Americans are becoming frustrated by “shrinkflation,” a phenomenon where the cost of goods has increased significantly since 2021, and the quantities of the products have decreased while the prices have remained the same. In response to this, consumers are finding creative ways to stretch their budgets and get the most out of their purchases. Some are turning to apps like Too Good to Go to buy discounted food that would otherwise go to waste, while others are shopping at discount retailers like Dollar Tree to get the best value for their money.
One TikToker, Davey Bad, captured the frustration of a shopper who discovered that bottles of Tide detergent were not filled to the brim. In a viral video, Davey’s friend is seen pouring Tide from one bottle into another on the store shelf to ensure he gets all of his money’s worth. This act of “hacking” the system has garnered mixed reactions, with some users pointing out that products like Tide are sold by weight and that any discrepancy in quantity should be reported to the relevant authorities.
However, others have expressed empathy for Davey’s friend, admitting that they have also resorted to similar methods to ensure they get the full value of their purchases. The issue of shrinkflation has sparked a debate among consumers about whether they are getting what they pay for, and it has prompted a closer scrutiny of product packaging and pricing practices. The discussion around shrinkflation suggests that consumers are becoming increasingly vigilant about maximizing the value of their purchases amid rising costs.