Cheer, Ziploc, and Fudgsicle brands shrink packages again

Manufacturers continue to reduce the volume of common household and grocery products in 2026, according to a new report from Consumer World. The practice, known as shrinkflation, allows companies to lower the amount of goods per package without changing the sticker price. This trend persists even as inflation pushes other grocery costs higher. Shoppers in Cincinnati noted they are getting less product for the same money.

The report lists several items that have shrunk since the start of the year. Cheer detergent now comes in 81-ounce bottles instead of 92-ounce containers. Old Spice deodorant sticks dropped from 3.3 ounces to 3 ounces, a 10 percent reduction. Welch's grape jam jars fell from 32 ounces to 30 ounces. The family-size box of Lucky Charms cereal has decreased from 20 ounces to 18.6 ounces. Fudgsicle packs now contain 18 pops rather than 20. Hershey's Kisses Special Dark bars dropped from 10 ounces to 8.7 ounces. Ziploc 1-gallon freezer bags went from 152 per box to 136.

Edgar Dworsky, who founded the Consumer World website, explains that companies often choose this strategy over direct price hikes. He stated that consumers may switch brands or complain if they see a price increase on the shelf. He added that makers can "do it on the sly" through downsizing and often get away with it because the change is subtle.

Shoppers have begun noticing the changes in their daily purchases. Linda Knox, a local shopper, said she used to get a lot more chips in her bags. Denise Brummet reported seeing downsizing in everyday household necessities. She specifically pointed to paper towels and paper plates as items that have reduced in size.

Dworsky says there is a limit to how far manufacturers can shrink packages before they become impractically small. Until that point, he advises shoppers to look beyond the shelf price. He recommends checking the unit price and comparing it with competing products. Store brands are often worth checking because they may offer a larger quantity for the same price or less.

The report advises consumers not to assume a familiar package contains the same amount as before. Shoppers should check the net weight or volume listed on the label. This step helps ensure that a shrinking package does not quietly reduce the value of a grocery budget. The full list of affected items, with photos, is available on the Consumer World website.