We're all used to seeing prices go up over time. But lately, it seems like the size of products is shrinking too - a phenomenon known as "shrinkflation."

Take laundry capsules, for example. One shopper recently took to Facebook to complain that the capsules — which allegedly were a “new and improved formula” of the product — that she'd purchased from her local supermarket had noticeably shrunk.

The customer, from Dapto, New South Wales, said that she was frustrated after opening up a pack of Omo 3-in-1 Laundry Capsules, discovering that the capsules have shrunk in size.

The woman wrote: "Just refilled my washing capsules and noticed the new ones were about 25% smaller and less filled."

"Very frustrating when the price goes up but the product gets smaller."

The shopper also shared a couple of photographs of the "disappointing" item.

The laundry tablets were allegedly smaller than their original size. Credit: Facebook/Cleaning and Organising Inspiration Australia.​

And she's not the only one - many people are reporting that they're seeing shrinkflation across a range of products, from food to cleaning supplies.

One person wrote: "It is happening across all ranges."

"Noticed that with the crumpets getting smaller they think we don't notice," another added.

One user angrily accused the manufacturers of tricking consumers, saying: "It’s a common attempt to fool consumers, remove 15% of content, charge 20% more."

"Honestly I feel like manufacturers think consumers are d**b! I have noticed recently that a lot of packaging is changing it’s the manufacturers way of trying to fool consumers in to not noticing that net weight has gone down."

Another exclaimed: "Complain people! If we all just 'take it', they get away with it!"

"Ring the makers and tell them you're not happy with the deceit and you'll change brands if they don't go back to normal."

Shoppers claimed that “shrinkflation” was observed in a range of essential products. Credit: SHRM.​

Speaking of using other brands, customers shared that other manufacturers were pulling the same "trick" with their products.

One mum wrote: "Drynites did the same thing this week. Came out labelled “new” on the shelf. They are actually exactly the same but you get one less in the packet now."

However, not everyone is convinced that the product has shrunk, suggesting that the shopper should weigh the product.

One woman asked: "Whats the weight difference between them?"

"Did you weigh them?" another said.

A third chimed in: "I’d legit do a weight test."

"Did they say the smaller one is a ”new and improved” formula? Genuinely curious," she added.

The shopper claimed that she actually weighed the capsules and revealed that they got lighter, writing: "The new capsules are 7g lighter (28g down to 21g)."

Others suggested alternatives for the capsules, claiming that they get their laundry needs at a cheaper price from other retailers.

One person said: "I normally get mine from Big W."

"Aldi dishwashing powder, so cheap and just as good," another suggested.

How about you? Have you encountered similar laundry products that have noticeably shrunk in size? Better yet, do you know other tips for scoring a good deal on laundry items?

 

[Ricci]

I am slowly working my way through a box of 12.7kg Laundry Powder from Costco. So far it's taken me 3 years and there's still plenty left. I won't be buying any new stuff for the foreseeable future!!

 

[barbaranne]

Unfortunately we have been complaining about shrinking packaging without lower pricing, or worse, increased pricing, for years, and nothing has happened.

Just keep a close eye on the unit pricing, and make your choices accordingly..

 

[Jennylolo]

over the years- biscuits have also reduced by one at a time

 

[Zoya]

And bars of chocolates too.

 

[terri]

And dont get me started on toilet paper.

 

[LH2022]

'Shrinkflation' is rampant and has been for many years. You name it and that product has shrunk. Absolutely EVERYTHING packaged has obviously shrunk. Huge cardboard rolls in the toilet paper and the most expensive brands really loosely roll the paper on. (Hint: go for cheaper as there's more on them.) Cereal boxes that are less than half full. Yogurt that was always 1kg in smaller pkgs. Huge world class family blocks of chocolate that are piddly little ones that are no way family size. TimTams that use to have 12, now have 9 in the same size pkg. The snack size chocolate bars are one bite now when they use to be three. I use to buy large quantities (10-20 pkgs) of Mersey Valley cheese and freeze it. Then it shrunk. Obvious shrinkage. It's very expensive and, well, I haven't bought it since. It's the principle of the thing to me. If companies treat consumers like idiots, assuming we won't notice their shonky deceptive tactics...then they lose my business. I'm sure I'm not the only one to remove some companies from my buy list. The very least they could do is be upfront about it all. But most hide behind manipulative and sneaky packaging. Come on...customers are very savvy and are on to the culprits.

The smaller sizes of treat foods doesn't affect my wallet any more because I no longer eat that stuff anyways.