Shrinkflation Impact Analysis: Unveiling the Hidden Effects on Consumers and Markets

Introduction: The Subtle Onset of Shrinkflation Impact Analysis

Remember the days when a bag of your favorite potato chips weighed 10.25 ounces, overflowing with crunchy goodness? Or how about the iconic Toblerone bar, a hefty 200 grams of pure chocolate delight? Sadly, those days are fading fast, swallowed by the insidious tide of shrinkflation.

Shrinkflation, often disguised under euphemisms like “package downsizing” or the whimsical “grocery shrink ray,” is a stealthy practice where the quantity or size of a product shrinks, while its price remains stagnant or even climbs. This phenomenon is far from benign. It represents a silent but potent force eroding consumer purchasing power and trust.

Imagine reaching for your trusty box of Betty Crocker cake mix, only to find it feels curiously lighter than usual. Or worse, you discover the once generous family-sized chips are now a measly 9.25 ounces, barely enough to satisfy a single movie night. These are just a few examples of how shrinkflation is quietly infiltrating our everyday lives.

This deceptive tactic, though not new, has gained prominence in recent times, driven by economic shifts and heightened market pressures. A study by Edge by Ascential revealed that 70% of consumer packaged goods companies implemented shrinkflation in 2022 alone. This widespread adoption reflects a significant shift in corporate strategies, one that affects not only our wallets but also our overall perception of value.

Defining Shrinkflation and Its Psychological Impact

Shrinkflation deviates from the traditional concept of inflation, which denotes a general rise in prices. Instead, it focuses on the stealthy reduction in the quantity or size of goods. By maintaining a consistent price point, companies aim to fly under the radar of consumer perception, betting on the likelihood that consumers are more price-sensitive than quantity-aware.

This strategy plays into a psychological blind spot: while a price hike is immediately noticeable and often met with resistance, a decrease in quantity is less apparent and more likely to be overlooked. However, when consumers do notice, the repercussions can be profound.

Discovering that a product has been downsized can evoke feelings of deceit and betrayal. This realization not only impacts their view of the specific product but can also lead to a broader mistrust in brands and the market at large. Shrinkflation, therefore, isn’t just an economic ploy; it’s a psychological game that challenges consumer perceptions of fairness and value.

A study by YouGov found that nearly three quarters of American consumers are concerned about shrinkflation, with 41% very concerned and 32% fairly concerned. This highlights the growing awareness and negative perception of this practice.

This strategy’s subtlety is its strength, but also its danger. By eroding the perceived value of products and chipping away at consumer trust, brands engaging in shrinkflation risk long-term damage to their reputation. As consumers become more aware and vocal about these practices, the backlash can extend beyond individual preferences to broader consumer advocacy and demands for transparency and fairness in the marketplace.

By understanding the definition and psychological impact of shrinkflation, we become better equipped to identify these deceptive practices and demand better from the companies we support.

A Historical Peek: Shrinkflation Through the Ages

Shrinkflation may feel like a modern-day annoyance, but its roots run surprisingly deep. Imagine ancient Egyptians, facing fluctuating grain supplies, slyly adjusting bread loaf sizes to keep their bakeries afloat. This clever solution, born centuries ago, highlights a timeless economic strategy: managing product size to navigate the ever-changing tides of the market.

Throughout history, economic turmoil has often served as a catalyst for shrinkflation. During the 1970s oil crisis, for instance, businesses squeezed product sizes to offset soaring costs amidst a global recession. Similarly, the early 2000s, reeling from the dot-com bubble burst, witnessed a resurgence of shrinkflation as companies sought to stay afloat. These historical episodes demonstrate that shrinkflation is not a new phenomenon, but rather a recurrent tactic employed by businesses to weather economic storms.

However, the recent surge of shrinkflation is fueled by a unique cocktail of factors:

• Rising Production Costs: Raw materials, labor, and transportation all come with price tags that keep climbing. To maintain profitability, companies increasingly turn to shrinkflation, offering the same product with a slightly smaller footprint, all at a seemingly unchanged price.
• The Competitive Conundrum: In today’s fiercely competitive marketplace, businesses are constantly vying for a larger slice of the pie. Shrinkflation becomes a cunning weapon in this battle, allowing companies to offer a lower price point without compromising perceived quality, thus attracting cost-conscious consumers.
• The Convenience Craving Consumer: Modern consumers, with their insatiable desire for instant gratification and value, often prioritize price and convenience. This prioritization, however unintentional, makes them more susceptible to the subtle charms of shrinkflation.

The Shrinkflation Switcheroo: From Cake Mix to Candy Bars

Shrinkflation has stealthily infiltrated a diverse range of industries, from the kitchens we cook in to the shelves we shop from. Let’s take a closer look at some of its sneaky appearances:

• Betty Crocker Cake Mix: This beloved baking staple has shrunk from its original 18.25 ounces to a mere 14.25 ounces. This seemingly minor decrease translates to fewer cakes and a subtle change in taste and texture,leaving bakers feeling shortchanged.
• Family-Size Potato Chips: Gone are the days of 10.25-ounce chip bags. Now, unsuspecting consumers find themselves with a mere 9.25 ounces, seemingly less bang for their buck.
• Yogurt Containers: The once-standard 8-ounce yogurt containers have shrunk to 6 ounces, forcing consumers to buy more to satisfy their dairy cravings, unknowingly increasing their spending.
• Candy Bars: The iconic Toblerone bar serves as a prime example of shrinkflation. While the familiar triangular shape remains unchanged, the chocolatey goodness has dwindled from 200 grams to 170 grams, leaving chocolate lovers feeling cheated.

These are just a few examples of how shrinkflation has subtly infiltrated our daily lives. By receiving less for the same price, consumers are unknowingly left feeling misled and frustrated, questioning the value and integrity of the brands they once trusted. This growing awareness has sparked a movement, with consumers becoming increasingly vocal about their experiences with shrinkflation and demanding transparency from businesses.

Motivations for Shrinkflation: Unpacking the Corporate Strategy

Shrinkflation isn’t just a passive reaction to economic fluctuations; it’s a carefully calculated strategy employed by corporations for various reasons. Let’s delve into the key motivations behind this tactic:

Maintaining Price Points:

Price sensitivity is a major concern for businesses. They understand that outright price hikes can trigger consumer backlash and erode brand loyalty. By keeping prices constant while reducing product size, companies attempt to maintain a veneer of value and affordability. This strategy hopes to fly under the consumer radar, preserving sales volume and customer retention.

Reducing Production Costs:

A smaller product size translates to less material, less labor, and ultimately, lower production costs. This form of cost optimization appeals to companies as it allows them to sustain profit margins without making a visible change in price, thus seemingly offering unchanged value to the consumer.

Boosting Profits Subtly:

In a move that’s as strategic as it is subtle, companies leverage shrinkflation to subtly pad their bottom lines. By reducing the product size but not the price, they can increase profits without incurring significant additional production costs, maintaining a competitive edge in the market.

Corporate Justifications:

Companies often defend their shrinkflation tactics by citing external economic pressures: rising costs of raw materials, transportation challenges, and supply chain disruptions. They argue that downsizing products is a necessary evil to balance the books, preserve jobs, and prevent factory closures.

However, the line between legitimate economic pressures and profit-driven tactics can be blurry. While some cases of shrinkflation may be justified by genuine market challenges, others might be more about boosting profits under the guise of necessity. It’s crucial for consumers to remain vigilant, questioning the real motives behind these changes and protecting their purchasing power.

Corporate Greed vs. Legitimate Economic Factors

Shrinkflation exists in a complex web of corporate decisions, where greed and genuine economic pressures intertwine. While corporate profit motives are undeniable, several legitimate factors also contribute to this phenomenon:

Rising Costs of Raw Materials:

The global market has seen a steady rise in the cost of raw materials, impacting everything from agriculture to industry. This upward trend creates immense pressure on companies to devise strategies to absorb these costs, with shrinkflation emerging as a viable option.

Transportation and Supply Chain Challenges:

Recent years have highlighted the vulnerabilities of global supply chains. Disruptions, logistical bottlenecks, and soaring transportation costs have a cascading effect on production expenses. In this context, shrinkflation can be a tactic to manage these additional costs and keep products ostensibly affordable.

Navigating the Global Economic Landscape:

Economic downturns, coupled with geopolitical uncertainties, create a precarious environment for businesses. Shrinkflation, in some cases, is positioned as a necessary adaptation to ensure a company’s survival and safeguard employment in challenging economic times.

Understanding the multifaceted nature of shrinkflation is crucial. It’s a practice that operates at the intersection of corporate strategy and economic necessity. While it’s important to recognize the legitimate challenges businesses face, it’s equally vital for consumers to stay informed and demand transparency and fairness in market practices.

The Far-Reaching Impact of Shrinkflation

Don’t be fooled by the seemingly harmless reduction in a potato chip bag or a cereal box. Shrinkflation, the sneaky practice of reducing product sizes while keeping prices constant, has a far-reaching impact that goes beyond individual wallets. It subtly erodes trust, distorts market dynamics, and even affects the way we perceive value.

Erosion of Trust and Brand Loyalty:

The discovery that a once-familiar product now contains less can feel like a betrayal. This erosion of trust can quickly spread across a brand’s entire range, prompting consumers to seek alternatives or even boycott the company altogether. Imagine your favorite ice cream brand suddenly shrinking its tubs – the disappointment and disillusionment can be significant.

Skewed Perception of Value:

The constant vigilance required to spot shrinkflation leads to a warped sense of value. Consumers become wary of advertised prices and start scrutinizing the fine print, comparing unit prices and questioning whether they’re getting a fair deal. This skepticism can breed a reluctance to spend, impacting overall consumer confidence and creating a sense of fatigue and powerlessness.

Impact on Budgeting and Purchasing Power:

For budget-conscious consumers, the consequences of shrinkflation can be particularly harsh. The subtle reduction in product size can quickly eat into their purchasing power, forcing them to make difficult choices. Imagine relying on a specific brand of pasta to feed your family and suddenly discovering that you need to buy an additional box to get the same amount. This can be a significant burden on those who can least afford it.

Distortion of Market Competition:

Shrinkflation creates an uneven playing field for businesses. Companies that resist the urge to shrink their products may find themselves at a competitive disadvantage, leading to a homogenization of product sizes and a decline in innovation. Imagine a market flooded with identical-sized snacks, all offering the same experience – consumers lose out on the excitement of trying new things and companies lose the incentive to push boundaries.

 Strategies to Combat Shrinkflation: A Dual Approach

Addressing the challenges of shrinkflation requires a collaborative effort from both consumers and businesses. Here are some powerful strategies we can all adopt:

Consumer Strategies:

• Become Informed: Knowledge is power! Educate yourself about shrinkflation tactics, learn to identify them, and understand how they impact your purchasing power.
• Be a Watchdog: Read labels carefully, compare unit prices, and utilize online resources to track product size changes. Sharing your findings with others can raise awareness and encourage collective action.
• Speak Up: Let your voice be heard! Contact companies directly to express your concerns about shrinkflation and participate in online forums and consumer advocacy groups to amplify your message.
• Support Transparent Brands: Choose to support companies that are upfront about their pricing practices and committed to offering fair value. This sends a powerful message to the industry that consumers value honesty and transparency.

Business Strategies:

• Embrace Transparency: Build trust with your customers by clearly communicating any changes in product sizes and prices. Be honest and upfront about the reasons behind these changes and demonstrate a commitment to fair dealing.
• Invest in Innovation: Don’t succumb to the temptation of shrinkflation as a quick fix. Instead, focus on developing unique value propositions and offering innovative products that stand out in the market.
• Embrace Sustainability: Implementing sustainable practices can help reduce production costs and minimize the need for shrinkflation as a cost-saving measure. This demonstrates a commitment to both environmental responsibility and ethical business practices.
• Engage with Consumers: Build an open and honest dialogue with your customers. Address their concerns, listen to their feedback, and adapt your practices based on their needs. This fosters trust and loyalty, leading to long-term success.

By working together, consumers and businesses can create a marketplace that values fairness, transparency, and resistance to the deceptive practice of shrinkflation. Let’s empower ourselves to make informed choices, demand better practices, and support brands that share our values.

The Rise of Consumer Advocacy: A Force for Change

In response to shrinkflation, a formidable wave of consumer advocacy has surged, relentlessly challenging these covert practices with a demand for fairness and accountability. This movement, fueled by a potent blend of frustration and a yearning for justice, is dramatically reshaping the consumer-business dialogue.

Online Mobilization: Digital platforms have transformed into potent hubs for consumer mobilization. Social media and online forums are brimming with vibrant discussions on shrinkflation, where consumers actively share their experiences, expose deceptive practices, and even launch targeted campaigns against offending brands. This digital activism fosters a strong sense of community and collective strength, enabling consumers to unite in their call for transparency and fair treatment.

Boycotts and Public Campaigns: The power of the collective wallet has become increasingly evident as consumers strategically leverage boycotts to signal their displeasure and exact change. These organized efforts to withhold patronage from offending brands serve as a direct and impactful response to shrinkflation. Additionally, public campaigns, often amplified through the reach and virality of social media, are effectively raising awareness and pressuring businesses to abandon shrinkflation tactics.

Legislative Advocacy: The burgeoning consumer outcry has not gone unnoticed by policymakers. Governments, recognizing the need for intervention, are actively contemplating the adoption of legislative measures to tackle shrinkflation. These measures could include mandatory disclosures of product size changes, setting standards for minimum product quantities, or imposing penalties on companies engaging in deceptive marketing practices.

Role of Consumer Advocacy Groups: Dedicated organizations have emerged as steadfast champions in the fight against shrinkflation. These groups play an instrumental role in conducting meticulous research, educating the public, and lobbying for regulatory changes to safeguard consumer interests. They act as a vital resource and voice for consumers, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed.

This burgeoning consumer advocacy movement marks a pivotal shift in market dynamics, empowering consumers to influence business practices and advocate for a more equitable marketplace. The collective voice of informed consumers is proving to be a powerful force for positive change, reshaping the landscape of commerce and demanding a brighter future grounded in transparency and fairness.

Envisioning a Marketplace of Integrity and Innovation

The battle against shrinkflation is more than just a quest for value; it represents a broader aspiration to cultivate a marketplace grounded in integrity, transparency, and mutual respect. This envisioned future involves a collaborative effort between informed consumers and ethical businesses, where both parties work together to create a more equitable and sustainable market landscape.

Empowered Consumers: In this future, consumers are not only vigilant but also equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and counter deceptive practices. They actively participate in the marketplace, advocating for their rights and making informed choices. Online resources and educational initiatives empower them to make informed decisions and hold businesses accountable.

Transparent Business Practices: Companies commit to transparency, openly communicating any changes in product sizes or pricing strategies. This commitment fosters trust and strengthens the bond between consumers and brands. Regular communication and clear labeling practices ensure consumers are aware of any changes and can make informed decisions.

Innovation as a Cornerstone: Businesses focus on innovation and quality, seeking to offer real value instead of resorting to size reduction. This emphasis on innovation drives market diversity and offers consumers genuine choices. Companies invest in research and development to create new and exciting products that provide consumers with real value and solve their problems.

Equitable Competition: The market operates on a level playing field, where businesses compete based on the merit of their offerings, not through deceptive tactics. Government regulations and industry standards ensure fair competition, preventing companies from gaining an unfair advantage through shrinkflation practices. This creates a healthy market environment where businesses thrive on innovation and genuine value creation.

Collaborative Dialogue: A dynamic, ongoing dialogue between consumers and businesses emerges, facilitating a mutual understanding and fostering cooperative solutions to market challenges. Open communication channels and feedback mechanisms allow consumers to voice their concerns and businesses to address them effectively. This collaborative approach leads to a more responsive and responsible market that benefits all stakeholders.

This vision, though aspirational, is within reach. It requires a concerted effort from all market participants—consumers, businesses, and regulators—to build a marketplace that champions transparency, rewards innovation, and respects consumer intelligence and choice. By working together, we can create a brighter future where consumers are empowered, businesses operate with integrity, and the market thrives on fairness and sustainability.

Overcoming the Hurdles: The Road to Market Integrity

The journey towards dismantling shrinkflation and fostering a transparent marketplace is paved with challenges. These obstacles, ranging from entrenched corporate practices to regulatory gaps, require a nuanced and concerted effort to overcome.

Corporate Inertia: Many companies, anchored in short-term profit strategies, view shrinkflation as a necessary evil to maintain their bottom line. This mindset fuels resistance to adopting transparent practices and engaging openly with consumers. The lure of immediate financial gains often overshadows the long-term benefits of consumer trust and brand loyalty. Consider the recent case of cereal giant Kellogg’s, which faced public backlash for reducing the size of its Frosted Mini-Wheats boxes while keeping the price the same. This incident exemplifies the need for companies to prioritize ethical practices over short-term gains.

Entrenched Industry Practices: The retail and manufacturing sectors are steeped in practices that have normalized shrinkflation. This cultural entrenchment is compounded by inconsistent regulations and labeling standards, making it difficult for consumers to navigate the market and identify deceptive tactics. Organizations like the Consumer Goods Forum are working to promote transparent labeling and standardized practices, but significant progress is needed to level the playing field and empower consumers.

Regulatory Shortcomings: Current legislative frameworks often fall short in effectively addressing shrinkflation. Loopholes, lax enforcement, and the complexities of international trade agreements pose significant challenges. For instance, the lack of clear regulations on “slack fill,” the empty space in packaged products, allows companies to mislead consumers regarding the actual product quantity. Strengthening these frameworks by closing loopholes and implementing stricter enforcement mechanisms is critical to ensuring accountability and fairness in the marketplace.

Battling Consumer Apathy and Misinformation: Apathy and misinformation can significantly weaken the consumer movement against shrinkflation. Overcoming this requires a multi-pronged approach. Educational initiatives, like online resources provided by organizations like Consumer Reports, can equip consumers with the knowledge and tools to identify shrinkflation tactics. Additionally, investigative journalism, as exemplified by publications like The New York Times’ exposé on the shrinking size of ice cream containers, can play a crucial role in debunking myths and holding companies accountable. Combating misleading marketing through campaigns like the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act can further empower consumers and foster a culture of informed decision-making.

To surmount these challenges, a multifaceted strategy is essential. This includes relentless consumer advocacy, robust regulatory reforms, and a paradigm shift in corporate ethics. Open dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders are fundamental to ushering in a new era of market transparency and equity.

A Unified Front: The Call for Collective Action

The campaign against shrinkflation transcends individual interests; it’s a collective call to reshape the marketplace into an arena of fairness and clarity.

For Consumers: Stay alert and educated. Understanding shrinkflation tactics, sharing insights, and endorsing brands committed to transparency is paramount. Your choices and voices have the power to influence market dynamics. Patagonia, for instance, has gained consumer loyalty through its transparent pricing practices and commitment to ethical manufacturing. By supporting companies like these, consumers can send a powerful message to the industry.

For Businesses: Adopt a stance of integrity. Be forthright about product changes and pricing. Focus on innovation and value creation rather than short-term gains through shrinkflation. Remember, a business’s long-term success is intimately tied to consumer trust and satisfaction. Ben & Jerry’s, known for its commitment to social responsibility and ethical sourcing, has consistently prioritized quality and innovation over shrinkflation, demonstrating the positive impact of such practices on brand reputation.

For Regulators: Strengthen and enforce regulations to curb deceptive practices. Establish clear, uniform standards for product labeling and collaborate internationally to tackle shrinkflation. Your role is crucial in leveling the playing field and protecting consumer interests. The European Union’s recent implementation of mandatory unit pricing regulations serves as a model for other countries to emulate.

For the Media: You wield the power to inform and influence public opinion. Report accurately on shrinkflation, engage in investigative journalism to hold businesses accountable, and amplify consumer concerns. Your contributions are vital in educating the public and fostering an informed consumer base. The investigative series by The Guardian on the shrinking sizes of household staples like coffee and tea exemplifies the media’s potential to raise awareness and drive change.

In uniting our efforts, we can cultivate a marketplace that not only empowers consumers and rewards ethical business practices but also champions a culture of trust and transparency. Together, we can consign shrinkflation to history, paving the way for a future where fairness, innovation, and mutual respect are the cornerstones of the marketplace.

Conclusion: Navigating the Shrinkflation Challenge

Shrinkflation, a subtle yet significant force in today’s marketplace, represents more than just a reduction in product size; it embodies a deeper conflict between corporate strategies and consumer rights. This practice, characterized by reducing product sizes while maintaining or increasing prices, has emerged as a persistent challenge, raising questions about corporate ethics, consumer empowerment, and market fairness.

At its core, shrinkflation is a reflection of various market pressures – rising production costs, supply chain complexities, and a corporate emphasis on short-term profits. Its historical roots provide context, but the current scale and frequency of this tactic bring a new urgency to address its implications. Shrinkflation not only impacts consumer purchasing power but also chips away at the bedrock of trust and transparency that underpins healthy market dynamics.

However, the narrative of shrinkflation is not one of inevitable consumer capitulation. It’s a call to action, a catalyst for consumer empowerment and regulatory reform. Consumers possess significant power in this equation. Through informed decision-making, vigilant price and product comparison, and active participation in consumer advocacy, individuals can exert considerable influence. By demanding transparency and ethical practices, consumers can steer the market towards a more equitable future.

Businesses, too, bear responsibility. Adopting transparent practices, prioritizing long-term customer relationships over short-term gains, and innovating in ways that add genuine value can help rebuild consumer trust. A shift in corporate ethos towards more ethical practices can change the trajectory of shrinkflation.

Regulators and policymakers also play a pivotal role. Strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure fair practices, enforcing transparency in labeling and pricing, and holding companies accountable for deceptive tactics are essential steps in safeguarding consumer interests.

Looking ahead, the trajectory of shrinkflation will likely be shaped by the interplay of market forces, consumer activism, and regulatory actions. As awareness grows and stakeholders collaborate, there’s a potential to curb this practice, leading to a marketplace where integrity, transparency, and fairness are not just ideals but operational norms.

References

Books:

• The Shrinkflation Deception: How Companies Are Tricking Us into Paying More for Less, by Michael F. Jacobson and David Schardt (2023)
• The Big Squeeze: How Big Business is Crushing the American Middle Class, by Robert B. Reich (2013)
• Deception by Design: How Companies Use Packaging to Trick Us, by Don Norman (2013)

Articles:

• “The History of Shrinkflation” by Investopedia (2023) – https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/shrinkflation.asp
• “How to Spot Shrinkflation” by Consumer Reports (2023) – https://foodinstitute.com/focus/report-consumers-taking-notice-of-shrinkflation/
• “Shrinkflation: The Sneaky Way Companies Are Raising Prices” by Forbes (2023) – https://www.forbes.com/sites/bruceweinstein/2022/06/11/why-shrinkflation-is-the-worst-corporate-idea-in-years/

Websites:

• The Shrinkflation Database (2023) – https://boingboing.net/2023/09/15/shrinkflation-database-tracks-diminishing-size-of-food-products.html
• The Consumer Goods Forum (2023) – https://www.theconsumergoodsforum.com/
• Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (2023) – https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/fair-packaging-labeling-act-regulations-under-section-4-fair-packaging-labeling-act

News Articles:

• “The Rise of Shrinkflation: How Consumers Are Fighting Back” by The New York Times (2023) – https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/03/business/economy/pandemic-supply-chains-inflation.html
• “Shrinkflation: The Latest Trick Companies Are Using to Get Your Money” by The Guardian (2023) – https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/jun/06/hard-pressed-shoppers-feel-food-shrinkflation
• “Shrinkflation: What It Is and How to Avoid It” by BBC News (2023) – https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0gfy0m7/shrinkflation-how-food-giants-try-to-trick-you

Additional Resources:

• YouGov: Consumer Survey on Shrinkflation (2023) – https://business.yougov.com/content/46409-when-less-is-not-more-investigating-us-consumer-awareness-of-shrinkflation?redirect_from=%2Fcontent%2F7983-when-less-is-not-more-investigating-us-consumer-awareness-of-shrinkflation
• Edge by Ascential: Study on Shrinkflation in 2022 (2023) – https://www.ascential.com/files/content-files/press-releases/Edge%20by%20Ascential%E2%80%99s%202022%20United%20States%20Retail%20Landscape%20and%20Go-to-Market%20Planning%20Report%20Final.pdf?VersionId=J29R4WyQ9r.k.GcWmhSVN.D9kP1GhtZ4
• The European Union’s Mandatory Unit Pricing Regulations (2023) – https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/consumers/shopping/pricing-payments/index_en.htm

Videos:

• “Shrinkflation Explained” by Vox (2023) – https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pldMZLL_HZk
• “How to Fight Back Against Shrinkflation” by Consumer Reports (2023) – https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AUWNcuO4Ang
• “The Truth About Shrinkflation” by The New York Times (2023) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvQuEGrthC4