Are you aware of "Shrinkflation?"

[CallMeKate]

This thread got me thinking and I went to check something. When I got groceries last week, I picked up a 2 lb bag of seasoned fries and thought at the time it seemed light but then forgot about it. Just checked the freezer. My 2 lb bag of fries is now 1 lb 10 oz. SMH

 

[Beezer]

'Shrinkflation'

Isn't that when you step out of the cold pool and all of the women stare at your speedo swim trunks and start giggling?

 

[OneEyedDiva]

OMGoodness. Shrinkflation (I like that term) has been happening for years. It is done very sneakily, especially in the beginning. The thing that bothered me about this most was the ice cream went from 1/2 gallon to 48 oz. and pint to 14 oz. Costco held out until about a year or so ago when it reduced the number of sheets per roll in its Kirkland toilet paper. Shrinkflation has become so common these days that it's expected.

 

[CarolfromTX]

It’s been going on for years, but lately I think it’s getting worse. Everything from dog food to detergent has been affected.

 

[perChance]

You have two choices with rampant inflation: a) Pay the same amount of money for a smaller quantity. Or b) Pay more for the old quantity.

 

[Old Salt]

New discovery in shrinkflation: my favourite bacon has shrunk from 454 g to 375 g. And they'll keep doing it until we buy 100 g packages of bacon for the same price!

 

[OneEyedDiva]

You have two choices with rampant inflation: a) Pay the same amount of money for a smaller quantity. Or b) Pay more for the old quantity.

Except for certain packaging doesn't give the option of "paying more for the old quantity". With a few exceptions, there are no more pre-packed 1/2 gallon of ice cream, nor pints. It's now 48 oz and 14 oz. Many other packaged goods have been downsized as well. I swear there's even less Splenda in the packets than used to be.

 

[Manatee]

The booze business did it by switching to metric bottles.

 

[CarolfromTX]

Yep. I’m very aware. Dog food used to come in 25 lb. Bags. Now it’s down to somewhere arounf 15. Coffee, sugar, cereals, you name it.

 

[Old Salt]

I get especially cranky with consumers who just don't look at size or weight but pick the items with the lowest price. I managed to convert my daughter to a more prudent way of shopping. The other day I needed facial tissues and she discovered that while all the boxes cost the same, Kleenex was the best buy with a 130 tissues or so, compared to 80 tissues in the other brands! Do me a favour, consumers, don't only check the price, check the weight or quantity as well. Prices might keep going up but at least that will keep the cheaters honest!

 

[AnneTeak]

frequently get takeout from a local restaurant. last week got same order: mini chicken parmesan with ziti $9. noticed it went up $1. that's okay. but realized its size had shrunk too. more money for less. will i order it again? yes

 

[AnneTeak]

chicken doesn't taste the same anymore. it doesn't reheat well because it's fake. my sister calls it wooden chicken. we use it at the cafe. the chef said it is plant based and it is cheap.

 

[WhatInThe]

A 12--33 oz can of coffee used to be the norm now I see 9.5 oz to 25 oz. But the can is the same in appearance other than the numbers on the label.

 

[Old Salt]

chicken doesn't taste the same anymore. it doesn't reheat well because it's fake. my sister calls it wooden chicken. we use it at the cafe. the chef said it is plant based and it is cheap.

This is why your chicken doesn't taste the same anymore, Anne. I hope you have a strong stomach!

 

[911]

Shrinkflation=Rip off.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

Have you noticed the amazing shrinking candy bars? The paper wrapper is thicker than the chocolate bar inside.

 

[ElCastor]

Something that is really bothering me, because of the greed and deception behind it. In inflationary times just stick to the same price but reduce the contents! Have you paid attention to this practice? Does it upset you?

The problem isn’t manufacturers or the stores that sell their products, its Inflation! Direct your anger at the root cause, not the inevitable manifestation of its economic damage.

 

[Old Salt]

The problem isn’t manufacturers or the stores that sell their products, its Inflation! Direct your anger at the root cause, not the inevitable manifestation of its economic damage.

I feel that the inflation should be reflected in increased prices (as hard as it is to watch everything go up in price) rather than in decreased sizes! To me it's dishonest because the average consumer doesn't take the time to study weight and they are being fooled into thinking all is well!

 

[ElCastor]

I feel that the inflation should be reflected in increased prices (as hard as it is to watch everything go up in price) rather than in decreased sizes! To me it's dishonest because the average consumer doesn't take the time to study weight and they are being fooled into thinking all is well!

You really should be directing your anger at the root causes of inflation, not the ways manufacturers and merchants are compelled to deal with it. Less for the same price or the same for a higher price — both are legitimate reactions to an inflationary environment.

 

[Pappy]

Ah, the good old half gallon ice cream containers should be called pregnant quart containers.

 

[Old Salt]

You really should be directing your anger at the root causes of inflation, not the ways manufacturers and merchants are compelled to deal with it. Less for the same price or the same for a higher price — both are legitimate reactions to an inflationary environment.

I don't think inflation could be prevented in this case, too many post-covid supply problems, labour shortages (especially in trucking), strikes in the wrong places ... they all contributed! If manufactures produce packages that prominently proclaim: "Proudly still as good in a reduced size!" then I'll stop calling it cheating!

 

[ElCastor]

I don't think inflation could be prevented in this case, too many post-covid supply problems, labour shortages (especially in trucking), strikes in the wrong places ... they all contributed! If manufactures produce packages that prominently proclaim: "Proudly still as good in a reduced size!" then I'll stop calling it cheating!

Yawn. And I will call it inflation. Bottom line, whatever you and I choose to call it, it is what it is.

 

[CallMeKate]

I don't think inflation could be prevented in this case, too many post-covid supply problems, labour shortages (especially in trucking), strikes in the wrong places ... they all contributed! If manufactures produce packages that prominently proclaim: "Proudly still as good in a reduced size!" then I'll stop calling it cheating!

Good point. We all understand inflation. And we understand why they have to put prices up (although maybe not so drastically!) but making packages smaller *and* putting prices up on the tiny packages seems to indicate thinking their customers are dolts who won't notice. Reducing sizes while keeping the price the same may have been received more kindly.

 

[Old Salt]

Yawn. And I will call it inflation. Bottom line, whatever you and I choose to call it, it is what it is.

I guess you're not cut out to be a crusader, @ElCastor ! I see something wrong I want to right it. "It is what it is" never appealed to me, even though my influence has been minimal or maybe even non existent! I am a loudmouth who likes to proclaim to all: "This is wrong!" Sorry if that made you my target of the day! Amiably yours, my friend, have a great day!