Shrinkflation is affecting a lot of our groceries, but why isn’t everything taking a hit? A new report looking into Canadian grocery stores found that 20% of products have gotten smaller over the past five years. Some items have even shrunk by as much as 25%. Rachel Lee, the lead researcher on the report, told Peak Money that shrinkflation tends to hit things in boxes or packages more often. Manufacturers can shrink those items without us catching on right away. “They’re really sneaky about it,” Lee said. The worst offenders for shrinkflation, according to the report, were fruit sauce pouches, frozen chicken bites, and chocolate biscuits (RIP children’s lunch boxes). But other products that aren’t in boxes, like bread or drinks, are harder to shrink without consumers noticing, Lee said. So, manufacturers think twice about messing with those items, which explains why they have been holding steady in size. Before you hit the grocery store, here's a tip: Check your favorite products' sizes. Compare what you've got at home with what's on the shelves. If you spot shrinkage, maybe try other brands that haven't downsized yet.
