Business · Companies · 1 hr ago
Some discount snack shops charge more per gram despite low prices
Discount snack shops are expanding in some Chinese cities, drawing customers with low prices and a wide selection.
A comparison of dozens of products at these shops and supermarkets found that some items were cheaper, but others cost more when measured by weight or volume.
For example, a 35-gram bag of crisps cost 2.8 yuan, or 8 yuan per 100 grams, while a 135-gram supermarket pack cost 9.9 yuan, or 7.33 yuan per 100 grams.
The comparison also found that some loose snacks cost more at discount shops than on the same brands’ official online stores.
A low shelf price can hide a higher unit price, especially when packs are small or loose goods have no standard weight.
Lawyers say unclear or misleading price information could violate consumers’ rights, and businesses found to have committed fraud may face a refund plus three times the purchase price in compensation.
Experts want clearer labels and stronger oversight, including prominent notices for unusual pack sizes and separate areas for small-pack snacks.
A China News Service investigation found that some discount snack shops charge more per gram or millilitre than supermarkets, despite lower shelf prices.
Reporters compared prices and package sizes for dozens of products bought at snack shops and general supermarkets.
A 35-gram bag of a brand-name potato chips cost 2.8 yuan at a snack shop, or 8 yuan per 100 grams, compared with 7.33 yuan per 100 grams for a 135-gram bag at a supermarket.
Some loose snacks also cost more at snack shops than on the same brands’ official online stores.
Experts said unclear or misleading price labels could infringe consumers’ rights to know product information and make fair transactions.
- Who
- China News Service reporters investigated discount snack shops and general supermarkets; legal experts commented on pricing practices.
- What
- The investigation found that some products cost more per unit of weight or volume at snack shops, although their total prices appeared low.
- When
- The article was published on November 4, 2026; the shopping comparisons were conducted recently, according to the article.
- Where
- Discount snack shops and general supermarkets in China; specific locations for the price comparisons were not stated.
- Why
- The article said small packages and loose-product sales can make unit prices less apparent, while also noting that smaller packages meet real consumer needs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Reporters bought and weighed products from discount snack shops and general supermarkets, recording their package sizes and prices.
Reporters found that some snack-shop products cost more per unit of weight or volume than supermarket or online-store equivalents.
China News Service published its investigation and expert comments on snack-shop pricing.
- Potato chips at a supermarket
- 135 grams for 9.9 yuan; 7.33 yuan per 100 grams
- Potato chips at a snack shop
- 35 grams for 2.8 yuan; 8 yuan per 100 grams
- Large bottled iced tea
- 1 litre for 5 yuan at a supermarket; 900 millilitres for 3.6 yuan at a snack shop
- Crab roe sunflower seeds
- 15.8 yuan per 500 grams at a snack shop; 13.82 yuan per 500 grams at the brand’s official online store
- Five-spice sunflower seeds
- 15.9 yuan per 500 grams at a snack shop; less than 10 yuan per 500 grams on an e-commerce platform
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What people are saying
If consumers are led to think a product is cheaper because of small packaging or different specifications, but its actual unit price is higher, this is misleading consumers or using a misleading pricing method to induce purchases.
Consumers have the right to know, so merchants cannot obscure or confuse consumers’ understanding through vague or inconspicuous labeling.
If it constitutes fraud, merchants must bear punitive compensation of “refund one and pay three” under the Consumer Rights Protection Law.