Why Everything Feels Smaller and Worse at the Supermarket? Understanding "Shrinkflation and Skimpflation"

Have you ever gone grocery shopping and felt something was off? The bag of chips looks smaller. Your favorite cereal tastes different. The once thick yogurt now feels watery. But the price? Still the same or even higher. You are not imagining things. This is the result of two hidden economic trends called shrinkflation and skimpflation.

What Is Shrinkflation

Shrinkflation is when companies reduce the size or quantity of a product but keep the price the same. Instead of raising prices directly, they subtly shrink the packaging. For example:

• A chocolate bar that used to weigh 100g now weighs only 85g

• Toilet paper rolls have fewer sheets

• Soda bottles are slightly smaller

To the average shopper, it feels like prices are stable, but in reality, you are paying the same amount for less.

What Is Skimpflation

Skimpflation happens when the quality of a product or service declines while the price stays the same. It is a type of hidden inflation. Examples include:

• Cheaper ingredients in your favorite snack

• Fewer staff at restaurants or longer customer service wait times

• Hotels no longer offering daily housekeeping

You are paying the same or even more but getting worse quality.

Why Are Companies Doing This

Businesses are dealing with rising costs from ingredients, labor, and logistics. But instead of increasing prices obviously, they choose shrinkflation or skimpflation to avoid scaring away customers.

How to Spot It

• Compare old and new package sizes

• Check unit prices like per gram or per item

• Read ingredient lists carefully

Why It Matters

Both shrinkflation and skimpflation reduce your real purchasing power. You spend more but receive less, often without even realizing it.

Keywords: shrinkflation, skimpflation, inflation effects, rising supermarket prices, consumer awareness, product downsizing, shopping tips