A legal dispute has emerged between two well-known spice companies over the packaging of ground black pepper. Watkins Inc. has filed a federal lawsuit against McCormick & Co., alleging that changes to McCormick’s packaging could mislead shoppers about how much product they’re purchasing.

According to the lawsuit, McCormick reduced the amount of pepper in its containers from 8 ounces to 6 ounces while continuing to use tins that are similar in size. Watkins argues that this practice, often referred to as slack-fill, may create the impression that customers are getting the same quantity as before.

The two brands package their products differently. McCormick uses opaque containers that don’t allow shoppers to see the contents, while Watkins packages a similar amount of pepper in a smaller container. McCormick maintains that its packaging complies with labeling requirements and that the net weight is clearly displayed for consumers.

The lawsuit comes as separate consumer claims regarding the packaging are also being considered in court. At this stage, the legal proceedings are ongoing, and no final ruling has been made.

The case highlights how product packaging and labeling can influence purchasing decisions and why clear information is important for consumers. Taking a moment to check product weight and labels can help shoppers compare products and make informed choices.