‘Skimpflation’ hits grocery store aisles amid rising inflationary pressures
Global News
Between increasing stock prices, shrinking the product size, or offering less quantity — swapping ingredients is another way for companies to manage costs.
On top of food inflation and shrinkflation, consumer analysts are warning customers about the rise of another issue: skimpflation.
“Skimpflation is basically when a manufacturer decides to reformulate a product usually using cheaper ingredients,” consumer watchdog Edgar Dworsky told Global News.
Dworsky has been analyzing food products in the United States and has been posting his research on Consumer World.
He noticed a brand of salad dressing and a margarine that reduced the amount of oil. Both items added water and salt as a supplement.
Between increasing stock prices, shrinking the product size, or offering less quantity — swapping ingredients is another way for companies to manage costs.
Dworsky blames the climbing costs of raw materials, labour and transportation of goods.
“Manufacturers are pressed because of inflation to cut costs. One way to cut costs is to put less expensive ingredients in a product,” Dworsky said.
He adds there may be more products that could be altered by manufacturers but consumers wouldn’t be aware because it’s difficult to detect.
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