British shoppers are facing a hidden price hike as major food manufacturers quietly shrink product sizes while keeping prices the same or even increasing them. This practice, known as 'shrinkflation', is hitting household favourites from chocolate bars to coffee and breakfast cereals.
The Shrinking Grocery Basket
An analysis of popular supermarket products reveals startling reductions in size across multiple categories. Chocolate lovers have been particularly hard hit, with several iconic bars now containing significantly less product than just months ago.
Coffee connoisseurs are getting less buzz for their buck, with many jars containing up to 25g less than previous versions. The morning routine is taking another hit as porridge oats packets are shrinking while prices remain stubbornly high.
Most Affected Product Categories
- Chocolate & Confectionery: Multiple brands reducing bar sizes by 10-15%
- Hot Beverages: Coffee jars losing up to 10% content
- Breakfast Cereals: Porridge oats packets shrinking noticeably
- Snack Foods: Crisp packets and biscuits getting lighter
- Dairy Products: Some cheese blocks and butter portions reduced
The Consumer Impact
This stealthy form of inflation is particularly damaging during the ongoing cost of living crisis. Households are effectively paying more for less, with many shoppers unaware they're receiving reduced quantities until they check the small print on packaging.
"Consumers feel betrayed when they discover their favourite products have shrunk," said consumer rights expert Amanda Fletcher. "It's a deceptive practice that makes price comparison shopping increasingly difficult."
How to Spot Shrinkflation
- Check the weight/volume on packaging regularly
- Compare price per 100g rather than package price
- Be wary of 'new look' packaging which often masks size reductions
- Monitor your regular shopping basket for subtle changes
Industry Response
Manufacturers cite rising production costs, ingredient prices, and energy bills as justification for the changes. However, consumer groups argue that transparent price increases would be more honest than secretly reducing sizes.
The Competition and Markets Authority has been monitoring these practices closely, urging companies to be more transparent with customers about any changes to product sizes.
As British consumers continue to navigate the challenging economic landscape, awareness of shrinkflation tactics becomes increasingly important for making informed purchasing decisions and managing household budgets effectively.
