Are Your Groceries Shrinking? How to Combat ‘Shrinkflation’

Sarah Brumley

Sarah Brumley

Ever feel like your groceries are shrinking, but your grocery bill isn’t? You’re not imagining things! Shrinkflation is making products smaller while keeping the prices the same—or even raising them.

Take Oreos. I swear, every time I buy a pack, there are fewer cookies inside. Pretty soon, they’ll just sell us a bag of crumbs and call it “shareable.”

Today, we’re breaking down why this is happening, how to spot it, and—most importantly—how to fight back. Sound like something you need? Well then, let’s get started!

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Are Your Groceries Shrinking? How to Combat ‘Shrinkflation’

Well hey there and welcome back to the Financial Fix Up Podcast—the place where we tackle family finances with a little strategy, a little humor, and a whole lot of real life. I’m your host, Sarah Brumley, and today, we’re talking about something that has probably made you do a double-take in the grocery store aisle… Shrinkflation!

That’s right—our favorite groceries are literally shrinking before our eyes, and we’re not even getting a discount for it. It’s like waking up one morning and realizing your jeans shrunk in the wash… only this time, it’s the peanut butter jar, and you know you didn’t put that in the dryer.

So today, we’re going to break down:

  • What shrinkflation actually is (besides totally annoying)
  • Why companies are doing this
  • How to spot it
  • And most importantly—how to fight back without blowing your budget!

Sound good? Alright, grab that half-empty bag of chips – ya probably bought them that way! – and let’s dive in.

What Is Shrinkflation and Why Is It Happening?

So, shrinkflation is basically when companies keep prices the same but give you less product. Like, remember when a box of cereal was actually full? Now you open it, and it’s 80% air and a sad handful of flakes at the bottom.

Or how about ice cream? Used to be a full half-gallon, and now it’s some awkward one quart and 1.75 ounces size that makes absolutely no sense.

But why do companies do this? Well, the cost of ingredients, transportation, and labor is rising, and instead of raising prices outright—which customers notice immediately—they shrink the product instead. Sneaky, right?

They’re hoping we won’t notice… but we totally do.

How to Spot Shrinkflation (Before It Ruins Your Dinner Plans)

The tricky part is that these companies are sneaky. They don’t slap a big ol’ “NOW WITH 20% LESS PRODUCT!” label on the front. That’d be too easy. Instead, they quietly shrink the package while keeping the price the same—or even raising it!

Here are a few red flags to watch for:

  • Odd package sizes. If something used to be 16 ounces and now it’s 14.2, shrinkflation has struck.
  • New packaging, same price. “Now in a sleek new design!” usually means “Now in a smaller design.”
  • Weird shapes. Ever notice your toilet paper rolls look puffier but seem to disappear faster? That’s because they’re cutting down on the number of sheets but fluffing them up to look the same.
  • Fewer items in a pack. Used to get 10 tortillas in a package? Now it’s mysteriously only 8, but the price didn’t budge.

Some recent real-life examples? Gatorade bottles shrank from 32 oz to 28 oz. Oreos quietly lost a few cookies in their “family-size” packs. Doritos chips are disappearing from their bags faster than my patience at checkout.

Basically, if it feels like you’re getting less bang for your buck… you probably are.

Of course, some price increases are unavoidable—things cost more to produce and transport these days. But what we can do is make sure we’re getting the best value for our money.

How to Fight Back Without Overspending

Since we can’t exactly march into the grocery store demanding justice—though that would make for a great reality show—we’ve got to get a little smarter with our shopping habits.

Here are some real, practical ways to fight back:

1. Price Per Unit is Your New Best Friend

Forget the big bold price tag—check that tiny price per ounce or price per count number on the shelf. That’s the real deal.

Next time you’re at the store, take a second to scan those little numbers on the shelf tag. That’s where you’ll see the true cost—whether it’s per ounce, pound, or count. It’ll help you figure out if that “family size” is actually a good deal… or just a marketing ploy.

2. Shop Store Brands (They’re Not What They Used to Be!)

Look, I used to be a name-brand snob too, but have you tried some of these store-brand products lately? Many of them are made in the exact same factories as the big names—just without the fancy logo. Plus, they often shrink their products less than the name brands do.

3. Buy in Bulk (But Only When It Makes Sense)

I’m not saying go full-on doomsday prepper and start hoarding rice like the world is ending. But if you know your family always uses certain things—flour, pasta, peanut butter—buying in bulk can help you dodge shrinkflation.

That said, I know bulk buying isn’t always possible when you’re on a tight budget. So, focus on stocking up on the essentials that you know you’ll actually use, not just whatever is on sale in a 10-pound bag.

4. Switch Up Your Meals

If chicken breasts have suddenly shrunk to the size of chicken nuggets, maybe it’s time to mix things up. Ground turkey, beans, or even a good old-fashioned breakfast-for-dinner night can help you stretch your budget without sacrificing meals.

5. Speak with Your Wallet

Sometimes the best way to push back is to stop buying from companies that are really pulling the shrinkflation game. If enough people jump ship, brands do notice, and they’ll have to rethink their strategy.

6. Speak Up! (Companies Actually Listen!)

Did you know that some brands have actually reversed shrinkflation because of customer complaints? In 2014, Cadbury shrank its chocolate bars, and after major backlash, they brought back the original size.

So, if your favorite snack just got tiny, don’t be afraid to say something! Write an email, leave a review, or send them a friendly “Hey, what gives?” message. You never know—it might actually work.

7. DIY It When You Can

Some of the most overpriced, shrinking items? Granola bars, snacks, and pre-packaged foods. Making them from scratch at home can save money and keep your kids from asking, “Is that it?” after they finish a snack in two bites.

Don’t Let Shrinkflation Win!

At the end of the day, shrinkflation is super frustrating, but it’s not unbeatable. By being a little savvier at the store, watching for sneaky packaging tricks, and making smart swaps, you can stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing the things your family loves.

And honestly, if all else fails, we can just start a “Bring Back All The Oreos” protest. Who’s with me?

Alright, friend, that’s all for today! If you enjoyed this episode, do me a favor—send it to a friend who’s also staring at their grocery bags wondering why they seem emptier every week. And if you have your own tips for combating shrinkflation, shoot me an email at sarah@lemonblessings.com—I’d love to hear them!

Whatever you decide, just know that I’m cheering you on! You’ve got this! Have an amazing day and I’ll chat with you again next time!

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