InflationFighter
Fake Sales And Shrinkflation

How to spot fake grocery sales and shrinkflation

A sale is only useful if it beats the normal price. A package is only cheaper if the size did not quietly shrink.

Check your grocery prices free

Grocery savings are harder to judge when prices move often, package sizes change, and promotions are everywhere. The shelf tag can say "sale" while the price is still higher than what you paid a few months ago.

What is a fake sale?

A fake sale is a price that looks discounted but is not actually a good deal compared with the item's normal price history. It may be lower than last week but higher than the price you usually paid.

What is shrinkflation?

Shrinkflation happens when the package gets smaller while the price stays the same or rises. The shelf price may look stable, but the unit price goes up.

How to check a deal

How InflationFighter helps

InflationFighter helps you build a grocery price history from regular comparisons and receipts. That makes it easier to see when a deal is real and when a smaller package is hiding a price increase.

Rule of thumb: If the package got smaller, compare price per ounce or price per unit before calling it a deal.

Start your price history