econ

Shapeflation strikes again

crrdlx

Shapeflation really is the most devious cousin of shrinkflation. At least with regular shrinkflation, you can spot the reduced size or weight on the label if you’re paying attention. But with shapeflation, the game is psychological the packaging is engineered to give your eyes the “full product” signal while quietly cutting the actual contents. I’ve seen this with yogurt cups that have thick domed bottoms, chip bags with excess air, and now sandwiches with false bottoms. It’s packaging as an optical illusion, and it works because most people never think to flip the container over or measure it. Sneaky and effective.