Verpackungstricks: Mogelpackung: So lassen Sie sich beim Einkauf nicht täuschen

When your favorite chocolate suddenly appears with a new look, it could be hiding more than just cosmetic changes. Manufacturers may alter the fill quantity or recipe during such a transformation. If the price stays the same or drops less than the fill amount, the price per kilogram could rise, representing an indirect price increase.

To avoid being fooled, keep an eye on the volume specifications. Notice how many grams of the product are in the package and how much the favorite product costs per package and kilogram. If you suddenly get less for your money, it may be a sign. For instance, a chocolate bar might weigh 150 grams instead of 200, costing €1.80 instead of €2.

The price per kilogram increases from €10 to €12. However, determining a hidden price change compared to a previous product may not always be clear, as you typically don't remember the earlier fill amount and total price. Old packaging or photos of the predecessor product may help in such cases. Manufacturers sometimes use phrases like "new recipe" or "improved quality" to encourage closer inspection.

Consumer Centrales warn that such indicators might be used to conceal hidden price increases. Price increases themselves are not prohibited - contractual freedom applies, as stated by the Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg. However, if a product is deemed misleading, it may violate the law. Irrefutation usually occurs when the size, design, and packaging of a product remain largely unchanged while the fill amount is reduced, and the product is sold at the same or higher price.

Whether a legal violation occurs depends on the specific case. If you feel misled, reach out to a consumer consultation center or report the product through the Mogelpackungsliste of the Verbraucherzentrale Hamburg. For inaccurate basic price labeling, the responsible authority, sometimes the Eichämter, is the appropriate contact.