The Daily Dot
"90% Air": 15 Examples Of Sneakflation Pilfering Your Bank Account
"They came for the pool noodles."
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Consumer Alert: Are Your Tampons Shrinking? Viral Video Exposes 'Shrinkflation' in Feminine Hygiene Products
A recent social media video has brought to light a significant change in the size of popular feminine hygiene products, sparking concerns among consumers about 'shrinkflation'. The video, created by user Melissa Simonson, meticulously compares Tampax tampons from various years, dating back to 2009, revealing a noticeable reduction in their physical size. Simonson's demonstration shows that newer tampons, despite being marketed with the same absorbency levels as their older counterparts, are visibly shorter and narrower. Using a measuring tape and even a ring sizer for a more precise comparison, the video illustrates how the product's cotton core has diminished over time. For instance, a tampon from 2009 appears substantially larger and fluffier than a newly purchased one from 2024, even when both are designated for 'super' absorbency. This visual evidence has resonated with many online, with numerous comments from users sharing similar experiences of needing to use more tampons or finding that their usual absorbency levels are no longer sufficient. The public is questioning why manufacturers are seemingly reducing product quantity without clear communication, especially for essential items. This trend, often referred to as 'shrinkflation', involves companies reducing the size or quantity of a product while maintaining its price, effectively increasing the cost per unit for consumers.
