“Sneakflation In Our Very Own Eyes" - 50 Times Brand Marketing Made People Feel Duped
"Watching My Favorite Condiment Shrink Before My Eyes"
Over time, the purchasing power of money declines. This explains why $100 is worth less in 2025 than it was in 2005.
This is inflation at work, which naturally happens as a result of a number of variables, including changes in consumer demand, supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, and monetary policy. Conversely, sneakflation is a covert method by which businesses increase their pricing in a way that might go undiscovered.
It's through the 5% fees that unexpectedly show up on your bill, or the obviously shrunken toilet paper that comes with the same price tag at the grocery store. The 3% extra on the dinner you paid for with your credit card the other night has probably caught your attention.
Or perhaps you were purchasing online for a friend's birthday present when you noticed the minimum purchase restrictions. This is what experts call "sneakflation," and it's taking place in front of your eyes.
The underlying roots of the sneakflation phenomenon are currently being investigated by experts. We are all forced to adjust as common consumers with modest budgets, perhaps with some resentment along the way.
The pictures below illustrate how sneakflation appears in day-to-day situations. Even though they are annoying, we must all accept this fact, and hopefully, something can be done about it.
1. These Were 2.0 Oz Last Week... End Of An Era
Danthewildbirdman2. My Wife Clicked "Order Again" On Amazon For A Replacement Mug. Same Price, But On Sale! New Mug On The Left
MetaJonez3. Shrinkflation: Bath & Body Works
I purchased some hand sanitizer spray over the weekend from Bath & Body Works! When I received my purchase the sanitizer spray was 1/3 the original size for the same price (sale price $2)!! To say I’m shocked and frustrated is an understatement! To go from 3 oz to 1 oz is unacceptable! Shrinkflation/Greedflation is out of control!
Inside_Dragonfly_242
Understanding Sneakflation
Dr. John List, economist at the University of Chicago, explains that sneakflation occurs when companies subtly increase prices while maintaining the appearance of stability. This tactic often goes unnoticed by consumers who are primarily focused on the overall price rather than the quantity they receive. His research indicates that consumers become desensitized to minor price increases over time, ultimately leading to a loss of trust in brands. List emphasizes that transparency in pricing is crucial for fostering long-term customer loyalty.
He suggests that businesses prioritize clear communication about pricing strategies to avoid consumer backlash and restore trust.
4. My New Milk Lip And Cheek Cream Blush vs. Old. I Knew The Product Got Smaller, But I Didn’t Expect Such A Drastic Difference! They Literally Made The Travel Size The New Full Size
mlesea
5. I Thought For Sure The Smaller Package Was Going To Be Shrinkflation. Way To Go Tnt Sparklers
mrsakilla
6. Identical Sized Containers, But 500g On The Left And 450g On The Right
jwalton78
Marketing experts argue that brand loyalty can be significantly affected by perceptions of fair pricing. A marketing analyst noted that consumers are increasingly sensitive to perceived price increases, especially when they feel misled. Research from the Marketing Week highlights that brands should develop educational content explaining their pricing strategies to avoid alienating loyal customers. Building an informed customer base can mitigate the negative impacts of pricing changes.
Brands that maintain transparency can foster trust and improve customer retention, ultimately benefiting their bottom line.
7. New Bounty Paper Towel On The Left, Old Bounty On The Right. Both Packs Bought At Costco. Width Is Smaller & The Towel Itself Is Thinner
skittleALY
8. Last Weeks Sauce vs. This Week's Sauce
I suppose Classico thinks a fancy new label makes up for the fact I'm getting 50 mL less of the same product... I'm so over this bul***it.
miss_canucklehead
9. Change Of Packaging So You Don't Notice 20g Has Disappeared
Jess_7478
Consumer Awareness and Action
Consumer advocacy organizations stress the importance of remaining vigilant about price changes. They recommend that shoppers keep track of prices over time to identify trends in sneaky pricing tactics. Experts suggest using apps that record product prices to increase awareness about inflation and sneakflation.
By being proactive, consumers can make better-informed purchasing decisions, potentially avoiding brands that engage in deceptive pricing practices. Understanding the value of products and services is essential in an evolving marketplace.
10. Medium Cups Got Slightly Smaller Within The Last Few Days?
The cup on the left is the medium that came with my cravings box 2 days ago. The one on the right was today’s and I immediately knew something was off. Why the change? So they can save 1 oz of soda?
SampleHeader
11. Find The Difference. Hint: They Were The Same Price But Purchased A Couple Of Weeks Apart
Emander712
12. Shrinkflation Is Out Of Control. October vs. Yesterday
BearfangTheGamer
Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel laureate in economics, emphasizes the psychological effects of price perception on consumer behavior. His research indicates that consumers often rely on cognitive shortcuts when evaluating prices, leading them to overlook subtle increases. Kahneman notes that when people feel deceived, it can drastically affect their buying habits and brand loyalty.
Brands need to be aware of the long-term consequences of such tactics, as they risk alienating their consumer base.
13. Just Discovered This Subreddit And It Irritates Me To No End
Last-reddit-user-
14. Two Kellogg's Cereal Boxes, Different Sizes But The Same Price
enjoiracin
15. This Is Something Isn't It
Inevitable-Ad-8597
Future Strategies for Brands
According to Seth Godin, a marketing expert, brands should focus on delivering exceptional value rather than resorting to sneakflation tactics. He advises companies to prioritize honest communication about pricing changes and to offer innovative products that justify higher prices. By doing so, brands can foster loyalty and trust.
Moreover, Godin suggests that incorporating customer feedback into product development can create a more transparent relationship between brands and consumers, improving overall satisfaction.
16. Watching My Favorite Condiment Shrink Before My Eyes
I regularly buy Terry Ho's Yum Yum sauce, and today I saw the bottle and immediately knew it was smaller. 16oz to 14oz, I would rather they raise the price a little bit.
Wuddafucc
17. Noticed This Jewel When Restocking My Shelves
tortugavelozzzz
18. Looks Like Trader Joe's Has Joined The "Shrink-Flation" Trend With Their Toilet Paper (Left Is New)
smarmageddon
Understanding consumer psychology can help brands navigate pricing changes effectively. Insights from behavioral economics highlight that consumers often feel a sense of loss when they perceive a reduction in value, even if the price remains stable. A marketing psychologist argues that brands should frame price increases as improvements in quality to mitigate negative reactions.
This reframing strategy can help maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty, making it a valuable approach for businesses experiencing rising costs.
19. Shrinkflation
Apparently the snack size candy bar packs are going from 5 pack down to 4 pack but staying the same price. Shameful.
B_crunk
20. Ah, The Forever Shrinking 400g Of Vegemite
jaywast
21. Entire Carton Had The Equivalent Of About 3 Cherries
Used to have much more, even half and quarter cherries, now there are just tiny bits and fragments.
tuotone75
The Role of Regulation
Financial experts suggest that increased regulation may be necessary to prevent deceptive pricing practices. Consumer protection advocates argue that transparency in pricing can enhance competition and foster a fair marketplace. By establishing clearer guidelines for pricing strategies, regulators can help protect consumers from misleading tactics.
In addition, regulatory bodies could implement educational programs to raise awareness about pricing strategies, empowering consumers to make informed choices.
22. New vs. Old Chunky Soups. Same Price. 25ml Less. Deceptive Packaging
kaze987
23. Ordered An Amazon Basics Power Strip From 2 Years Ago (Bottom) Compared To Now (Top) For The Same Price
Mothman405
24. Cat Food. Was $55 For 24, 5.8 Oz Cans. Now $62 For 24, 5.1 Oz Cans. That's.7 Oz. Less Per Can, And $7 More Per Case
Sailing_Duck
Many consumers feel overwhelmed by the constant changes in pricing, leading to frustration and confusion. Consumer behavior analysts note that the rise of social media has amplified concerns about transparency and fairness in pricing. Online platforms provide consumers with a voice to share their experiences, which can impact brand reputation.
Brands that engage with customers on social media and address their concerns can build stronger relationships and foster trust.
25. Gillette Now Sells 4 Packs Of Blades Instead Of 5 Packs. Still The Same Price And Even The Same Packaging
Misdirected_Colors
26. Slices To 24
bowling_255
27. Dove Soap Shrinks Again!
rosedread0
Long-term Solutions for Brands
Experts recommend that brands adopt a long-term perspective when it comes to pricing strategies. Instead of seeking short-term gains through sneaky tactics, businesses should focus on sustainable growth by maintaining customer trust. This approach includes transparent communication about pricing and offering consistent quality over time.
By prioritizing customer relationships, brands can navigate the complexities of inflation and maintain a loyal following.
28. Shrinkflation Apparent On Recipes
danstecz
29. I Almost Didn't Notice This One
ParanoidDrone
30. Same Product, Same Price, Old vs. New Shipment
Babetna
Understanding the broader economic context can also help brands make informed pricing decisions. Economists assert that factors such as supply chain disruptions and consumer demand shifts greatly influence pricing strategies. Brands that stay attuned to these economic indicators can adapt their pricing strategies proactively.
By aligning pricing with market conditions, businesses can create a more resilient approach to consumer engagement.
31. Dollar Tree Has Started Covering Its $1.25 Prices, And Companies Shifting To Smaller Sizes
MtnMaiden
32. A New Low From Colgate
This tube came in this box! I feel done over.
rdh_3000
33. Now With 20% Less Food
Matok
Encouraging Ethical Practices
Ethical marketing experts advocate for a shift towards more transparent pricing practices. They argue that brands should develop ethical guidelines that prioritize consumer trust and long-term relationships over short-term profits. This approach not only enhances brand reputation but also attracts consumers who value corporate responsibility.
By creating a commitment to ethical practices, brands can foster loyalty among conscious consumers, ensuring a more sustainable business model.
34. A Picture Of Shrinkflation. Both Are The Same Price. Left Looks Bigger, Right Has More
Lt_Lysol
35. Breyers New Packaging Went From 1.66l Down To 1.41l But The Price Stayed The Same
fladgate40
36. They Think We Won't Notice
14 less in the packaging and the caps are now easily removable which makes them more of a choking hazard as well.
RapturesLost
In a world where consumers are bombarded with marketing messages, clarity is crucial. Marketing strategists recommend that brands simplify their messaging to focus on value propositions rather than complex pricing structures. Clear communication helps consumers understand what they’re paying for and why, reducing the likelihood of feeling duped.
Brands that prioritize straightforward communication can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty, navigating the challenges of an increasingly complex marketplace.
37. I Measured A 8 Inch Tortilla… Guess What I Found?
I don’t know why I even bothered taking out the tape measure, but here I was, craving some tacos and thinking I’d give the so-called “8-inch tortilla” the respect it deserves. Imagine my absolute rage when the tape stopped at 7 inches. SEVEN INCHES. Not even close. I didn’t think I needed to police tortilla sizes, but apparently, these companies are banking on us just blindly trusting their lies.And let’s be real, this isn’t just about tortillas—it’s everything. Shrinkflation is the most infuriatingly sneaky, insulting way these corporations try to pull one over on us. They’re not even pretending anymore. They’re lying. Straight-up liars slapping “8 inches” on a package when they know darn well it’s not true. It’s deceitful. It’s disrespectful.We’re all out here just trying to make our meals and get what we pay for, and these companies are like, “Haha, let’s cut an inch off everything and call it good.” Newsflash: IT’S NOT GOOD. I’m tired of being lied to and nickel-and-dimed in the most passive-aggressive ways possible.I can’t be the only one furious about this nonsense. Anyone else measuring their food now like it’s some kind of science project?
Hopeful-Bit6187
38. A Certain Laundry Capsule Manufacturer Decreased The Size Of Their Product While Obviously Keeping The Quantity And Price The Same
T-MAXGaming
39. Bigger Bottle. Less Shampoo
Murphington
Building Consumer Trust
Dr. Robert Cialdini, a renowned social psychologist, emphasizes the importance of trust in consumer relationships. In his research, he found that brands that are perceived as trustworthy can navigate pricing changes more effectively. Cialdini suggests that brands should invest in building long-term relationships with their customers through consistent communication and ethical practices.
By fostering trust, brands can minimize the negative impact of price changes and maintain consumer loyalty.
40. So We Got A Birthday Cake From Carvel
The size was literally unbelievable.I would have actually been mad but I found it more comical than anything, the Chocolate layer was virtually non existent which actually came out to be a good thing because I dislike chocolate to begin (the crunchies were there with vanilla & frosting) with but the size is truly what made me take my time to take a picture & post it here.
Missingyoutoohard
41. Shrink-Flation. Old Mini Size vs. New Mini Size. Still The Same Price
Neither_Accountant84
42. Old Family Size 17.2 Oz / New Size Only 14.6 For The Same Price!
Beetlemuse
Lastly, brands must consider the potential backlash from consumers when utilizing sneakflation tactics. A recent study revealed that consumers often share their negative experiences on social media, leading to reputational damage. Marketing experts suggest that brands should monitor their online presence and engage with customers to address concerns proactively.
By taking a proactive approach, brands can mitigate the effects of negative feedback and reinforce customer loyalty.
43. Less For The Same Price. Did You Think We Wouldn’t Notice?
AliBi40
44. My Go-To Drink Just Shrank By 22% But They Charge The Same Price
sasquatcheater
45. Shrinkflation At It’s Finest
I went to Panera for a parfait. This what $6 looks like. That did not look like this last year. I had a gift card was the only reason why I went. I understand raising prices but what I received was ridiculous. Did not see the actual size as it was hiding under napkins in the bag.
Electrical_Impact_33
46. Heinz Ketchup Shrinking By 30%!!
I’m more often finding sachets of 7ml instead of 10ml. Means I need to use 2 packs instead of 1, crazy tbh. They look fairly similar in size as well, but the weight difference is noticeable.
LoganRL
47. First They Came For The Toblerone And I Said Nothing
jhrf
48. Hungry-Man Lopped Off An Entire Slice Of Turkey And 77 Grams Since The 2000s
ParaClaw
49. Well, I Guess I’m Not Going #2 Anymore…
But seriously, this one hurts. This is something you can’t really go without. Guess I’ve got to learn how to use the 3 seashells.
Plenty_Point5058
50. Savannah Classics Twice Baked Potato Casserole
regulatedslime
This "sneakflation" of a thing has really permeated into a lot of things. We are seeing the various ways in which businesses raise prices without really raising the product's sticker price.
Sneakflation entails more subtle alterations than shrinkflation, which occurs when a product's size shrinks while its price remains unchanged. This list is certainly an eye opener and you can leave your thoughts about it in the comments section.
Analysis & Recommendations
In summary, understanding the dynamics of sneakflation is crucial for both brands and consumers. Experts emphasize that transparency and ethical practices are vital for maintaining trust in an ever-evolving marketplace. Brands that prioritize clear communication and consumer education can build stronger relationships, ultimately leading to a more sustainable business model.
As consumers, staying informed and vigilant about pricing changes can empower us to make better choices. By advocating for transparency and holding brands accountable, we can contribute to a healthier market for everyone.
