Shrinkflation
A product shrinks while its price stays the same — a hidden price rise.
2 min read · Reviewed September 2026
In plain words
Shrinkflation is when manufacturers reduce a product's size or quantity while keeping the price the same — effectively raising the price per unit without the label changing. Good statistical offices track unit prices and quality adjust for this.
Frequently asked questions
Does the CPI catch shrinkflation?
In theory, yes. Good statistical offices track unit prices and apply "quality adjustment" to catch when you get less for the same price. In practice, shrinkflation may be partially missed, especially for complex products.
Further reading