What is shrinkflation?
What exactly is shrinkflation?
Shrinkflation is not an illusion. Over the years, the quantity of many products you buy regularly has probably been reduced, without a corresponding reduction in price. Basically, we’re getting less for our money.
Examples of shrinkflation
Here are three shrinkflation tactics used by some food companies of which you may have already been a “victim”:
- Overpackaging: The outer packaging remains the same, but the contents inside are reduced. The consumer usually ends up noticing…
- Illusion of quantity: Sometimes, the packaging is slightly modified, maybe even giving the illusion of containing more. In this tomato sauce example, the new bottle is taller, but it contains less tomato sauce.
- Complete redesign of the packaging: New packaging gives the impression that it’s a new product, diverting attention from the reduction in quantity!
How to avoid shrinkflation?
Why is shrinkflation happening?
In the current context of inflation, some food companies are increasingly using these shrinkflation tactics, as well as skimpflation tactics, in order to maintain their profitability in the face of increasing production costs. They are subtly trying to sell you less of their product at the same price.
It’s therefore essential to pay attention when we’re shopping!