‘Shrinkflation’ hits Pringles

Not only was I left unsatisfied, but I was annoyed that I spent $6 on these measly slivers of potato.

Perhaps I got a bad batch, or maybe it’s because I bought a limited-edition flavour and the chips are meant to be smaller.

So, as a nonregular Pringles eater, I decided to take it to the (virtual) streets to find out if this was a common issue.

Comments from the office and beyond

It turns out, it’s not just me. Everyone’s noticing the shrinking Pringles, or the Shringles, if you will.

“That is certainly a noticeable reduction! But my recommendation is just to buy the packets of baby Pringles, they’re often on sale as lunchbox items,” my colleague Nama said.

Then Lifestyle Editor Leah joked: “It feels like all chips are getting smaller and smaller. Either that, or my appetite is getting bigger.”

On Reddit, users are also talking about this critical issue over on the r/shrinkflation forum. 

One user said, “Shrinkflation at its finest.”

“I know they shrunk the cans about a year ago, but they always said the chips would stay the same size. Sigh,” shared a second.

Another quipped, “Pity the price didn’t shrink with it.”

Yet another frustrated customer replied: “Yup. Noticed it late last year and immediately stopped buying them completely. F*** ’em…”

For some, though, it’s not all doom and gloom. 

“I reckon they certainly have shrunk them. Although I’ve had many knockoff brands that have tasted much better, and are of better size. Like the Woolworths home brand or ALDI ones.”

So, it seems like this is a well-known issue and Pringles, along with other chips, have been downsizing for a while now. 

That doesn’t mean I’m feeling any less short-changed, though! 

It just means my servo impulse purchases might be a little more considered in the future.