shrinkflation

[shringk-fley-shuhn]

noun

Economics Informal.

1. a decrease over time in quantity or in package size compared to the quantity previously sold at the same price point, resulting in a higher cost per unit for the consumer.

   The price is the same and the box looks the same, but because of shrinkflation, you’ll get ten percent less cereal when you open it up.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shrinkflation¹

First recorded in 2015–20; shrink ( def. ) + (in)flation ( def. ); coinage attributed to U.S. entrepreneur and economist Philippa (“Pippa”) Malmgren (born 1962), or U.S. historian Brian Domitrovic (born 1961)

Example Sentences

Despite increasing prices and shrinkflation, Which? money and retail editor Reena Sewraz suggested it was still possible to get good value Easter eggs.

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Meanwhile, several treats have been affected by "shrinkflation" - when products get smaller but the price does not.

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Many displeased customers have accused the company of “shrinkflation” while expressing nostalgia for the original carafe-style design.

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For customers frustrated by shrinkflation, Tropicana says the new bottles will cost about 70 cents less than their predecessors, though not all retailers have adjusted prices yet.

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Chipotle decided to remedy its portion size issues after the company was hit with online claims of “shrinkflation.”

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