What is shrinkflation and why does it happen to products?

Shrinkflation is when companies make products smaller but keep the price the same, like giving you a little less candy for the same amount of money.

Imagine you have a favorite juice box that used to be full to the top. One day, you notice it’s not as full anymore, there's a tiny space at the top. But the label still says the same price. That’s shrinkflation! The company is saving money by using less juice, but they don’t want you to notice because the price hasn’t gone up.

Companies do this when it gets expensive to make things. Instead of raising prices, which might make people unhappy, they just make the product smaller. It’s like when your mom gives you a smaller plate of cookies, but still says “You get the same amount.” You don’t notice at first, but over time, you eat fewer cookies.

This trick helps companies save money without telling customers they’re paying more, it's like hiding a little less candy in every bag!