Only Few Can Tell These Apart, But It’s Crucial That You Do

The Spice Tin Controversy

Did you know that the size of a spice tin can make a big difference? Major spice brands like McCormick & Co. are facing lawsuits over the size of their ground pepper tins. Watkins Inc., a smaller company, claims that McCormick reduced the amount of pepper in their tins by 25%, but kept the tin size the same. This means you’re getting less pepper even though the tin looks just as big.

Why Does This Matter?

It’s all about fairness and transparency. Watkins argues that McCormick is tricking customers into thinking they are getting more pepper. McCormick’s tins are opaque, so you can’t see how much pepper is inside. On the other hand, Watkins sells smaller tins that contain the same amount of pepper as McCormick’s larger tins.

Misleading Consumers

Watkins believes McCormick is misleading customers to gain an unfair advantage. They say McCormick uses deceptive packaging to make their product look better without actually improving it. Although McCormick’s tins do state the correct amount of pepper, the “6 oz.” marking is small and hard to read.

The Issue of Slack-Filling

This practice, known as “slack-filling,” is considered dishonest and breaks consumer protection laws. By not filling their tins fully, McCormick isn’t giving customers the full amount of pepper they expect. This affects value for money and makes it hard for customers to compare products accurately.

Be a Smart Shopper

Next time you’re buying spices, pay close attention to the packaging. Don’t let the size of the tin fool you—what’s inside is what really counts!