieces.

$50 for this which makes it look like there is triple the popcorn kernels. The screwed up part is how cheap regular popcorn is.

Various popcorn kernels displayed in small packets, example of misleading packaging design.

Cheez Doodles packaging emphasizing “extra crunchy” with cheddar flavor, showcasing misleading design.

Misleading packaging design showing contradiction with ice cube blender disclaimer.

Colorful chocolate package showing misleading packaging design examples with assorted flavors.

Nutrition label on a cooking spray can with small serving size; example of misleading packaging design.

Bottles of Rancho La Gloria strawberry margarita wine cocktail showcasing misleading packaging design examples.

Misleading packaging design of a partly eaten cake, labeled chocolate, but revealing plain sponge interior.

Misleading packaging design of men’s and women’s multivitamin gummies with similar nutritional facts.

Modal closeAdd New ImageModal closeAdd Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.Not your original work?Add sourcePublish

Modal close

Add New ImageModal closeAdd Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.Not your original work?Add sourcePublish

Modal closeAdd Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.Not your original work?Add sourcePublish

Add Your Photo To This ListPlease use high-res photos without watermarksOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.

Add Your Photo To This List

Please use high-res photos without watermarks

Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.

Not your original work?Add source

Modal closeModal closeOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.UploadUploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermarkChangeSourceTitleUpdateAdd Image

Modal closeOoops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.UploadUploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermarkChangeSourceTitleUpdateAdd Image

Upload

UploadError occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermarkInstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermarkFacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermark

Error occurred when generating embed. Please check link and try again.

TwitterRender conversationUse html versionGenerate not embedded versionAdd watermark

InstagramShow Image OnlyHide CaptionCropAdd watermark

FacebookShow Image OnlyAdd watermark

ChangeSourceTitle

You May LikeInflation Jokes That Grow In Value With TimeAivaras Kaziukonis50 Hilarious Signs Showing That Some People Really Do Let Their Imagination Run Wild (New Pics)Simona Kinderytė24 Old Photos To “Prove” That Humans Aged Faster In The PastGreta Jaruševičiūtė

Aivaras Kaziukonis

Simona Kinderytė

Greta Jaruševičiūtė

Funny