And Tesco’s ready meals get smaller

TESCO has cut the weight of all its ready meals, from cottage pies to curries.

The move is the latest example of ‘shrinkflation’ – where products are reduced in size while prices remain the same or even increase. The tactic has recently been deployed on Maltesers chocolates, Dove soap and Bold detergent amid surging costs in the food production industry.

Research by The Grocer using data from retail analyst Assosia shows Tesco has swapped its 450g ready meals for new 400g packs and its 800g ready meals for 750g ones.

In one case – a red Thai curry with rice – the price has also gone up by 5p to £2.80.

Tesco sources said it was the last of the major supermarkets to shrink ready meals. They also suggested that popular options, such as spaghetti bolognese and chicken tikka masala, were price matched to rival Aldi.