‘Paying for air:’ Rage over popular cracker

Customers have shared their harsh criticism of the humble Salada cracker, with claims the biscuits have changed in texture and taste.

Reviews shared on online forum Product Review suspected Arnott’s Salada crackers had changed in taste and formulation.

One seasoned Salada fan, Rita, said the biscuit had become thinner, and holier, and gave the product a one-star review.

“Biscuits are so very thin now. When buttering cream cheese etc they break! A lot more holes in them … 50/50 holes to biscuit ratio causing weight down dramatically per box,” she wrote in May.

“Paying for air! Other brands are cost wise cheaper and weigh more in product.”

Her criticism echoed a barrage of similar comments, with dissenters arguing the crackers were now a “poor imitation” of the original.

“So sad to reveal, that for decades my much-enjoyed Arnott’s Salada Original, has now become almost inedible. They are thinner, colourless and tasteless,” wrote Harry.

Another customer said: “They break up more easily because they are thinner and it looks like they have a bit more oil in them because the biscuit is more cooked looking. They even seem to have larger holes.”

However, Arnotts dismissed claims the crackers were smaller or had changed formulation.

“Arnott’s Salada original crackers, perfectly versatile for meal size, snack size and bite size with all your favourite toppings, has not changed in size, nor has its recipe,” a spokesperson said.

“The entire Arnott’s Salada range continues to offer Aussies a convenient on-the-go snack or lunch option when simply dipping or adding your preferred toppings.”

Recently, fans of another Aussie favourite, Iced Vovos, also accused Arnott’s of shrinkflation – when a product gets smaller despite its price staying the same – which the company vehemently denied.

Facebook users complained the biscuits had gotten smaller and thinner. Another Reddit thread from October also complained that the sweet treat seemed smaller and the texture of the fondant had changed.

In March 2024, a Choice Australia report documented 10 popular grocery products that had been hit by shrinkflation, including Coles’ Mighty Grain, which remained at the price of $4.50 despite decreasing in size from 560g to 495g.

Popular cleaning product Jif Power & Shine Bathroom Cleaner also shrunk from 700mL to 500mL despite jumping nearly 60 per cent in price from $2.50 to $4.