Did you know the size of a spice tin can make a big difference? Some well-known spice brands, like McCormick & Co., are facing lawsuits over their ground pepper tins.

The Allegations

A smaller company, Watkins Inc., claims McCormick reduced the pepper content in their tins by 25%. Yet, they kept the same tin size. This means you’re getting less pepper even though the tins look the same.

Why Does This Matter?

It’s all about fairness and transparency. Watkins says McCormick is tricking consumers into thinking they’re getting more pepper. McCormick’s tins are opaque, making it hard to see inside. In contrast, Watkins offers smaller tins with the same amount of pepper as McCormick’s.

Deceptive Practices

Watkins accuses McCormick of misleading consumers to gain an unfair advantage. They argue McCormick is using tricky packaging to make their product seem better, not actually improving it. Even though McCormick’s tins state the correct amount of pepper, the “6 oz.” marking is small and hard to read.

What is Slack-Filling?

This tactic is known as “slack-filling.” It’s seen as dishonest and goes against consumer protection laws. By underfilling their tins, McCormick isn’t giving customers the full amount of pepper they expect. This affects the value for money and makes it hard for customers to compare products accurately.

Be a Smart Shopper

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