Shrinkflation – What is it & How To Save Money
What Is Shrinkflation?
Have you noticed your favorite products and coffee to go are getting smaller but your paying the same price or more. It’s called shrinkflation. Maybe you haven’t noticed a change in package size, but you have noticed a decrease in content size. This is also shrinkflation.
Shrinkflation Products
When the costs of goods started to rise the first place I noticed shrinkflation was in my favorite coffee to go. The cup hadn’t changed size but the contents had. Discover how to save money on your favorite coffee to go.
My normal grande vanilla latte wasn’t as full as it normally would be. A casual coffee drinker may not have noticed but when you order the same drink day in and day out you notice when some of it is missing. My boys noticed the chip bag had a bit more air in it and less chips. Plain and simple products are shrinking.
Shrinkflation vs. Inflation
With inflation comes shrinkflation. The rising costs or goods, labor and other things are felt from the consumer to the factory. In order to appear like things are still the same companies are cutting costs by shrinking packaging and product sizes while either keeping prices the same or increasing them slightly. Essentially with shrinkflation you are paying more for less.
Shrinking Products
Everyone probably has a product or two that they have noticed has changed size or packaging style a bit during inflation. And not every brand is the same. I have noticed it in beverages and chips. I have also noticed it in meat sizing versus costs. Some soaps and cleaning products have slightly changed size.
I’m sure there are other products that have shrunk or altered in contents. Also shrinkflation has caused the introduction of “new sized” products like mini pop beverages, smaller snack options and companies are trying to market them as “new” options even though they are the same stuff just in mini form.
Shrinkflation Price Increases
Inflation and lack of product supply causes price increases. When a product shrinks even if just slightly and either stays the same price or increases in price you are still paying more than you used to. Shrinkflation is another type of price increase.
How To Save Money During Shrinkflation
How do you save money during shrinkflation? You need to know what your buying. The average person buys 80% of the same groceries over and over every week to month. The brands maybe different but you are buying the same “stuff”. When you shop pay attention to the packaging sizes, the content amounts and the value of the item.
If you feel you are paying more for a product that has shrunk, shop around. There is no need to be brand loyal or store loyal when it comes to saving money. In an inflated economy shop staple goods, fresh produce, grow your own food, make friends with a farmer, find a discount store you like, buy ingredients and learn to cook from scratch.
Product Swaps During Shrinkflation
Store Bought Produce – Home Grown Produce
Liquid Shampoo or Conditioner – Shampoo Bars
Snacks or Chips – Bulk Buy Snacks or Home Baked Pastries
There is a money saving swap for most shrinkflation items you simply need to shop around or make your own.
Related Ways To Save Money:
- 75 Super Frugal Living Tips Cut Household Expenses
- 7 Money Saving Starbucks Hacks = Cheap Drinks
- Frugal Living Surviving On One Income
- 21 Things We Stopped Buying To Save Money
