"Shrinkflation" — when companies charge the same for smaller sizes — is a sneaky way to raise prices. Read on to see what kind of products have shrunk the most.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/20923780

Household paper products have the highest rate of shrinkflation, the LendingTree analysis found. Out of 20 products it tracked from prior to the pandemic until today, about 60% had reduced their sheet count, the study found. (Only one item, a 2-pack of Scott multipurpose shop towels, declined in price per 100 count, according to the data.)

Breakfast foods had the second-highest rate of shrinkflation, with LendingTree finding that about 44% of the items they tracked were now sold in smaller portions. Family-sized Frosted Flakes, made by Kellogg’s, has slimmed from 24 ounces to 21.7 ounces, resulting in a 40% increase in per-ounce pricing, the analysis found.

About 38% of candy items are now sold in smaller amounts, including party-size Reese’s miniatures (35.6 ounces now versus 40 ounces in 2019-2020) and party-size milk chocolate M&M’s (38 ounces now versus 42 ounces previously.)

About 27% of snacks had gone through portion reductions, LendingTree said. That includes party-size Cheetos, made by Frito-Lay, which shrank to 15 ounces from 17.5 ounces while its per-ounce price rose to 40 cents from 17 cents.

Other snacks that have gotten smaller but pricier include party-size sour cream and onion Lay’s, family-size original Wheat Thins and party-size original Tostitos, LendingTree said.