Food Prices and Portion Size

Cafe Society
1

It seems to me that most of my lunch places are reducing portion sizes, presumably to counter a marked increase in costs, without having to raise prices.

Sandwich places seem to be putting less meat between the bread (not sure if Phillip’s exists outside of DC), and my burrito at Moe’s today was distinctly less fat than it used to be.

Has anyone else noticed this or is it my imagination? I have to confess, I am not to upset by the whole thing, as I after a Moe’s burrito I used to be comatose all afternoon.

2

It is happening everywhere with almost every product unfortunately. Doritos went from 13 to 12 ounces over the last 2 years and the cost recently went from 3.49 to 3.79 on the bags. Yogurt went from being 5 for $2 at my local store to being 4 for $2. Cat litter went from $6 to $7.50 for the same 14lb box. Lots of restaurants are cutting back on portion sizes to prevent increasing the prices on their menus as well. It just kind of happens that way unfortunately.

3

Since the question is about prepared and served food, I’ll stick specifically to that. I haven’t noticed a drop in quantity of food at places, and I would have no problem if they did because the portions are too large most of the time. A few have raised prices which I hate. I wish they’d give me less for the same price. I have yet finish the meal let alone to be able to order desert. I don’t want to pay more for what I already have to toss in the garbage.

4

It isn’t annoying me too much at all - the portions were too big (and I am not a small guy). I am feeling nicely sated by today’s burrito.

5

As long as they don’t raise prices or drop quality, I’d be quite happy to have less food.

I always get a taco at Moe’s anyway. The burritos are huge!

6

A local sub shop to my workplace seems to be doing both. Smaller portions, and higher prices.

It should be no surprise that the place was empty at 12:30 PM one day last week. A year ago, it was packed at that time of day during the workweek.

Needless to say, I won’t be going back there again. There are plenty of other shops with better food, better portions, and lower prices.

7

Our local delivery place cut down on the volume of meat in their subs too.

8

I haven’t really noticed such a thing either. Restaurant portions seem to be about the same, where I’ve been eating. Oddly enough, it’s the most expensive restaurant that gives the smallest portions, and I’m almost always full enough after eating a meal there.

I’d rather have enough than too much on my plate. It used to be that it was very cheap to increase portion sizes in restaurants. Perhaps we’ll see a return to reasonable sized portions.

9

I don’t eat out that much but there’s a nearby Applebee’s we hit once in awhile and I’ve definitely noticed the portions going down and the prices going up. They try to give the dishes fancier names and maybe try to make them look prettier and try to make it sound “healthy” and “gourmet” to justify a higher price.

I miss the old days. Look, I’m not a gluttonous pig, and I don’t care that much if Americans are getting fatter. I liked getting a huge plate of food, eating what I want, taking the rest home and getting an extra meal or two out of it.

Now I have to order soups, salads & sides to fill up, because that gourmet tortilla burger is about the size of a White Castle, and it starts to get really expensive.