The Case of the Disappearing Cereal
Why Your Groceries Are Getting Smaller (And How to Spot It)
Alex’s Story
Alex grabbed the usual box of “Choco-Crisps” cereal. The price was the same, the box looked the same… but at home, it felt lighter. It was gone in three days instead of five. Alex wasn’t eating more. The box was. It had shrunk from 500g to 450g, but the price hadn’t budged. Alex had just been hit by “shrinkflation,” a sneaky price increase that’s happening all over the world, from cereal aisles to chocolate bars. You’re not imagining it; your packages *are* getting smaller.
What is Shrinkflation?
It’s simple: companies reduce the size, weight, or quantity of a product while keeping the price the same. It’s a hidden price hike.
of global shoppers have noticed products shrinking.
How It Works
Companies use it to pass on rising costs (like ingredients and transport) without scaring you away with a higher price tag. They hope you’ll notice the price, not the weight.
Company costs go up.
They redesign the package slightly.
They put less product inside (e.g., 450g instead of 500g).
They keep the price exactly the same.
The Shrinking Shelf: Before vs. After
Cereal Box
That familiar breakfast box now holds less. You’re paying the same for fewer bowls.
Chocolate Bar
Your favorite treat might have one less square than you remember. A smaller joy for the same price.
Juice Carton
Even drinks aren’t safe. That 1-liter carton may now be 900ml, often in a taller, slimmer bottle.
Bag of Chips
We all joke about paying for air, but now you’re getting even more air and fewer chips.
Where is it Hiding?
Shrinkflation hits snack foods the hardest, but it’s common across the store.
Your Secret Weapon: Price Per Unit
You can’t trust the package size. The only way to know the *real* value is to check the price per unit (per gram, per ml, per 100g, etc.).
This number is often on the small shelf price tag. A “cheaper” looking item might actually be more expensive per unit.
Formula: Total Price / Total Units = Price Per Unit
The Smart Shopper Calculator
Can’t find the unit price? Calculate it yourself. Use this to compare two different-sized items and find the *true* bargain.
Your Price Per Unit Is:
How to Fight Back
- Always check the unit price. It’s the only way to compare items fairly.
- Trust the weight, not the box size. Look for the grams (g), milliliters (ml), or ounces (oz).
- Try store brands. They are often a better value and can be slower to shrink.
- Vote with your wallet. If you spot a product that has shrunk, consider switching to a competitor that offers better value.