18 "Shrinkflation" Cases That Are So Annoying People Had To Share Them Online
Is it fair that the shrinking size of our favorite childhood snack is something we have to worry about now as adults? We don't think so!
Have you noticed your favorite snack is getting a lot less over the years? Rest assured, you are not the only one.
Consumers worldwide have started voicing concern about this annoying development fast spreading across different commodities. Economists call it "Shrinkflation."
It is a form of hidden inflation companies use when they don't want to increase the commodity's price. It can mean reducing the number of chips in the bag or fewer scoops of ice cream in the container but keeping the same price.
Many companies choose this cunning tactic instead of raising prices because most consumers do not check the size of a product. Some companies do it so subtly that you may not notice it until you take a closer look.
However, some changes are too obvious not to draw attention. There is a subreddit called "Shrinkflation" dedicated to sharing some of the most deliberate and annoying examples of companies shrinking product size.
In this article, we'll share a collection of posts that will make you mad, because this isn't how you remember them being. We get it.
1. If this isn't daylight robbery, we don't know what is.
Guava_Lune2. Seriously? This is insane and unfair.
PS. Always check the volume of things you buy.
Mitche4203. The more you look, the less you see.
nzeck4. Pringles on a diet.
It's not surprising that the new Mr. Pringles man looks more like a villain in the new design (134g) compared to the old one (165g).
Look at him secretly laughing at us for buying his bit-sized potato shreds.
eternalcollapse5. Do we call this shrinkflation or theft? They lied about the weight!
m4rc0n36. This qualifies as one of the smartest shrinkflation gimmicks.
NotJimIrsay7. There was once a time when these stretched the length of the package.
slowlysoslowly
8. Sometimes, you need to be extra observant to spot the reduction.
Notice the difference? Not extra 50%, just 50.
EverydayDan
9. A long time ago, you'd get 6 for the same price. Today you get 5.
alabastardariel
10. This went from full to less than half a handful.
SilverSideDown
11. Breyers Chocolate Chip is now mostly plain vanilla with little chocolate.
To be fair, the container does say chocolate "chip," not "chips," so we should be grateful for even more than one chip.
94_ny_rangers
12. The new Oreo cream is smaller, thinner and practically useless.
Luke_Orlando
13. Then, the company created a "double stuffed" alternative.
O_Or-
14. Can you believe that this is new and unused?
GiShG69
15. When you look closer, you'll notice they also photoshopped one out of the picture.
Antalol
16. Advertised as 50g but weighs 41g.
Neither-Guess-5802
17. Notice the subtle reduction in the paper towel (old roll core added for comparison).
Tom-o-matic
18. This is the height of it!
BuzzOnBuzzOff
In Summary...
There are many products whose quantity or quality have been compromised over the years due to increasing inflation. From toilet paper to potato chips, nothing is safe.
Companies resort to shrinkflation for different reasons. For instance, a company in a competitive industry may opt for shrinkflation if it feels increasing prices could lead customers to jump ship to another brand.
Usually, the need for shrinkflation arises when production cost goes up. One of the best ways to notice shrinkflation is by looking out for package redesign or the introduction of a new slogan.
Companies often redesign their product container to make shrinkflation less obvious.
While no laws are being broken when manufacturers trim the size of our favorite chocolate bar, deep down in our hearts, we feel they are committing a capital offense.
Like many painful things in life, rather than crying, we choose laughter.
