'Boost Your Budget: Combatting Shrinkflation with Smart Grocery Shopping Tips'
Money | July 9, 2024, 6:14 a.m.
In a recent episode of Planet Money, the practice of "price pack architecture" in grocery stores was uncovered, revealing how companies manipulate package sizes to increase profits. One controversial tactic, shrinkflation, involves reducing the amount of product in a package while keeping the price the same, essentially increasing the price per unit. To combat these packaging gimmicks, consumers are urged to pay attention to unit prices when shopping. This standardized measure allows shoppers to easily compare the value of different package sizes and make informed purchasing decisions. While some states mandate stores to display unit prices, many do not, leaving consumers to fend for themselves by bringing a calculator or using their smartphone to calculate unit prices. By being proactive in comparing unit prices, consumers can outsmart packaging strategies and ensure they are getting the best deal possible.