Are Coles and Woolworths secretly reducing grocery sizes? Discover the truth about 'shrinkflation' in Australia

Do you feel like your grocery favourites are getting smaller and smaller? Perhaps there’s one less biscuit to reach for during your cuppa or that packet of chips doesn’t quite fill the bowl anymore…You may actually be a victim of ‘shrinkflation’!

Shrinkflation is when brands start reducing the size of their products but keep selling them for the same (or higher) price. It’s a practice that has been happening in Australia and around the world for years, and it’s getting worse.


We all know food prices are rising, and many have been asking if we're paying more for less. But this is a difficult question to answer, as prices and sizes can change often, and they are often hard to spot.

Neal Chauhan is a 'shrinkflation' expert who has kept his eyes open for supermarket trends, and he’s collected a shocking range of evidence.


photo_2023-08-14_11-13-59.jpg
Evidence of Shrinkflation from Chauhan. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Anyone who frequents Coles or Woolworths will be familiar with many of the products on the list, like Nescafé, Coke, Glad Wrap and Smiths chips.


Prices for these items have stayed the same, but now we’re getting far less for our money–and we’re not always being told about the changes.

Take Nescafé's Australian-roasted Blend 43, for example. The product was silently dropped from 300g to 250g in supermarkets, but it came with a sticker that tried to make the change look positive.

'The Nescafé example, it kind of blows my mind that they’d slap a shiny, “New Size” sticker on something when it's clearly smaller in every way,' says Neal. 'It's a disgrace.'


photo_2023-08-14_11-13-54.jpg
Nescafe put a ‘New Size’ sticker to make the change look positive. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Glad Wrap's bulk option has also been reduced by 25 per cent, with a 'value pack' going from 400m to 300m in length.

But in the case of cereal–brands like Weet-Bix and Kellogg’s are among the worst offenders when it comes to ‘shrinkflation’.

'One of my favourites, or I guess maybe least favourite, examples is cereal. I've seen pictures of the overall amount decreasing but the front of the box staying exactly the same size,' Chauhan said.


For example, a Weet-Bix value pack has gone from 1.5kg to 1.2kg–a 300g reduction for the iconic breakfast. Similarly, Froot Loops have gone from 500g to 460g while raising their price tag to $10. The item is currently on sale at Coles for only $7.50.

‘It feels unfair to package your stuff in a pretty empty box,’ Chauhan continued.

Ice cream giant Ben and Jerry's recently shrank the size of its pints. However, the brand released a statement to explain the changes. It read:

‘Maintaining top quality ice cream and values sourced ingredients comes with increasing costs. And so, we’ve made the difficult decision to make our tubs slightly smaller.’
The statement continued: ‘We wanted to be transparent with you because we care about you, our fans and our communities while making the best ice cream in the world.’

Even sweet treats have been impacted by the trend. Oreos, LCMs and Monte Carlos have all seen their filling seemingly halved since they were first introduced.

While Cadbury’s chocolate blocks went from 250g to 200g a couple of years ago and now weigh 180g.



It’s easy to be angry about companies reducing the sizes of groceries while keeping prices the same. But Neal believes the best way to tackle the issue of ‘shrinkflation’ is with transparency.


Strategies for Smart Shopping and Avoiding the Impact of Shrinkflation

Frustrated with retailers and manufacturers sneakily reducing the size of your favourite products while keeping the prices intact? There's a way to fight back. As a savvy shopper, there are several strategies you can adopt to outsmart ‘shrinkflation’.

First, take time to research products online and compare packaging sizes, weights, and prices at different outlets before deciding where to make your purchase.

Second, let the power of unit pricing work for you. This is the cost per unit of measure (like per gram or litre) that's displayed next to the selling price on supermarket shelves. It's designed to help you compare similar products and figure out which gives you the best value.


Third, consider alternative brands to your usual favourites. For instance, if you notice that your favourite bread has decreased in size but not in price, try a different brand. As manufacturers compete for your dollar, they might offer bigger sizes or better deals on their products.

Finally, try buying in bulk. Many Australians are turning to bulk-buy stores, where prices can be considerably cheaper for larger quantities. While it may not be an option for all your groceries, certain staples like canned food, pasta, and rice might be significantly cheaper when buying in bulk.

Remember, dear members, being informed is the best defence against ‘shrinkflation’. You can read more about it right here!

Key Takeaways

  • Australian shoppers are experiencing 'shrinkflation'–the practice of reducing the size of products while maintaining their prices.
  • Brands like Nescafé, Coke, Snickers, Oreos, Glad Wrap, and Smiths chips among others have reportedly reduced the quantity of their products in Australian supermarkets without a notice to customers.
  • Some products don't decrease the size of their packaging despite the decrease in the quantity, a practice considered deceptive as it tricks customers into believing that the quantity of the product has remained the same.
  • 'Shrinkflation' expert Neal Chauhan argues that transparency is the best way forward, suggesting that companies should openly communicate any changes in product quantity or quality to their customers.

Have you noticed ‘shrinkflation’ happening to your favourite products too? Let us know in the comments section below!
 
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Do you feel like your grocery favourites are getting smaller and smaller? Perhaps there’s one less biscuit to reach for during your cuppa or that packet of chips doesn’t quite fill the bowl anymore…You may actually be a victim of ‘shrinkflation’!

Shrinkflation is when brands start reducing the size of their products but keep selling them for the same (or higher) price. It’s a practice that has been happening in Australia and around the world for years, and it’s getting worse.


We all know food prices are rising, and many have been asking if we're paying more for less. But this is a difficult question to answer, as prices and sizes can change often, and they are often hard to spot.

Neal Chauhan is a 'shrinkflation' expert who has kept his eyes open for supermarket trends, and he’s collected a shocking range of evidence.


View attachment 27393
Evidence of Shrinkflation from Chauhan. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Anyone who frequents Coles or Woolworths will be familiar with many of the products on the list, like Nescafé, Coke, Glad Wrap and Smiths chips.


Prices for these items have stayed the same, but now we’re getting far less for our money–and we’re not always being told about the changes.

Take Nescafé's Australian-roasted Blend 43, for example. The product was silently dropped from 300g to 250g in supermarkets, but it came with a sticker that tried to make the change look positive.

'The Nescafé example, it kind of blows my mind that they’d slap a shiny, “New Size” sticker on something when it's clearly smaller in every way,' says Neal. 'It's a disgrace.'


View attachment 27392
Nescafe put a ‘New Size’ sticker to make the change look positive. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Glad Wrap's bulk option has also been reduced by 25 per cent, with a 'value pack' going from 400m to 300m in length.

But in the case of cereal–brands like Weet-Bix and Kellogg’s are among the worst offenders when it comes to ‘shrinkflation’.

'One of my favourites, or I guess maybe least favourite, examples is cereal. I've seen pictures of the overall amount decreasing but the front of the box staying exactly the same size,' Chauhan said.


For example, a Weet-Bix value pack has gone from 1.5kg to 1.2kg–a 300g reduction for the iconic breakfast. Similarly, Froot Loops have gone from 500g to 460g while raising their price tag to $10. The item is currently on sale at Coles for only $7.50.

‘It feels unfair to package your stuff in a pretty empty box,’ Chauhan continued.

Ice cream giant Ben and Jerry's recently shrank the size of its pints. However, the brand released a statement to explain the changes. It read:

‘Maintaining top quality ice cream and values sourced ingredients comes with increasing costs. And so, we’ve made the difficult decision to make our tubs slightly smaller.’
The statement continued: ‘We wanted to be transparent with you because we care about you, our fans and our communities while making the best ice cream in the world.’

Even sweet treats have been impacted by the trend. Oreos, LCMs and Monte Carlos have all seen their filling seemingly halved since they were first introduced.

While Cadbury’s chocolate blocks went from 250g to 200g a couple of years ago and now weigh 180g.



It’s easy to be angry about companies reducing the sizes of groceries while keeping prices the same. But Neal believes the best way to tackle the issue of ‘shrinkflation’ is with transparency.


Strategies for Smart Shopping and Avoiding the Impact of Shrinkflation

Frustrated with retailers and manufacturers sneakily reducing the size of your favourite products while keeping the prices intact? There's a way to fight back. As a savvy shopper, there are several strategies you can adopt to outsmart ‘shrinkflation’.

First, take time to research products online and compare packaging sizes, weights, and prices at different outlets before deciding where to make your purchase.

Second, let the power of unit pricing work for you. This is the cost per unit of measure (like per gram or litre) that's displayed next to the selling price on supermarket shelves. It's designed to help you compare similar products and figure out which gives you the best value.


Third, consider alternative brands to your usual favourites. For instance, if you notice that your favourite bread has decreased in size but not in price, try a different brand. As manufacturers compete for your dollar, they might offer bigger sizes or better deals on their products.

Finally, try buying in bulk. Many Australians are turning to bulk-buy stores, where prices can be considerably cheaper for larger quantities. While it may not be an option for all your groceries, certain staples like canned food, pasta, and rice might be significantly cheaper when buying in bulk.

Remember, dear members, being informed is the best defence against ‘shrinkflation’. You can read more about it right here!

Key Takeaways

  • Australian shoppers are experiencing 'shrinkflation'–the practice of reducing the size of products while maintaining their prices.
  • Brands like Nescafé, Coke, Snickers, Oreos, Glad Wrap, and Smiths chips among others have reportedly reduced the quantity of their products in Australian supermarkets without a notice to customers.
  • Some products don't decrease the size of their packaging despite the decrease in the quantity, a practice considered deceptive as it tricks customers into believing that the quantity of the product has remained the same.
  • 'Shrinkflation' expert Neal Chauhan argues that transparency is the best way forward, suggesting that companies should openly communicate any changes in product quantity or quality to their customers.

Have you noticed ‘shrinkflation’ happening to your favourite products too? Let us know in the comments section below!

Especially the cost of cereal is ridiculous when you look at the nutritional quality of it- heh! ....talking about shrinkflation have you seen the microscopic size of a small chips at McDonalds? My son bought a meal, comprised of a burger, a thick shake and a teeny tiny small chips, cost $17.00 last night......Never going there again.
 
What about the size of eggs? The eggs they now call extra large rattle around in my egg cups. As someone who grow up around a poultry farm, these would be considered small eggs. We used to have a little set of scales to weigh eggs, and the sizes were small, medium, standard and large. If the scale went right down to the base the egg was extra large. I don’t know what to make of it - are the farmers selling their large eggs to the restaurant trade rather the supermarkets, or are hens being killed off early for meat, or is a different variety of hen that’s being used more nowadays? We used to buy our eggs from a local farm, where we did get large eggs, but it closed so now I’m back to buying supermarket eggs. ☹️
 
Do you feel like your grocery favourites are getting smaller and smaller? Perhaps there’s one less biscuit to reach for during your cuppa or that packet of chips doesn’t quite fill the bowl anymore…You may actually be a victim of ‘shrinkflation’!

Shrinkflation is when brands start reducing the size of their products but keep selling them for the same (or higher) price. It’s a practice that has been happening in Australia and around the world for years, and it’s getting worse.


We all know food prices are rising, and many have been asking if we're paying more for less. But this is a difficult question to answer, as prices and sizes can change often, and they are often hard to spot.

Neal Chauhan is a 'shrinkflation' expert who has kept his eyes open for supermarket trends, and he’s collected a shocking range of evidence.


View attachment 27393
Evidence of Shrinkflation from Chauhan. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Anyone who frequents Coles or Woolworths will be familiar with many of the products on the list, like Nescafé, Coke, Glad Wrap and Smiths chips.


Prices for these items have stayed the same, but now we’re getting far less for our money–and we’re not always being told about the changes.

Take Nescafé's Australian-roasted Blend 43, for example. The product was silently dropped from 300g to 250g in supermarkets, but it came with a sticker that tried to make the change look positive.

'The Nescafé example, it kind of blows my mind that they’d slap a shiny, “New Size” sticker on something when it's clearly smaller in every way,' says Neal. 'It's a disgrace.'


View attachment 27392
Nescafe put a ‘New Size’ sticker to make the change look positive. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Glad Wrap's bulk option has also been reduced by 25 per cent, with a 'value pack' going from 400m to 300m in length.

But in the case of cereal–brands like Weet-Bix and Kellogg’s are among the worst offenders when it comes to ‘shrinkflation’.

'One of my favourites, or I guess maybe least favourite, examples is cereal. I've seen pictures of the overall amount decreasing but the front of the box staying exactly the same size,' Chauhan said.


For example, a Weet-Bix value pack has gone from 1.5kg to 1.2kg–a 300g reduction for the iconic breakfast. Similarly, Froot Loops have gone from 500g to 460g while raising their price tag to $10. The item is currently on sale at Coles for only $7.50.

‘It feels unfair to package your stuff in a pretty empty box,’ Chauhan continued.

Ice cream giant Ben and Jerry's recently shrank the size of its pints. However, the brand released a statement to explain the changes. It read:

‘Maintaining top quality ice cream and values sourced ingredients comes with increasing costs. And so, we’ve made the difficult decision to make our tubs slightly smaller.’
The statement continued: ‘We wanted to be transparent with you because we care about you, our fans and our communities while making the best ice cream in the world.’

Even sweet treats have been impacted by the trend. Oreos, LCMs and Monte Carlos have all seen their filling seemingly halved since they were first introduced.

While Cadbury’s chocolate blocks went from 250g to 200g a couple of years ago and now weigh 180g.



It’s easy to be angry about companies reducing the sizes of groceries while keeping prices the same. But Neal believes the best way to tackle the issue of ‘shrinkflation’ is with transparency.


Strategies for Smart Shopping and Avoiding the Impact of Shrinkflation

Frustrated with retailers and manufacturers sneakily reducing the size of your favourite products while keeping the prices intact? There's a way to fight back. As a savvy shopper, there are several strategies you can adopt to outsmart ‘shrinkflation’.

First, take time to research products online and compare packaging sizes, weights, and prices at different outlets before deciding where to make your purchase.

Second, let the power of unit pricing work for you. This is the cost per unit of measure (like per gram or litre) that's displayed next to the selling price on supermarket shelves. It's designed to help you compare similar products and figure out which gives you the best value.


Third, consider alternative brands to your usual favourites. For instance, if you notice that your favourite bread has decreased in size but not in price, try a different brand. As manufacturers compete for your dollar, they might offer bigger sizes or better deals on their products.

Finally, try buying in bulk. Many Australians are turning to bulk-buy stores, where prices can be considerably cheaper for larger quantities. While it may not be an option for all your groceries, certain staples like canned food, pasta, and rice might be significantly cheaper when buying in bulk.

Remember, dear members, being informed is the best defence against ‘shrinkflation’. You can read more about it right here!

Key Takeaways

  • Australian shoppers are experiencing 'shrinkflation'–the practice of reducing the size of products while maintaining their prices.
  • Brands like Nescafé, Coke, Snickers, Oreos, Glad Wrap, and Smiths chips among others have reportedly reduced the quantity of their products in Australian supermarkets without a notice to customers.
  • Some products don't decrease the size of their packaging despite the decrease in the quantity, a practice considered deceptive as it tricks customers into believing that the quantity of the product has remained the same.
  • 'Shrinkflation' expert Neal Chauhan argues that transparency is the best way forward, suggesting that companies should openly communicate any changes in product quantity or quality to their customers.

Have you noticed ‘shrinkflation’ happening to your favourite products too? Let us know in the comments section below!

It's blatant theft cereal well I used to buy Kellogg's all the time ,then I tried Aldi's Cornflakes bigger box and more in it and guess what tastes good (made in Germany)their equivalent to Co Co Pops tastes the same and more per box 😋and Weetbix bigger box than Sanitarium's and cheaper price and made in Australia 🇦🇺 probably from the same factory 🏭 people shop around and look at different things that the same as the big brands that are ripping you off it's your money 💰 spend it wisely and don't get sucked in by big brands and supermarket spin
 
What about the size of eggs? The eggs they now call extra large rattle around in my egg cups. As someone who grow up around a poultry farm, these would be considered small eggs. We used to have a little set of scales to weigh eggs, and the sizes were small, medium, standard and large. If the scale went right down to the base the egg was extra large. I don’t know what to make of it - are the farmers selling their large eggs to the restaurant trade rather the supermarkets, or are hens being killed off early for meat, or is a different variety of hen that’s being used more nowadays? We used to buy our eggs from a local farm, where we did get large eggs, but it closed so now I’m back to buying supermarket eggs. ☹️
Same thing here with eggs 🥚 the farm stopped selling to the public as I would purchase oversized egg's then I found out the supplied a corner store and a greengrocer in my area so I purchase from them $14 for 20 oversized eggs 👍
 
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Reactions: Indigo_68
Do you feel like your grocery favourites are getting smaller and smaller? Perhaps there’s one less biscuit to reach for during your cuppa or that packet of chips doesn’t quite fill the bowl anymore…You may actually be a victim of ‘shrinkflation’!

Shrinkflation is when brands start reducing the size of their products but keep selling them for the same (or higher) price. It’s a practice that has been happening in Australia and around the world for years, and it’s getting worse.


We all know food prices are rising, and many have been asking if we're paying more for less. But this is a difficult question to answer, as prices and sizes can change often, and they are often hard to spot.

Neal Chauhan is a 'shrinkflation' expert who has kept his eyes open for supermarket trends, and he’s collected a shocking range of evidence.


View attachment 27393
Evidence of Shrinkflation from Chauhan. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Anyone who frequents Coles or Woolworths will be familiar with many of the products on the list, like Nescafé, Coke, Glad Wrap and Smiths chips.


Prices for these items have stayed the same, but now we’re getting far less for our money–and we’re not always being told about the changes.

Take Nescafé's Australian-roasted Blend 43, for example. The product was silently dropped from 300g to 250g in supermarkets, but it came with a sticker that tried to make the change look positive.

'The Nescafé example, it kind of blows my mind that they’d slap a shiny, “New Size” sticker on something when it's clearly smaller in every way,' says Neal. 'It's a disgrace.'


View attachment 27392
Nescafe put a ‘New Size’ sticker to make the change look positive. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Glad Wrap's bulk option has also been reduced by 25 per cent, with a 'value pack' going from 400m to 300m in length.

But in the case of cereal–brands like Weet-Bix and Kellogg’s are among the worst offenders when it comes to ‘shrinkflation’.

'One of my favourites, or I guess maybe least favourite, examples is cereal. I've seen pictures of the overall amount decreasing but the front of the box staying exactly the same size,' Chauhan said.


For example, a Weet-Bix value pack has gone from 1.5kg to 1.2kg–a 300g reduction for the iconic breakfast. Similarly, Froot Loops have gone from 500g to 460g while raising their price tag to $10. The item is currently on sale at Coles for only $7.50.

‘It feels unfair to package your stuff in a pretty empty box,’ Chauhan continued.

Ice cream giant Ben and Jerry's recently shrank the size of its pints. However, the brand released a statement to explain the changes. It read:

‘Maintaining top quality ice cream and values sourced ingredients comes with increasing costs. And so, we’ve made the difficult decision to make our tubs slightly smaller.’
The statement continued: ‘We wanted to be transparent with you because we care about you, our fans and our communities while making the best ice cream in the world.’

Even sweet treats have been impacted by the trend. Oreos, LCMs and Monte Carlos have all seen their filling seemingly halved since they were first introduced.

While Cadbury’s chocolate blocks went from 250g to 200g a couple of years ago and now weigh 180g.



It’s easy to be angry about companies reducing the sizes of groceries while keeping prices the same. But Neal believes the best way to tackle the issue of ‘shrinkflation’ is with transparency.


Strategies for Smart Shopping and Avoiding the Impact of Shrinkflation

Frustrated with retailers and manufacturers sneakily reducing the size of your favourite products while keeping the prices intact? There's a way to fight back. As a savvy shopper, there are several strategies you can adopt to outsmart ‘shrinkflation’.

First, take time to research products online and compare packaging sizes, weights, and prices at different outlets before deciding where to make your purchase.

Second, let the power of unit pricing work for you. This is the cost per unit of measure (like per gram or litre) that's displayed next to the selling price on supermarket shelves. It's designed to help you compare similar products and figure out which gives you the best value.


Third, consider alternative brands to your usual favourites. For instance, if you notice that your favourite bread has decreased in size but not in price, try a different brand. As manufacturers compete for your dollar, they might offer bigger sizes or better deals on their products.

Finally, try buying in bulk. Many Australians are turning to bulk-buy stores, where prices can be considerably cheaper for larger quantities. While it may not be an option for all your groceries, certain staples like canned food, pasta, and rice might be significantly cheaper when buying in bulk.

Remember, dear members, being informed is the best defence against ‘shrinkflation’. You can read more about it right here!

Key Takeaways

  • Australian shoppers are experiencing 'shrinkflation'–the practice of reducing the size of products while maintaining their prices.
  • Brands like Nescafé, Coke, Snickers, Oreos, Glad Wrap, and Smiths chips among others have reportedly reduced the quantity of their products in Australian supermarkets without a notice to customers.
  • Some products don't decrease the size of their packaging despite the decrease in the quantity, a practice considered deceptive as it tricks customers into believing that the quantity of the product has remained the same.
  • 'Shrinkflation' expert Neal Chauhan argues that transparency is the best way forward, suggesting that companies should openly communicate any changes in product quantity or quality to their customers.

Have you noticed ‘shrinkflation’ happening to your favourite products too? Let us know in the comments section below!

I was really cranky when I noticed Roses jam went from 500 gms to 375 gms but the cost remained the same. That’s a reduction of 25% in quantity but price doesn’t reflect this.
Cottees jam also shrunk the same but is cheaper than Roses. I agree, if the company had been up front about it, I wouldn’t have felt so disrespected as a customer.
 
It isn' t the supermarkets that are causing "shrinkflation" but the manufacturers of the food products!
 
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Do you feel like your grocery favourites are getting smaller and smaller? Perhaps there’s one less biscuit to reach for during your cuppa or that packet of chips doesn’t quite fill the bowl anymore…You may actually be a victim of ‘shrinkflation’!

Shrinkflation is when brands start reducing the size of their products but keep selling them for the same (or higher) price. It’s a practice that has been happening in Australia and around the world for years, and it’s getting worse.


We all know food prices are rising, and many have been asking if we're paying more for less. But this is a difficult question to answer, as prices and sizes can change often, and they are often hard to spot.

Neal Chauhan is a 'shrinkflation' expert who has kept his eyes open for supermarket trends, and he’s collected a shocking range of evidence.


View attachment 27393
Evidence of Shrinkflation from Chauhan. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Anyone who frequents Coles or Woolworths will be familiar with many of the products on the list, like Nescafé, Coke, Glad Wrap and Smiths chips.


Prices for these items have stayed the same, but now we’re getting far less for our money–and we’re not always being told about the changes.

Take Nescafé's Australian-roasted Blend 43, for example. The product was silently dropped from 300g to 250g in supermarkets, but it came with a sticker that tried to make the change look positive.

'The Nescafé example, it kind of blows my mind that they’d slap a shiny, “New Size” sticker on something when it's clearly smaller in every way,' says Neal. 'It's a disgrace.'


View attachment 27392
Nescafe put a ‘New Size’ sticker to make the change look positive. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Glad Wrap's bulk option has also been reduced by 25 per cent, with a 'value pack' going from 400m to 300m in length.

But in the case of cereal–brands like Weet-Bix and Kellogg’s are among the worst offenders when it comes to ‘shrinkflation’.

'One of my favourites, or I guess maybe least favourite, examples is cereal. I've seen pictures of the overall amount decreasing but the front of the box staying exactly the same size,' Chauhan said.


For example, a Weet-Bix value pack has gone from 1.5kg to 1.2kg–a 300g reduction for the iconic breakfast. Similarly, Froot Loops have gone from 500g to 460g while raising their price tag to $10. The item is currently on sale at Coles for only $7.50.

‘It feels unfair to package your stuff in a pretty empty box,’ Chauhan continued.

Ice cream giant Ben and Jerry's recently shrank the size of its pints. However, the brand released a statement to explain the changes. It read:

‘Maintaining top quality ice cream and values sourced ingredients comes with increasing costs. And so, we’ve made the difficult decision to make our tubs slightly smaller.’
The statement continued: ‘We wanted to be transparent with you because we care about you, our fans and our communities while making the best ice cream in the world.’

Even sweet treats have been impacted by the trend. Oreos, LCMs and Monte Carlos have all seen their filling seemingly halved since they were first introduced.

While Cadbury’s chocolate blocks went from 250g to 200g a couple of years ago and now weigh 180g.



It’s easy to be angry about companies reducing the sizes of groceries while keeping prices the same. But Neal believes the best way to tackle the issue of ‘shrinkflation’ is with transparency.


Strategies for Smart Shopping and Avoiding the Impact of Shrinkflation

Frustrated with retailers and manufacturers sneakily reducing the size of your favourite products while keeping the prices intact? There's a way to fight back. As a savvy shopper, there are several strategies you can adopt to outsmart ‘shrinkflation’.

First, take time to research products online and compare packaging sizes, weights, and prices at different outlets before deciding where to make your purchase.

Second, let the power of unit pricing work for you. This is the cost per unit of measure (like per gram or litre) that's displayed next to the selling price on supermarket shelves. It's designed to help you compare similar products and figure out which gives you the best value.


Third, consider alternative brands to your usual favourites. For instance, if you notice that your favourite bread has decreased in size but not in price, try a different brand. As manufacturers compete for your dollar, they might offer bigger sizes or better deals on their products.

Finally, try buying in bulk. Many Australians are turning to bulk-buy stores, where prices can be considerably cheaper for larger quantities. While it may not be an option for all your groceries, certain staples like canned food, pasta, and rice might be significantly cheaper when buying in bulk.

Remember, dear members, being informed is the best defence against ‘shrinkflation’. You can read more about it right here!

Key Takeaways

  • Australian shoppers are experiencing 'shrinkflation'–the practice of reducing the size of products while maintaining their prices.
  • Brands like Nescafé, Coke, Snickers, Oreos, Glad Wrap, and Smiths chips among others have reportedly reduced the quantity of their products in Australian supermarkets without a notice to customers.
  • Some products don't decrease the size of their packaging despite the decrease in the quantity, a practice considered deceptive as it tricks customers into believing that the quantity of the product has remained the same.
  • 'Shrinkflation' expert Neal Chauhan argues that transparency is the best way forward, suggesting that companies should openly communicate any changes in product quantity or quality to their customers.

Have you noticed ‘shrinkflation’ happening to your favourite products too? Let us know in the comments section below!

1692057951326.png
 
Do you feel like your grocery favourites are getting smaller and smaller? Perhaps there’s one less biscuit to reach for during your cuppa or that packet of chips doesn’t quite fill the bowl anymore…You may actually be a victim of ‘shrinkflation’!

Shrinkflation is when brands start reducing the size of their products but keep selling them for the same (or higher) price. It’s a practice that has been happening in Australia and around the world for years, and it’s getting worse.


We all know food prices are rising, and many have been asking if we're paying more for less. But this is a difficult question to answer, as prices and sizes can change often, and they are often hard to spot.

Neal Chauhan is a 'shrinkflation' expert who has kept his eyes open for supermarket trends, and he’s collected a shocking range of evidence.


View attachment 27393
Evidence of Shrinkflation from Chauhan. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Anyone who frequents Coles or Woolworths will be familiar with many of the products on the list, like Nescafé, Coke, Glad Wrap and Smiths chips.


Prices for these items have stayed the same, but now we’re getting far less for our money–and we’re not always being told about the changes.

Take Nescafé's Australian-roasted Blend 43, for example. The product was silently dropped from 300g to 250g in supermarkets, but it came with a sticker that tried to make the change look positive.

'The Nescafé example, it kind of blows my mind that they’d slap a shiny, “New Size” sticker on something when it's clearly smaller in every way,' says Neal. 'It's a disgrace.'


View attachment 27392
Nescafe put a ‘New Size’ sticker to make the change look positive. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Glad Wrap's bulk option has also been reduced by 25 per cent, with a 'value pack' going from 400m to 300m in length.

But in the case of cereal–brands like Weet-Bix and Kellogg’s are among the worst offenders when it comes to ‘shrinkflation’.

'One of my favourites, or I guess maybe least favourite, examples is cereal. I've seen pictures of the overall amount decreasing but the front of the box staying exactly the same size,' Chauhan said.


For example, a Weet-Bix value pack has gone from 1.5kg to 1.2kg–a 300g reduction for the iconic breakfast. Similarly, Froot Loops have gone from 500g to 460g while raising their price tag to $10. The item is currently on sale at Coles for only $7.50.

‘It feels unfair to package your stuff in a pretty empty box,’ Chauhan continued.

Ice cream giant Ben and Jerry's recently shrank the size of its pints. However, the brand released a statement to explain the changes. It read:

‘Maintaining top quality ice cream and values sourced ingredients comes with increasing costs. And so, we’ve made the difficult decision to make our tubs slightly smaller.’
The statement continued: ‘We wanted to be transparent with you because we care about you, our fans and our communities while making the best ice cream in the world.’

Even sweet treats have been impacted by the trend. Oreos, LCMs and Monte Carlos have all seen their filling seemingly halved since they were first introduced.

While Cadbury’s chocolate blocks went from 250g to 200g a couple of years ago and now weigh 180g.



It’s easy to be angry about companies reducing the sizes of groceries while keeping prices the same. But Neal believes the best way to tackle the issue of ‘shrinkflation’ is with transparency.


Strategies for Smart Shopping and Avoiding the Impact of Shrinkflation

Frustrated with retailers and manufacturers sneakily reducing the size of your favourite products while keeping the prices intact? There's a way to fight back. As a savvy shopper, there are several strategies you can adopt to outsmart ‘shrinkflation’.

First, take time to research products online and compare packaging sizes, weights, and prices at different outlets before deciding where to make your purchase.

Second, let the power of unit pricing work for you. This is the cost per unit of measure (like per gram or litre) that's displayed next to the selling price on supermarket shelves. It's designed to help you compare similar products and figure out which gives you the best value.


Third, consider alternative brands to your usual favourites. For instance, if you notice that your favourite bread has decreased in size but not in price, try a different brand. As manufacturers compete for your dollar, they might offer bigger sizes or better deals on their products.

Finally, try buying in bulk. Many Australians are turning to bulk-buy stores, where prices can be considerably cheaper for larger quantities. While it may not be an option for all your groceries, certain staples like canned food, pasta, and rice might be significantly cheaper when buying in bulk.

Remember, dear members, being informed is the best defence against ‘shrinkflation’. You can read more about it right here!

Key Takeaways

  • Australian shoppers are experiencing 'shrinkflation'–the practice of reducing the size of products while maintaining their prices.
  • Brands like Nescafé, Coke, Snickers, Oreos, Glad Wrap, and Smiths chips among others have reportedly reduced the quantity of their products in Australian supermarkets without a notice to customers.
  • Some products don't decrease the size of their packaging despite the decrease in the quantity, a practice considered deceptive as it tricks customers into believing that the quantity of the product has remained the same.
  • 'Shrinkflation' expert Neal Chauhan argues that transparency is the best way forward, suggesting that companies should openly communicate any changes in product quantity or quality to their customers.

Have you noticed ‘shrinkflation’ happening to your favourite products too? Let us know in the comments section below!
 
I dump as many as I can - Pringles, Helgas wraps, Oreos, even reduced my Toblerone intake! the problem is 90% of us whinge and keep buying.

Personally, I would rather just pay the extra as we always have, rather than being taken for fools by new packaging, new look and other marketing tactics.

The question I ask is how low can you go before something shrinks to nothing?
 
Do you feel like your grocery favourites are getting smaller and smaller? Perhaps there’s one less biscuit to reach for during your cuppa or that packet of chips doesn’t quite fill the bowl anymore…You may actually be a victim of ‘shrinkflation’!

Shrinkflation is when brands start reducing the size of their products but keep selling them for the same (or higher) price. It’s a practice that has been happening in Australia and around the world for years, and it’s getting worse.


We all know food prices are rising, and many have been asking if we're paying more for less. But this is a difficult question to answer, as prices and sizes can change often, and they are often hard to spot.

Neal Chauhan is a 'shrinkflation' expert who has kept his eyes open for supermarket trends, and he’s collected a shocking range of evidence.


View attachment 27393
Evidence of Shrinkflation from Chauhan. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Anyone who frequents Coles or Woolworths will be familiar with many of the products on the list, like Nescafé, Coke, Glad Wrap and Smiths chips.


Prices for these items have stayed the same, but now we’re getting far less for our money–and we’re not always being told about the changes.

Take Nescafé's Australian-roasted Blend 43, for example. The product was silently dropped from 300g to 250g in supermarkets, but it came with a sticker that tried to make the change look positive.

'The Nescafé example, it kind of blows my mind that they’d slap a shiny, “New Size” sticker on something when it's clearly smaller in every way,' says Neal. 'It's a disgrace.'


View attachment 27392
Nescafe put a ‘New Size’ sticker to make the change look positive. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Glad Wrap's bulk option has also been reduced by 25 per cent, with a 'value pack' going from 400m to 300m in length.

But in the case of cereal–brands like Weet-Bix and Kellogg’s are among the worst offenders when it comes to ‘shrinkflation’.

'One of my favourites, or I guess maybe least favourite, examples is cereal. I've seen pictures of the overall amount decreasing but the front of the box staying exactly the same size,' Chauhan said.


For example, a Weet-Bix value pack has gone from 1.5kg to 1.2kg–a 300g reduction for the iconic breakfast. Similarly, Froot Loops have gone from 500g to 460g while raising their price tag to $10. The item is currently on sale at Coles for only $7.50.

‘It feels unfair to package your stuff in a pretty empty box,’ Chauhan continued.

Ice cream giant Ben and Jerry's recently shrank the size of its pints. However, the brand released a statement to explain the changes. It read:

‘Maintaining top quality ice cream and values sourced ingredients comes with increasing costs. And so, we’ve made the difficult decision to make our tubs slightly smaller.’
The statement continued: ‘We wanted to be transparent with you because we care about you, our fans and our communities while making the best ice cream in the world.’

Even sweet treats have been impacted by the trend. Oreos, LCMs and Monte Carlos have all seen their filling seemingly halved since they were first introduced.

While Cadbury’s chocolate blocks went from 250g to 200g a couple of years ago and now weigh 180g.



It’s easy to be angry about companies reducing the sizes of groceries while keeping prices the same. But Neal believes the best way to tackle the issue of ‘shrinkflation’ is with transparency.


Strategies for Smart Shopping and Avoiding the Impact of Shrinkflation

Frustrated with retailers and manufacturers sneakily reducing the size of your favourite products while keeping the prices intact? There's a way to fight back. As a savvy shopper, there are several strategies you can adopt to outsmart ‘shrinkflation’.

First, take time to research products online and compare packaging sizes, weights, and prices at different outlets before deciding where to make your purchase.

Second, let the power of unit pricing work for you. This is the cost per unit of measure (like per gram or litre) that's displayed next to the selling price on supermarket shelves. It's designed to help you compare similar products and figure out which gives you the best value.


Third, consider alternative brands to your usual favourites. For instance, if you notice that your favourite bread has decreased in size but not in price, try a different brand. As manufacturers compete for your dollar, they might offer bigger sizes or better deals on their products.

Finally, try buying in bulk. Many Australians are turning to bulk-buy stores, where prices can be considerably cheaper for larger quantities. While it may not be an option for all your groceries, certain staples like canned food, pasta, and rice might be significantly cheaper when buying in bulk.

Remember, dear members, being informed is the best defence against ‘shrinkflation’. You can read more about it right here!

Key Takeaways

  • Australian shoppers are experiencing 'shrinkflation'–the practice of reducing the size of products while maintaining their prices.
  • Brands like Nescafé, Coke, Snickers, Oreos, Glad Wrap, and Smiths chips among others have reportedly reduced the quantity of their products in Australian supermarkets without a notice to customers.
  • Some products don't decrease the size of their packaging despite the decrease in the quantity, a practice considered deceptive as it tricks customers into believing that the quantity of the product has remained the same.
  • 'Shrinkflation' expert Neal Chauhan argues that transparency is the best way forward, suggesting that companies should openly communicate any changes in product quantity or quality to their customers.

Have you noticed ‘shrinkflation’ happening to your favourite products too? Let us know in the comments section below!

I think I put this up the other day but will again. Twinings teas 100 pack boxes are now 80!
 
Do you feel like your grocery favourites are getting smaller and smaller? Perhaps there’s one less biscuit to reach for during your cuppa or that packet of chips doesn’t quite fill the bowl anymore…You may actually be a victim of ‘shrinkflation’!

Shrinkflation is when brands start reducing the size of their products but keep selling them for the same (or higher) price. It’s a practice that has been happening in Australia and around the world for years, and it’s getting worse.


We all know food prices are rising, and many have been asking if we're paying more for less. But this is a difficult question to answer, as prices and sizes can change often, and they are often hard to spot.

Neal Chauhan is a 'shrinkflation' expert who has kept his eyes open for supermarket trends, and he’s collected a shocking range of evidence.


View attachment 27393
Evidence of Shrinkflation from Chauhan. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Anyone who frequents Coles or Woolworths will be familiar with many of the products on the list, like Nescafé, Coke, Glad Wrap and Smiths chips.


Prices for these items have stayed the same, but now we’re getting far less for our money–and we’re not always being told about the changes.

Take Nescafé's Australian-roasted Blend 43, for example. The product was silently dropped from 300g to 250g in supermarkets, but it came with a sticker that tried to make the change look positive.

'The Nescafé example, it kind of blows my mind that they’d slap a shiny, “New Size” sticker on something when it's clearly smaller in every way,' says Neal. 'It's a disgrace.'


View attachment 27392
Nescafe put a ‘New Size’ sticker to make the change look positive. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Glad Wrap's bulk option has also been reduced by 25 per cent, with a 'value pack' going from 400m to 300m in length.

But in the case of cereal–brands like Weet-Bix and Kellogg’s are among the worst offenders when it comes to ‘shrinkflation’.

'One of my favourites, or I guess maybe least favourite, examples is cereal. I've seen pictures of the overall amount decreasing but the front of the box staying exactly the same size,' Chauhan said.


For example, a Weet-Bix value pack has gone from 1.5kg to 1.2kg–a 300g reduction for the iconic breakfast. Similarly, Froot Loops have gone from 500g to 460g while raising their price tag to $10. The item is currently on sale at Coles for only $7.50.

‘It feels unfair to package your stuff in a pretty empty box,’ Chauhan continued.

Ice cream giant Ben and Jerry's recently shrank the size of its pints. However, the brand released a statement to explain the changes. It read:

‘Maintaining top quality ice cream and values sourced ingredients comes with increasing costs. And so, we’ve made the difficult decision to make our tubs slightly smaller.’
The statement continued: ‘We wanted to be transparent with you because we care about you, our fans and our communities while making the best ice cream in the world.’

Even sweet treats have been impacted by the trend. Oreos, LCMs and Monte Carlos have all seen their filling seemingly halved since they were first introduced.

While Cadbury’s chocolate blocks went from 250g to 200g a couple of years ago and now weigh 180g.



It’s easy to be angry about companies reducing the sizes of groceries while keeping prices the same. But Neal believes the best way to tackle the issue of ‘shrinkflation’ is with transparency.


Strategies for Smart Shopping and Avoiding the Impact of Shrinkflation

Frustrated with retailers and manufacturers sneakily reducing the size of your favourite products while keeping the prices intact? There's a way to fight back. As a savvy shopper, there are several strategies you can adopt to outsmart ‘shrinkflation’.

First, take time to research products online and compare packaging sizes, weights, and prices at different outlets before deciding where to make your purchase.

Second, let the power of unit pricing work for you. This is the cost per unit of measure (like per gram or litre) that's displayed next to the selling price on supermarket shelves. It's designed to help you compare similar products and figure out which gives you the best value.


Third, consider alternative brands to your usual favourites. For instance, if you notice that your favourite bread has decreased in size but not in price, try a different brand. As manufacturers compete for your dollar, they might offer bigger sizes or better deals on their products.

Finally, try buying in bulk. Many Australians are turning to bulk-buy stores, where prices can be considerably cheaper for larger quantities. While it may not be an option for all your groceries, certain staples like canned food, pasta, and rice might be significantly cheaper when buying in bulk.

Remember, dear members, being informed is the best defence against ‘shrinkflation’. You can read more about it right here!

Key Takeaways

  • Australian shoppers are experiencing 'shrinkflation'–the practice of reducing the size of products while maintaining their prices.
  • Brands like Nescafé, Coke, Snickers, Oreos, Glad Wrap, and Smiths chips among others have reportedly reduced the quantity of their products in Australian supermarkets without a notice to customers.
  • Some products don't decrease the size of their packaging despite the decrease in the quantity, a practice considered deceptive as it tricks customers into believing that the quantity of the product has remained the same.
  • 'Shrinkflation' expert Neal Chauhan argues that transparency is the best way forward, suggesting that companies should openly communicate any changes in product quantity or quality to their customers.

Have you noticed ‘shrinkflation’ happening to your favourite products too? Let us know in the comments section below!

This has been happening for many years. As the house hold shopper and a older woman this has going on since I started shopping for a family. Probably will continue....
 
Do you feel like your grocery favourites are getting smaller and smaller? Perhaps there’s one less biscuit to reach for during your cuppa or that packet of chips doesn’t quite fill the bowl anymore…You may actually be a victim of ‘shrinkflation’!

Shrinkflation is when brands start reducing the size of their products but keep selling them for the same (or higher) price. It’s a practice that has been happening in Australia and around the world for years, and it’s getting worse.


We all know food prices are rising, and many have been asking if we're paying more for less. But this is a difficult question to answer, as prices and sizes can change often, and they are often hard to spot.

Neal Chauhan is a 'shrinkflation' expert who has kept his eyes open for supermarket trends, and he’s collected a shocking range of evidence.


View attachment 27393
Evidence of Shrinkflation from Chauhan. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Anyone who frequents Coles or Woolworths will be familiar with many of the products on the list, like Nescafé, Coke, Glad Wrap and Smiths chips.


Prices for these items have stayed the same, but now we’re getting far less for our money–and we’re not always being told about the changes.

Take Nescafé's Australian-roasted Blend 43, for example. The product was silently dropped from 300g to 250g in supermarkets, but it came with a sticker that tried to make the change look positive.

'The Nescafé example, it kind of blows my mind that they’d slap a shiny, “New Size” sticker on something when it's clearly smaller in every way,' says Neal. 'It's a disgrace.'


View attachment 27392
Nescafe put a ‘New Size’ sticker to make the change look positive. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Glad Wrap's bulk option has also been reduced by 25 per cent, with a 'value pack' going from 400m to 300m in length.

But in the case of cereal–brands like Weet-Bix and Kellogg’s are among the worst offenders when it comes to ‘shrinkflation’.

'One of my favourites, or I guess maybe least favourite, examples is cereal. I've seen pictures of the overall amount decreasing but the front of the box staying exactly the same size,' Chauhan said.


For example, a Weet-Bix value pack has gone from 1.5kg to 1.2kg–a 300g reduction for the iconic breakfast. Similarly, Froot Loops have gone from 500g to 460g while raising their price tag to $10. The item is currently on sale at Coles for only $7.50.

‘It feels unfair to package your stuff in a pretty empty box,’ Chauhan continued.

Ice cream giant Ben and Jerry's recently shrank the size of its pints. However, the brand released a statement to explain the changes. It read:

‘Maintaining top quality ice cream and values sourced ingredients comes with increasing costs. And so, we’ve made the difficult decision to make our tubs slightly smaller.’
The statement continued: ‘We wanted to be transparent with you because we care about you, our fans and our communities while making the best ice cream in the world.’

Even sweet treats have been impacted by the trend. Oreos, LCMs and Monte Carlos have all seen their filling seemingly halved since they were first introduced.

While Cadbury’s chocolate blocks went from 250g to 200g a couple of years ago and now weigh 180g.



It’s easy to be angry about companies reducing the sizes of groceries while keeping prices the same. But Neal believes the best way to tackle the issue of ‘shrinkflation’ is with transparency.


Strategies for Smart Shopping and Avoiding the Impact of Shrinkflation

Frustrated with retailers and manufacturers sneakily reducing the size of your favourite products while keeping the prices intact? There's a way to fight back. As a savvy shopper, there are several strategies you can adopt to outsmart ‘shrinkflation’.

First, take time to research products online and compare packaging sizes, weights, and prices at different outlets before deciding where to make your purchase.

Second, let the power of unit pricing work for you. This is the cost per unit of measure (like per gram or litre) that's displayed next to the selling price on supermarket shelves. It's designed to help you compare similar products and figure out which gives you the best value.


Third, consider alternative brands to your usual favourites. For instance, if you notice that your favourite bread has decreased in size but not in price, try a different brand. As manufacturers compete for your dollar, they might offer bigger sizes or better deals on their products.

Finally, try buying in bulk. Many Australians are turning to bulk-buy stores, where prices can be considerably cheaper for larger quantities. While it may not be an option for all your groceries, certain staples like canned food, pasta, and rice might be significantly cheaper when buying in bulk.

Remember, dear members, being informed is the best defence against ‘shrinkflation’. You can read more about it right here!

Key Takeaways

  • Australian shoppers are experiencing 'shrinkflation'–the practice of reducing the size of products while maintaining their prices.
  • Brands like Nescafé, Coke, Snickers, Oreos, Glad Wrap, and Smiths chips among others have reportedly reduced the quantity of their products in Australian supermarkets without a notice to customers.
  • Some products don't decrease the size of their packaging despite the decrease in the quantity, a practice considered deceptive as it tricks customers into believing that the quantity of the product has remained the same.
  • 'Shrinkflation' expert Neal Chauhan argues that transparency is the best way forward, suggesting that companies should openly communicate any changes in product quantity or quality to their customers.

Have you noticed ‘shrinkflation’ happening to your favourite products too? Let us know in the comments section below!

Sizes going down as prices go up! Rose's 375ml jam, now replacing the 500ml jam....at the same price. To add insult to injury, Woolies shows the smaller size as being REDUCED. Seriously!
 
Last edited:
They've brn doing it for a long, long time. Can't believe it's taken this long for people to wake up.

It's precisely why the supermarkets posted obscene profits. Reduce the size of everything and up the price. Result? We're being ripped off and it should be illegal because technically the supermarkets are running a cartel!
 
Do you feel like your grocery favourites are getting smaller and smaller? Perhaps there’s one less biscuit to reach for during your cuppa or that packet of chips doesn’t quite fill the bowl anymore…You may actually be a victim of ‘shrinkflation’!

Shrinkflation is when brands start reducing the size of their products but keep selling them for the same (or higher) price. It’s a practice that has been happening in Australia and around the world for years, and it’s getting worse.


We all know food prices are rising, and many have been asking if we're paying more for less. But this is a difficult question to answer, as prices and sizes can change often, and they are often hard to spot.

Neal Chauhan is a 'shrinkflation' expert who has kept his eyes open for supermarket trends, and he’s collected a shocking range of evidence.


View attachment 27393
Evidence of Shrinkflation from Chauhan. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Anyone who frequents Coles or Woolworths will be familiar with many of the products on the list, like Nescafé, Coke, Glad Wrap and Smiths chips.


Prices for these items have stayed the same, but now we’re getting far less for our money–and we’re not always being told about the changes.

Take Nescafé's Australian-roasted Blend 43, for example. The product was silently dropped from 300g to 250g in supermarkets, but it came with a sticker that tried to make the change look positive.

'The Nescafé example, it kind of blows my mind that they’d slap a shiny, “New Size” sticker on something when it's clearly smaller in every way,' says Neal. 'It's a disgrace.'


View attachment 27392
Nescafe put a ‘New Size’ sticker to make the change look positive. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Glad Wrap's bulk option has also been reduced by 25 per cent, with a 'value pack' going from 400m to 300m in length.

But in the case of cereal–brands like Weet-Bix and Kellogg’s are among the worst offenders when it comes to ‘shrinkflation’.

'One of my favourites, or I guess maybe least favourite, examples is cereal. I've seen pictures of the overall amount decreasing but the front of the box staying exactly the same size,' Chauhan said.


For example, a Weet-Bix value pack has gone from 1.5kg to 1.2kg–a 300g reduction for the iconic breakfast. Similarly, Froot Loops have gone from 500g to 460g while raising their price tag to $10. The item is currently on sale at Coles for only $7.50.

‘It feels unfair to package your stuff in a pretty empty box,’ Chauhan continued.

Ice cream giant Ben and Jerry's recently shrank the size of its pints. However, the brand released a statement to explain the changes. It read:

‘Maintaining top quality ice cream and values sourced ingredients comes with increasing costs. And so, we’ve made the difficult decision to make our tubs slightly smaller.’
The statement continued: ‘We wanted to be transparent with you because we care about you, our fans and our communities while making the best ice cream in the world.’

Even sweet treats have been impacted by the trend. Oreos, LCMs and Monte Carlos have all seen their filling seemingly halved since they were first introduced.

While Cadbury’s chocolate blocks went from 250g to 200g a couple of years ago and now weigh 180g.



It’s easy to be angry about companies reducing the sizes of groceries while keeping prices the same. But Neal believes the best way to tackle the issue of ‘shrinkflation’ is with transparency.


Strategies for Smart Shopping and Avoiding the Impact of Shrinkflation

Frustrated with retailers and manufacturers sneakily reducing the size of your favourite products while keeping the prices intact? There's a way to fight back. As a savvy shopper, there are several strategies you can adopt to outsmart ‘shrinkflation’.

First, take time to research products online and compare packaging sizes, weights, and prices at different outlets before deciding where to make your purchase.

Second, let the power of unit pricing work for you. This is the cost per unit of measure (like per gram or litre) that's displayed next to the selling price on supermarket shelves. It's designed to help you compare similar products and figure out which gives you the best value.


Third, consider alternative brands to your usual favourites. For instance, if you notice that your favourite bread has decreased in size but not in price, try a different brand. As manufacturers compete for your dollar, they might offer bigger sizes or better deals on their products.

Finally, try buying in bulk. Many Australians are turning to bulk-buy stores, where prices can be considerably cheaper for larger quantities. While it may not be an option for all your groceries, certain staples like canned food, pasta, and rice might be significantly cheaper when buying in bulk.

Remember, dear members, being informed is the best defence against ‘shrinkflation’. You can read more about it right here!

Key Takeaways

  • Australian shoppers are experiencing 'shrinkflation'–the practice of reducing the size of products while maintaining their prices.
  • Brands like Nescafé, Coke, Snickers, Oreos, Glad Wrap, and Smiths chips among others have reportedly reduced the quantity of their products in Australian supermarkets without a notice to customers.
  • Some products don't decrease the size of their packaging despite the decrease in the quantity, a practice considered deceptive as it tricks customers into believing that the quantity of the product has remained the same.
  • 'Shrinkflation' expert Neal Chauhan argues that transparency is the best way forward, suggesting that companies should openly communicate any changes in product quantity or quality to their customers.

Have you noticed ‘shrinkflation’ happening to your favourite products too? Let us know in the comments section below!

Sometimes you will find the size of the packaging has not changed but the contents are much less than previously.
 
It's blatant theft cereal well I used to buy Kellogg's all the time ,then I tried Aldi's Cornflakes bigger box and more in it and guess what tastes good (made in Germany)their equivalent to Co Co Pops tastes the same and more per box 😋and Weetbix bigger box than Sanitarium's and cheaper price and made in Australia 🇦🇺 probably from the same factory 🏭 people shop around and look at different things that the same as the big brands that are ripping you off it's your money 💰 spend it wisely and don't get sucked in by big brands and supermarket spin
If you live in a small town you don't have much choice of where you get your groceries.
 
Iam going back to making my own biscuits. Thankfully hubby and I both like Anzac biscuits with a cuppa and I can make them very cheaply and get more than you do in a packet these days.
 
It isn' t the supermarkets that are causing "shrinkflation" but the manufacturers of the food products!
That’s right but the supermarkets aren’t putting the prices down when this happens, they are putting the prices up for much smaller products. So it is the supermarkets who are ripping us off.
 
Do you feel like your grocery favourites are getting smaller and smaller? Perhaps there’s one less biscuit to reach for during your cuppa or that packet of chips doesn’t quite fill the bowl anymore…You may actually be a victim of ‘shrinkflation’!

Shrinkflation is when brands start reducing the size of their products but keep selling them for the same (or higher) price. It’s a practice that has been happening in Australia and around the world for years, and it’s getting worse.


We all know food prices are rising, and many have been asking if we're paying more for less. But this is a difficult question to answer, as prices and sizes can change often, and they are often hard to spot.

Neal Chauhan is a 'shrinkflation' expert who has kept his eyes open for supermarket trends, and he’s collected a shocking range of evidence.


View attachment 27393
Evidence of Shrinkflation from Chauhan. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Anyone who frequents Coles or Woolworths will be familiar with many of the products on the list, like Nescafé, Coke, Glad Wrap and Smiths chips.


Prices for these items have stayed the same, but now we’re getting far less for our money–and we’re not always being told about the changes.

Take Nescafé's Australian-roasted Blend 43, for example. The product was silently dropped from 300g to 250g in supermarkets, but it came with a sticker that tried to make the change look positive.

'The Nescafé example, it kind of blows my mind that they’d slap a shiny, “New Size” sticker on something when it's clearly smaller in every way,' says Neal. 'It's a disgrace.'


View attachment 27392
Nescafe put a ‘New Size’ sticker to make the change look positive. Image source: TikTok/Neal Chauhan.


Glad Wrap's bulk option has also been reduced by 25 per cent, with a 'value pack' going from 400m to 300m in length.

But in the case of cereal–brands like Weet-Bix and Kellogg’s are among the worst offenders when it comes to ‘shrinkflation’.

'One of my favourites, or I guess maybe least favourite, examples is cereal. I've seen pictures of the overall amount decreasing but the front of the box staying exactly the same size,' Chauhan said.


For example, a Weet-Bix value pack has gone from 1.5kg to 1.2kg–a 300g reduction for the iconic breakfast. Similarly, Froot Loops have gone from 500g to 460g while raising their price tag to $10. The item is currently on sale at Coles for only $7.50.

‘It feels unfair to package your stuff in a pretty empty box,’ Chauhan continued.

Ice cream giant Ben and Jerry's recently shrank the size of its pints. However, the brand released a statement to explain the changes. It read:

‘Maintaining top quality ice cream and values sourced ingredients comes with increasing costs. And so, we’ve made the difficult decision to make our tubs slightly smaller.’
The statement continued: ‘We wanted to be transparent with you because we care about you, our fans and our communities while making the best ice cream in the world.’

Even sweet treats have been impacted by the trend. Oreos, LCMs and Monte Carlos have all seen their filling seemingly halved since they were first introduced.

While Cadbury’s chocolate blocks went from 250g to 200g a couple of years ago and now weigh 180g.



It’s easy to be angry about companies reducing the sizes of groceries while keeping prices the same. But Neal believes the best way to tackle the issue of ‘shrinkflation’ is with transparency.


Strategies for Smart Shopping and Avoiding the Impact of Shrinkflation

Frustrated with retailers and manufacturers sneakily reducing the size of your favourite products while keeping the prices intact? There's a way to fight back. As a savvy shopper, there are several strategies you can adopt to outsmart ‘shrinkflation’.

First, take time to research products online and compare packaging sizes, weights, and prices at different outlets before deciding where to make your purchase.

Second, let the power of unit pricing work for you. This is the cost per unit of measure (like per gram or litre) that's displayed next to the selling price on supermarket shelves. It's designed to help you compare similar products and figure out which gives you the best value.


Third, consider alternative brands to your usual favourites. For instance, if you notice that your favourite bread has decreased in size but not in price, try a different brand. As manufacturers compete for your dollar, they might offer bigger sizes or better deals on their products.

Finally, try buying in bulk. Many Australians are turning to bulk-buy stores, where prices can be considerably cheaper for larger quantities. While it may not be an option for all your groceries, certain staples like canned food, pasta, and rice might be significantly cheaper when buying in bulk.

Remember, dear members, being informed is the best defence against ‘shrinkflation’. You can read more about it right here!

Key Takeaways

  • Australian shoppers are experiencing 'shrinkflation'–the practice of reducing the size of products while maintaining their prices.
  • Brands like Nescafé, Coke, Snickers, Oreos, Glad Wrap, and Smiths chips among others have reportedly reduced the quantity of their products in Australian supermarkets without a notice to customers.
  • Some products don't decrease the size of their packaging despite the decrease in the quantity, a practice considered deceptive as it tricks customers into believing that the quantity of the product has remained the same.
  • 'Shrinkflation' expert Neal Chauhan argues that transparency is the best way forward, suggesting that companies should openly communicate any changes in product quantity or quality to their customers.

Have you noticed ‘shrinkflation’ happening to your favourite products too? Let us know in the comments section below!

With the current rip off attitudes os suppliers nowadays, the old saw about biting off more than you could chew is no longer a metaphorical jest, but more a reality under the current climes?.
 

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