Why eating is becoming more and more expensive
Everyone wants to eat better, and everyone wants to save money - two objectives that are increasingly difficult to reconcile in our current inflationary economy.
Why?
Inflation is taking its toll, and, among other things, food shortages caused by international conflicts and climate change are leading to a significant increase in the cost of food.
As consumers, there is not much we can do to control the market forces that are driving up prices. But there is one important thing we can do…
We must avoid commercial traps.
What traps?
Have you noticed that a package of pasta, which used to be enough to feed your family, suddenly doesn't seem to make as much? Or that your container of strawberry yogurt seems to have fewer strawberries than it used to? Or even that the strawberries… don’t seem to be real strawberries? It’s not your imagination! These subtle changes stem from two deceptive commercial tactics: shrinkflation and skimpflation.
Have you heard of them? Have you noticed any of these changes? Many food companies (which are also paying more for their ingredients in this same inflationary context) are trying to charge us the same price for less, or for less quality - in order to maintain their profits. They’re hoping that we won’t notice that the quantity or quality of their product has changed, and that we’ll keep buying it.
What is shrinkflation?
A commercial strategy which consists of reducing the quantity or format of a product without reducing its selling price.
Basically, we get less (and less and less) for our money!
What is skimpflation?
It’s a business tactic practiced by food companies seeking to maintain profitability in the face of increasing production costs. They subtly reduce the quality of a product by, for example, using cheaper and perhaps even lower-quality ingredients, without lowering the price. As consumers, we are faced with an often imperceptible drop in value which can have harmful implications not only for enjoyment and market confidence, but also for our health.Basically, we get less quality (less and less) for our money!
How to avoid the pitfalls of shrinkflation and skimpflation?
We can try to outsmart the companies that are trying to take us for granted.
Avoid ultra-processed products that can easily hide in food packaging, by opting to cook certain products yourself.
Choose products that have a short, recognizable ingredient list.
Avoid packaged products by buying in bulk. When it's not possible, compare the volume on the packaging to then make a more informed choice between different brands.
Talk about it! When you witness a case of shrinkflation or skimpflation, tell your friends and family and contact the company to express your dissatisfaction.