Canadians are worried about shrinkflation — and if it’s here to stay: poll

Not only do the majority of Canadians say they're paying more for groceries, a new poll shows they also believe packages are getting smaller.

If you’ve noticed that package sizes at the grocery store seem to be shrinking, you’re not alone. A new poll finds that an overwhelming majority of Canadians are worried about shrinkflation.

The poll, done for Global News by Ipsos between April 19-20, surveyed 1,000 Canadians. It found that 84 per cent of respondents are concerned about shrinkflation: that grocery items are smaller but the same price as before or more.

“They pick up a box at the grocery store and they go, ‘Didn’t this used to be bigger?'” Ipsos VP Sean Simpson told Global News. “They’re noticing that those portion sizes are declining and they’re concerned that that trend could continue.”

One in five Canadians also say they are paying over $100 more for groceries, per week, in the last six months than they did before inflation boosted food prices across the country.

It found that 21 per cent say they are paying $100 or more for groceries, broken down to six per cent paying $101-$150 more, seven per cent reporting $151-$200 more, and eight per cent over $200 more.

Twenty-three per cent say that they are paying $51-$100 more for groceries, while 38 per cent say they are paying up to $50 more for groceries.

About 18 per cent said their grocery bill hasn’t changed in the last six months, which leaves 82 per cent total that said their grocery bill has increased.

The figures come as Canada has been facing historic inflation, with grocery prices rising around 10 per cent in March and February, according to Statistics Canada.