That made the larger tin about 73% dearer per kilogram. Two smaller tins would cost \u20ac12 and provide 180g of coffee: 40g more than the larger tin, for \u20ac4.15 less.<\/p>\n
The smaller tin\u2019s promotion is listed as running until 23 November.<\/p>\n
One example of a product where the larger size was more expensive per kilogram than the smaller with no special offers at play was chicken in Aldi.<\/p>\n
The German supermarket\u2019s 1.9kg Butchers Selection whole chicken, at \u20ac6.19<\/a>, was about 4.5% dearer per kilogram than its 1.6kg version at \u20ac4.99<\/a>, despite both being \u2018fresh class A\u2019.<\/p>\n In Tesco, Heinz Original ketchup cost \u20ac2.99 for 342g<\/a> and \u20ac4.60 for 460g<\/a> at standard prices, a premium of about 14% per kilogram for the larger bottle. Neither product had a special offer.<\/p>\n Also in Tesco, a 22-pack of Pampers New Baby size 1 nappies cost \u20ac3.60<\/a>, compared with \u20ac16.50 for an 80-pack<\/a>. At those standard prices, the larger pack was about 26% dearer per nappy.<\/p>\n Four smaller packs would provide 88 nappies for \u20ac14.40, eight more nappies for \u20ac2.10 less.<\/p>\n To add to the confusion, there is actually a sale on the 80-pack \u2013 three for \u20ac30 (with a Tesco Clubcard), proving how complex the maths can be to figure out the best value.<\/p>\n The same principle applied to care products. At Dunnes, a 300ml bottle of Aussie Mighty Mega shampoo was half-price at \u20ac4<\/a>. The 400ml version cost \u20ac10<\/a>, or two for \u20ac14.<\/p>\n Giving the larger bottles the benefit of that multi-buy still left them 31% dearer per millilitre than the smaller bottle. Both offers are listed as ending on 24 November.<\/p>\n SuperValu\u2019s Hellmann\u2019s Real mayonnaise was \u20ac3.50 for 400g<\/a> on an offer available without membership, compared with \u20ac5.99 for 600g<\/a>, also a gap of about 14% per kilogram.<\/p>\n At Dunnes, Bewley\u2019s Gold Blend tea was \u20ac3.25 for 80 bags<\/a>, against \u20ac7.89 for 160<\/a>. Lyons Original Blend was \u20ac3 for 80 bags<\/a> on promotion and \u20ac7 for 160<\/a>. The larger boxes were about 21% and 17% dearer per bag respectively.<\/p>\n Persil Bio liquid detergent cost \u20ac8 for 35 washes<\/a> and \u20ac14 for 53 washes<\/a> at standard prices, making the larger bottle about 16% dearer per wash.<\/p>\n Dunnes\u2019 Fage Total 0% yoghurt was \u20ac3.50 for 450g<\/a>\u00a0and \u20ac7.79 for 950g<\/a>, leaving the larger tub about 5% dearer per kilogram.<\/p>\n It\u2019s worth noting that the overall saving calculated of \u20ac18.53 across these products is an illustrative comparison of equal quantities from the smaller packs, rather than a saving you could necessarily make at the till.<\/p>\n It involves fractions of some packs, and the products come from four different retailers. Simply adding up one small pack and one large pack would not give a fair comparison of value \u2013 but proves that you\u2019re getting less bang for your buck with some bigger buys.<\/p>\n Why does it happen?<\/p>\n O\u2019Reilly says promotions on individual products can temporarily reverse the savings shoppers might expect from a multipack.<\/p>\n Those offers can be agreed between retailers and suppliers in advance, while different pack sizes may have been bought under different contracts. This is also likely the reason for many of the examples we found being brand items, rather than the supermarkets\u2019 own versions.<\/p>\n The Journal\n<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes the supermarket may have an excess of product and reduce the price on it,\u201d O\u2019Reilly added.<\/p>\n Convenience plays a part too. Comparing different sizes means spending time checking quantities and prices, something shoppers may skip \u201cbecause it takes too much time and it\u2019s too much mental effort to do it\u201d.<\/p>\n Instead, he said, shoppers can settle on a price they are comfortable paying: \u201cI\u2019m happy with paying five euros, and it takes the pain of having to go and check the prices individually to see what they are, because it does take a bit of time.\u201d<\/p>\n The pattern has been documented beyond Ireland.<\/p>\n![\"20261029_202011\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/1793548694_748_.jpeg\")
\n Heinz ketchup in Tesco. The Journal<\/p>\n
![\"20261029_202142](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/1793548695_682_.jpeg\")