Spice enthusiasts, listen up! Did you know that the size of a spice tin can make a significant difference? It’s true! And believe it or not, some well-known spice companies, like McCormick & Co., are facing lawsuits because of this very issue.

Watkins Inc., a small company, has accused McCormick of reducing the amount of pepper in their tins by 25%, all while keeping the tin size the same. So, even though those tins may appear identical, you’re actually getting less pepper than you expect.

But why does this matter, you may ask? It’s all about fairness and honesty. Watkins alleges that McCormick is essentially trying to deceive people into thinking they’re getting more pepper than they actually are. Making matters worse, McCormick’s tins are not transparent, making it impossible to see how much pepper is inside. In contrast, Watkins sells smaller tins with the same amount of pepper as McCormick’s.

Watkins argues that instead of focusing on improving their product, McCormick is resorting to deceptive packaging tactics. Despite McCormick’s tins claiming to contain 6 ounces of pepper, the small and hard-to-read font makes it difficult for consumers to notice right away.

This deceitful practice, known as “slack-filling,” is viewed as dishonest and violates consumer protection rules. By not filling their tins to the brim, McCormick is shortchanging customers without their knowledge. Not only does this affect the value for money, but it also makes it challenging to accurately compare products.

So, the next time you find yourself shopping for spices, pay close attention to the packaging. Don’t be fooled by the size of the tin—what truly matters is what’s inside!