Have you ever noticed that your favourite packet of biscuits, chips or detergent seems smaller than before, even though its price has not changed?
You are not imagining it. This practice is called Shrinkflation.
Shrinkflation happens when companies reduce the quantity, weight or size of a product while keeping its selling price the same or sometimes even increasing it. In simple words, you pay the same amount but get less product.
How Does Shrinkflation Work?
Imagine you regularly buy a packet of biscuits for ₹10. Earlier, the packet contained 140 grams of biscuits. Now, the company reduces the quantity to 110 grams but continues charging ₹10.
The price remains unchanged, but you are getting 30 grams less.
This means the actual cost per gram has increased, even though the price tag looks the same.
Everyday Examples of Shrinkflation
You can notice this practice across several everyday products:
- Coca-Cola: A ₹20 can that earlier contained 250 ml may now contain 200 ml.
- Parle-G: A ₹10 packet that contained 140 grams may now contain 110 grams.
- Vim: A ₹20 pack that contained 155 grams may now contain 135 grams.
- Pringles: A ₹290 pack that contained 200 grams may now contain 165 grams.
- Dairy Milk: A ₹350 pack that contained 180 grams may now contain 163 grams.
These examples illustrate how product quantities can change while prices remain the same. Actual pack sizes and prices may vary by market and time.
Why Do Companies Use Shrinkflation?
Companies generally use shrinkflation when their production costs increase.
Some common reasons include:
1. Higher Raw Material Costs: Ingredients, packaging materials and other inputs become more expensive.
2. Rising Transportation Costs: Fuel and delivery expenses increase the overall cost of products.
3. Inflation: General increases in prices make manufacturing and selling products more expensive.
4. Maintaining Price Points: Instead of increasing the price directly, companies may reduce the quantity to keep products within familiar price ranges.
For example, customers may hesitate to buy a biscuit packet if its price increases from ₹10 to ₹15. Reducing its quantity while keeping the price at ₹10 can make the change less noticeable.
How Does Shrinkflation Affect Your Budget?
Shrinkflation may look like a small change, but its impact can add up over time.
Suppose you buy 10 packets of a product every month. Earlier, each packet contained 100 grams, giving you 1,000 grams in total.
Now, each packet contains only 80 grams at the same price. You receive just 800 grams.
You are paying the same amount but getting 200 grams less every month.
Over a year, these small reductions can make a noticeable difference to your household budget.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Here are a few simple ways to avoid paying more for less:
- Always check the net weight or quantity printed on the packaging.
- Compare the price per 100 grams, kilogram or litre.
- Check older and newer pack sizes before purchasing.
- Compare different brands instead of choosing only by the packet price.
- Look beyond attractive offers and discounts.
Final Takeaway
Shrinkflation reminds us that the price printed on a product does not always tell the complete story.
The next time you buy your favourite snack, shampoo or detergent, don't just check how much it costs. Check how much quantity you are actually getting.
Because sometimes, the price stays the same, but the product quietly gets smaller!
