Shrinkflation: How can you get more for your money?

Ever feel that your favourite snacks don’t go as far as they used to, or that you’re paying more to fill your child’s lunchbox?

Well, you’re not imagining it, as packets of chocolate bars are getting smaller but not cheaper.

This phenomenon is known as shrinkflation - and it means you end up spending the same, but getting less.

Cadbury’s snacks getting smaller

Cadbury’s in particular has been getting some criticism from shoppers for cutting the size of some its packaging.

Brunch Bar multipacks, for example, have just been shrunk from five bars to four, but the price has stayed at around £1.50. 

And this has come shortly after the weight of each Brunch Bar dropped from 32g to 28g.

Cadbury’s has also recently cut its Dairy Milk Little Bars multipacks from six to four, and Freddos multipacks have been reduced from five bars to four.

So for parents, that means lunchbox staples are stretching fewer days - but costing the same.

Why is chocolate shrinking?

Cadbury owner Mondelez has said it understands the “economic pressures that consumers continue to face” and that changing its product sizes is a “last resort for our business”.

However, it said ingredients such as cocoa and dairy are “costing far more than they have done previously”, while energy and transport costs also remain high.

“We are continuing to experience significantly higher input costs across our supply chain,” Mondelez commented.

"This means that our products continue to be much more expensive to make and while we have absorbed these costs where possible, we still face considerable challenges.”

How to beat shrinkflation

While we can’t control what food producers do, there are a few ways to keep more money in your pocket when prices and pack sizes are changing:

Check price per 100g/ml

Supermarkets list the price per 100g/ml on shelf labels, so you can compare by weight or volume - not just pack size - and see which item offers you the best value.

Try supermarket own brands

Supermarket alternatives often give you more for your money, without compromising on quality.

Use price comparison apps

Apps like Trolley or LatestDeals can show where to find the best deals on everyday items.

Buy in bulk (if it makes sense)

Larger packs can often work out cheaper in the long run, but only if you use them before they expire.

Stick to your list

Supermarkets want to tempt you into spending money, so write a shopping list and stick to it.

By being disciplined with your spending, you can avoid sneaky upsells, impulse buys and wasting your hard-earned money on items you don’t need or won’t use.