Shrinkflation: Difference between revisions

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrinkflation -->

'''Shrinkflation''' (from “shrink” + “inflation”; Dutch: ''krimpflatie''), additionally referred to as also known as '''package downsizing''', '''weight-out''',<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Milligan |first=Brian |date=Jul 24, 2017 |title=More than 2,500 products subject to shrinkflation, says ONS |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40703866 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724104410/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40703866 |archive-date=2017-07-24 |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |website= |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> and '''price pack architecture''',<ref>{{cite web |author=J. Edward Moreno |date=2024-05-31 |title=What's a fancy name for shrinkflation? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/31/business/what-is-price-pack-architecture.html |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |publisher=[[NY Times]]}}</ref> is a corporate strategy where manufacturers reduce the size or quantity of a product while maintaining an equal or higher price. The packaging often remains unchanged, making the reduction nearly imperceptible to consumers.

'''Shrinkflation''' (from “shrink” + “inflation”; Dutch: ''krimpflatie''), additionally referred to as also known as '''package downsizing''', '''weight-out''',<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Milligan |first=Brian |date=Jul 24, 2017 |title=More than 2,500 products subject to shrinkflation, says ONS |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40703866 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724104410/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40703866 |archive-date=2017-07-24 |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |website= |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> and '''price pack architecture''',<ref>{{cite web |author=J. Edward Moreno |date=2024-05-31 |title=What's a fancy name for shrinkflation? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/31/business/what-is-price-pack-architecture.html |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |publisher=[[NY Times]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250930180629/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/31/business/what-is-price-pack-architecture.html |archive-date=30 Sep 2025}}</ref> is a corporate strategy where manufacturers reduce the size or quantity of a product while maintaining an equal or higher price. The packaging often remains unchanged, making the reduction nearly imperceptible to consumers.

Related to shrinkflation is '''skimpflation''', where the ''quality'' of a product or service is reduced instead of its size or weight, without a corresponding drop in price. Both practices are considered forms of “hidden inflation” that affect consumer purchasing power.<ref name="NPR">{{cite news |last=Garcia |first=Adrian Ma and Darian Woods |title=Skimpflation is hitting your favorite services |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/10/19/1047035078/skimpflation-services-prices |work=NPR |date=19 October 2021 |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>

==Definition and concept==

Shrinkflation is defined by a rise in the general price level of goods per unit of weight or volume in proportion to the contents within a package diminishing,<ref name=":1" /> often leading to the price remaining the same.<ref name="Consumentenbond2025">{{cite web |date=7 February 2025 |title=Krimpflatie op krimpflatie: inhoud verpakkingen stapsgewijs steeds kleiner |url=https://www.consumentenbond.nl/acties-claims/nieuws/2025/krimpflatie |access-date=14 August 2025 |website=Consumentenbond |publisher=Consumentenbond |language=nl}}</ref> In many scenarios, companies will redesign the packaging to hide these flaws, such as making the bottom more concave, or giving the packaging an hourglass-like shape that can slowly get more exaggerated.<ref name=":2" /> Alternatively, the physical product can be modified to include more air,<ref name=":0" /> or in cases where the product arrives in a boxed state, may quietly reduce the amount of product inside the packaging without significantly updating the packaging.<ref name=":2" />

Shrinkflation is defined by a rise in the general price level of goods per unit of weight or volume in proportion to the contents within a package diminishing,<ref name=":1" /> often leading to the price remaining the same.<ref name="Consumentenbond2025">{{cite web |date=7 February 2025 |title=Krimpflatie op krimpflatie: inhoud verpakkingen stapsgewijs steeds kleiner |url=https://www.consumentenbond.nl/acties-claims/nieuws/2025/krimpflatie |access-date=14 August 2025 |website=Consumentenbond |publisher=Consumentenbond |language=nl |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251112133201/https://www.consumentenbond.nl/acties-claims/nieuws/2025/krimpflatie |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref> In many scenarios, companies will redesign the packaging to hide these flaws, such as making the bottom more concave, or giving the packaging an hourglass-like shape that can slowly get more exaggerated.<ref name=":2" /> Alternatively, the physical product can be modified to include more air,<ref name=":0" /> or in cases where the product arrives in a boxed state, may quietly reduce the amount of product inside the packaging without significantly updating the packaging.<ref name=":2" />

==Historical context==

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These incremental reductions (“shrink upon shrink”) often go unnoticed by consumers.

In one attempt to distract consumers from rising shrinkflation, Cadbury stated “Our Eggs Aren’t Smaller, You Are Bigger”, and after consumers were reporting progressive shrinkage year-over-year for the eggs,<ref>{{Cite news |date=Apr 8, 2007 |title=Cadbury: Our Eggs Aren't Smaller, You Are Bigger |url=https://consumerist.com/consumer/cadbury/cadbury-our-eggs-arent-smaller-you-are-bigger-250559.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510205939/https://consumerist.com/consumer/cadbury/cadbury-our-eggs-arent-smaller-you-are-bigger-250559.php |archive-date=May 10, 2007 |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |work=The Consumerist}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=TheMuggler |date=Apr 7, 2007 |title=The Cadbury Creme Egg Conspiracy |url=http://www.yesbutnobutyes.com/archives/2007/04/the_cadbury_cre.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510074810/http://www.yesbutnobutyes.com/archives/2007/04/the_cadbury_cre.html |archive-date=May 10, 2007 |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |website=Yes but No but Yes}}</ref> an episode of ''Late Night With Conan O'Brien'' demonstrated that these eggs were in-fact shrinking.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Conan |date=Apr 1, 2021 |title=B.J. Novak Proves Cadbury Eggs Are Getting Smaller - "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlXLCrzpToo |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>

In one attempt to distract consumers from rising shrinkflation, Cadbury stated “Our Eggs Aren’t Smaller, You Are Bigger”, and after consumers were reporting progressive shrinkage year-over-year for the eggs,<ref>{{Cite news |date=Apr 8, 2007 |title=Cadbury: Our Eggs Aren't Smaller, You Are Bigger |url=https://consumerist.com/consumer/cadbury/cadbury-our-eggs-arent-smaller-you-are-bigger-250559.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510205939/https://consumerist.com/consumer/cadbury/cadbury-our-eggs-arent-smaller-you-are-bigger-250559.php |archive-date=May 10, 2007 |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |work=The Consumerist}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=TheMuggler |date=Apr 7, 2007 |title=The Cadbury Creme Egg Conspiracy |url=http://www.yesbutnobutyes.com/archives/2007/04/the_cadbury_cre.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510074810/http://www.yesbutnobutyes.com/archives/2007/04/the_cadbury_cre.html |archive-date=May 10, 2007 |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |website=Yes but No but Yes}}</ref> an episode of ''Late Night With Conan O'Brien'' demonstrated that these eggs were in-fact shrinking.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Conan |date=Apr 1, 2021 |title=B.J. Novak Proves Cadbury Eggs Are Getting Smaller - "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlXLCrzpToo |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=TlXLCrzpToo |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>

==Consumer response and complaints==

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#'''Clear labeling''' when content is reduced.

#'''Public tracking''' of shrinkflation examples.

#'''Legal action''' against deceptive practices, potentially leading to fines of up to €900,000.<ref>{{cite news |title=Consumentenbond wil krimpflatie bij de rechter aanpakken |url=https://www.rtl.nl/nieuws/rtl-z/artikel/5414904/consumentenbond-wil-krimpflatie-bij-de-rechter-aanpakken |work=RTL Z |date=18 October 2023 |access-date=14 August 2025 |language=nl}}</ref>

#'''Legal action''' against deceptive practices, potentially leading to fines of up to €900,000.<ref>{{cite news |title=Consumentenbond wil krimpflatie bij de rechter aanpakken |url=https://www.rtl.nl/nieuws/rtl-z/artikel/5414904/consumentenbond-wil-krimpflatie-bij-de-rechter-aanpakken |work=RTL Z |date=18 October 2023 |access-date=14 August 2025 |language=nl |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240807031836/https://www.rtl.nl/nieuws/rtl-z/artikel/5414904/consumentenbond-wil-krimpflatie-bij-de-rechter-aanpakken |archive-date=7 Aug 2024}}</ref>

#'''Engagement with industry''' to promote transparency, though supermarket chains and manufacturers have resisted mandatory disclosures.

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==References==

[[Category:Common terms]]

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrinkflation -->
-'''Shrinkflation''' (from “shrink” + “inflation”; Dutch: ''krimpflatie''), additionally referred to as also known as '''package downsizing''', '''weight-out''',<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Milligan |first=Brian |date=Jul 24, 2017 |title=More than 2,500 products subject to shrinkflation, says ONS |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40703866 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724104410/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40703866 |archive-date=2017-07-24 |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |website= |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> and '''price pack architecture''',<ref>{{cite web |author=J. Edward Moreno |date=2024-05-31 |title=What's a fancy name for shrinkflation? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/31/business/what-is-price-pack-architecture.html |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |publisher=[[NY Times]]}}</ref> is a corporate strategy where manufacturers reduce the size or quantity of a product while maintaining an equal or higher price. The packaging often remains unchanged, making the reduction nearly imperceptible to consumers.
+'''Shrinkflation''' (from “shrink” + “inflation”; Dutch: ''krimpflatie''), additionally referred to as also known as '''package downsizing''', '''weight-out''',<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Milligan |first=Brian |date=Jul 24, 2017 |title=More than 2,500 products subject to shrinkflation, says ONS |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40703866 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724104410/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-40703866 |archive-date=2017-07-24 |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |website= |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref> and '''price pack architecture''',<ref>{{cite web |author=J. Edward Moreno |date=2024-05-31 |title=What's a fancy name for shrinkflation? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/31/business/what-is-price-pack-architecture.html |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |publisher=[[NY Times]] |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250930180629/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/31/business/what-is-price-pack-architecture.html |archive-date=30 Sep 2025}}</ref> is a corporate strategy where manufacturers reduce the size or quantity of a product while maintaining an equal or higher price. The packaging often remains unchanged, making the reduction nearly imperceptible to consumers.
 Related to shrinkflation is '''skimpflation''', where the ''quality'' of a product or service is reduced instead of its size or weight, without a corresponding drop in price. Both practices are considered forms of “hidden inflation” that affect consumer purchasing power.<ref name="NPR">{{cite news |last=Garcia |first=Adrian Ma and Darian Woods |title=Skimpflation is hitting your favorite services |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/10/19/1047035078/skimpflation-services-prices |work=NPR |date=19 October 2021 |access-date=14 August 2025}}</ref>
 ==Definition and concept==
-Shrinkflation is defined by a rise in the general price level of goods per unit of weight or volume in proportion to the contents within a package diminishing,<ref name=":1" /> often leading to the price remaining the same.<ref name="Consumentenbond2025">{{cite web |date=7 February 2025 |title=Krimpflatie op krimpflatie: inhoud verpakkingen stapsgewijs steeds kleiner |url=https://www.consumentenbond.nl/acties-claims/nieuws/2025/krimpflatie |access-date=14 August 2025 |website=Consumentenbond |publisher=Consumentenbond |language=nl}}</ref> In many scenarios, companies will redesign the packaging to hide these flaws, such as making the bottom more concave, or giving the packaging an hourglass-like shape that can slowly get more exaggerated.<ref name=":2" /> Alternatively, the physical product can be modified to include more air,<ref name=":0" /> or in cases where the product arrives in a boxed state, may quietly reduce the amount of product inside the packaging without significantly updating the packaging.<ref name=":2" />
+Shrinkflation is defined by a rise in the general price level of goods per unit of weight or volume in proportion to the contents within a package diminishing,<ref name=":1" /> often leading to the price remaining the same.<ref name="Consumentenbond2025">{{cite web |date=7 February 2025 |title=Krimpflatie op krimpflatie: inhoud verpakkingen stapsgewijs steeds kleiner |url=https://www.consumentenbond.nl/acties-claims/nieuws/2025/krimpflatie |access-date=14 August 2025 |website=Consumentenbond |publisher=Consumentenbond |language=nl |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251112133201/https://www.consumentenbond.nl/acties-claims/nieuws/2025/krimpflatie |archive-date=12 Nov 2025}}</ref> In many scenarios, companies will redesign the packaging to hide these flaws, such as making the bottom more concave, or giving the packaging an hourglass-like shape that can slowly get more exaggerated.<ref name=":2" /> Alternatively, the physical product can be modified to include more air,<ref name=":0" /> or in cases where the product arrives in a boxed state, may quietly reduce the amount of product inside the packaging without significantly updating the packaging.<ref name=":2" />
 ==Historical context==
@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
 These incremental reductions (“shrink upon shrink”) often go unnoticed by consumers.
-In one attempt to distract consumers from rising shrinkflation, Cadbury stated “Our Eggs Aren’t Smaller, You Are Bigger”, and after consumers were reporting progressive shrinkage year-over-year for the eggs,<ref>{{Cite news |date=Apr 8, 2007 |title=Cadbury: Our Eggs Aren't Smaller, You Are Bigger |url=https://consumerist.com/consumer/cadbury/cadbury-our-eggs-arent-smaller-you-are-bigger-250559.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510205939/https://consumerist.com/consumer/cadbury/cadbury-our-eggs-arent-smaller-you-are-bigger-250559.php |archive-date=May 10, 2007 |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |work=The Consumerist}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=TheMuggler |date=Apr 7, 2007 |title=The Cadbury Creme Egg Conspiracy |url=http://www.yesbutnobutyes.com/archives/2007/04/the_cadbury_cre.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510074810/http://www.yesbutnobutyes.com/archives/2007/04/the_cadbury_cre.html |archive-date=May 10, 2007 |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |website=Yes but No but Yes}}</ref> an episode of ''Late Night With Conan O'Brien'' demonstrated that these eggs were in-fact shrinking.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Conan |date=Apr 1, 2021 |title=B.J. Novak Proves Cadbury Eggs Are Getting Smaller - "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlXLCrzpToo |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
+In one attempt to distract consumers from rising shrinkflation, Cadbury stated “Our Eggs Aren’t Smaller, You Are Bigger”, and after consumers were reporting progressive shrinkage year-over-year for the eggs,<ref>{{Cite news |date=Apr 8, 2007 |title=Cadbury: Our Eggs Aren't Smaller, You Are Bigger |url=https://consumerist.com/consumer/cadbury/cadbury-our-eggs-arent-smaller-you-are-bigger-250559.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510205939/https://consumerist.com/consumer/cadbury/cadbury-our-eggs-arent-smaller-you-are-bigger-250559.php |archive-date=May 10, 2007 |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |work=The Consumerist}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=TheMuggler |date=Apr 7, 2007 |title=The Cadbury Creme Egg Conspiracy |url=http://www.yesbutnobutyes.com/archives/2007/04/the_cadbury_cre.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070510074810/http://www.yesbutnobutyes.com/archives/2007/04/the_cadbury_cre.html |archive-date=May 10, 2007 |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |website=Yes but No but Yes}}</ref> an episode of ''Late Night With Conan O'Brien'' demonstrated that these eggs were in-fact shrinking.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Conan |date=Apr 1, 2021 |title=B.J. Novak Proves Cadbury Eggs Are Getting Smaller - "Late Night With Conan O'Brien" |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlXLCrzpToo |access-date=Aug 31, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=TlXLCrzpToo |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref>
 ==Consumer response and complaints==
@@ Line 39: / Line 39: @@
 #'''Clear labeling''' when content is reduced.
 #'''Public tracking''' of shrinkflation examples.
-#'''Legal action''' against deceptive practices, potentially leading to fines of up to €900,000.<ref>{{cite news |title=Consumentenbond wil krimpflatie bij de rechter aanpakken |url=https://www.rtl.nl/nieuws/rtl-z/artikel/5414904/consumentenbond-wil-krimpflatie-bij-de-rechter-aanpakken |work=RTL Z |date=18 October 2023 |access-date=14 August 2025 |language=nl}}</ref>
+#'''Legal action''' against deceptive practices, potentially leading to fines of up to €900,000.<ref>{{cite news |title=Consumentenbond wil krimpflatie bij de rechter aanpakken |url=https://www.rtl.nl/nieuws/rtl-z/artikel/5414904/consumentenbond-wil-krimpflatie-bij-de-rechter-aanpakken |work=RTL Z |date=18 October 2023 |access-date=14 August 2025 |language=nl |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240807031836/https://www.rtl.nl/nieuws/rtl-z/artikel/5414904/consumentenbond-wil-krimpflatie-bij-de-rechter-aanpakken |archive-date=7 Aug 2024}}</ref>
 #'''Engagement with industry''' to promote transparency, though supermarket chains and manufacturers have resisted mandatory disclosures.
@@ Line 50: / Line 50: @@
 ==References==
 <references />
+[[Category:Common terms]]