Ever poured out your morning cereal and thought the box looked a little slimmer than it used to? You’re not imagining things. That sneaky change is due to shrinkflation—the tactic where companies quietly reduce product sizes while keeping prices the same, or even nudging them higher.
For shoppers, it’s become an all-too-familiar frustration, leaving many feeling powerless against a trend that makes every trip to the checkout a little less rewarding.
Shoppers need not despair, though, as there is light at the end of the tunnel, with the Federal Government promising to crack down on the practice, with a new proposal to make unit pricing clearer and even name and shame brands that are shrinking products but still charging top dollar.
In the meantime, there are plenty of ways you can be savvy and fight back against shrinkflation while also making your money go further.
Here are some smart strategies every shopper can use to stay ahead of shrinkflation:
Rather than just checking the overall price tag, always check the unit price (for example, per 100g or per litre). This makes it much easier to see whether you’re getting more or less for your money—and helps you spot the true value on the shelf.
Supermarket “home brands” are often less impacted by shrinkflation, while also offering a similar quality product for less. By being open to switching things up, you may end up with more in your trolley for less.
Larger packs usually work out cheaper per serve than smaller ones in the long run, making them a good way to fight shrinkflation. Just be mindful of what you can realistically use before it expires, so your savings don’t end up wasted.
Pre-packaged and processed foods are among the most common targets for shrinkflation, with portions quietly reduced over time. Cooking more from raw ingredients not only cuts down on packaging costs but also gives you more control over both your budget and your meals.
Pay attention to the usual size, weight, or sheet count of your everyday items—like cereal, pasta, or laundry detergent. When you know what’s “normal,” you’ll quickly spot when a favourite product has shrunk without the price following suit.
As was touched on with home brands, switching away from big-name labels can help fight shrinkflation. Going further, being too loyal to any single brand—whether it’s for taste, habit, or marketing—can leave you paying more for less. Staying open to swapping brands, flavours, or package sizes means you’ll always have options and avoid being caught out.
Shrinkflation might be here to stay, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose out. With a watchful eye, a willingness to switch, and a few clever shopping habits, you can protect your budget, stretch your dollar further, and feel more in control every time you head to the checkout.
Read more: Starts at 60 readers slam ‘disgusting’ shrinkflation tactics
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