Vintage Mars Bar Discovery Highlights Shrinkflation Concerns

A cleaning professional in the United Kingdom has brought attention to the phenomenon of shrinkflation, or the reduction of product sizes without a corresponding decrease in price, after discovering a Mars bar dating back to 1991. Victoria Gordon, who runs a specialized cleaning business, found the vintage confection while clearing out a hoarder's house in Lincolnshire.

Gordon shared the find online, noting the significant size difference between the 1991 Mars bar and a modern version purchased for comparison. "The size difference was greater than I expected," Gordon stated. "It is a shame, really."

The 1991 Mars bar weighed 65 grams, whereas current standard bars weigh 51 grams. In 1991, the chocolate bar cost between 25 and 30 pence, which is approximately $0.34 to $0.40 in U.S. dollars at the time. Adjusted for inflation, a bar should cost around $1 today, but it now averages about $1.62.

Gordon, who specializes in cleaning out hoarder homes, described the discovery as a "treasure." She noted that finding old and vintage items is a rewarding aspect of her work.

The Mars bar is not the only product to face accusations of shrinking portions. In June, a consumer criticized McDonald's for its soda cup sizes. Separately, Chick-fil-A has also faced similar claims after a Reddit user posted a comparison of a 2021 Chick-fil-A Deluxe Sandwich with a more recent one, alleging the current version was flatter and smaller.