President Biden Tackles Shrinkflation in State of the Union Address
Shrinkflation: A Matter of Corporate Greed
In his State of the Union address last night, President Joe Biden took on a new symbolic foe: shrinkflation. In attacking the practice, he’s trying to signal that he’s aligned with the common American against corporate greed—even if it’s not clear what he can actually do about the problem.
What is Shrinkflation?
Shrinkflation refers to when companies shave the corner off a chunk of soap or pack less ice cream in a container and still charge the same or higher prices. This practice has irked consumers in recent months and has become a convenient target for Democratic politicians, Biden included.
A Political Move with Broad Implications
Although the president doesn’t have direct authority over the packaging decisions of private companies, Biden voiced support for a bill to crack down on shrinkflation. The bill aims to give more authority to the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to pursue action against companies that engage in the practice. While the government could more strongly enforce existing laws about deceptive selling practices and work on stricter labeling rules, the onus of dealing with shrinkflation should fall on policy makers rather than on consumers, according to Lindsay Owens, the executive director of the progressive think tank Groundwork Collaborative.
Consumer Pushback and Biden’s Political Messaging
Consumers have started to push back on shrinkflation by switching to cheaper brands. This increasing awareness among shoppers may prompt companies to change their strategies. Biden’s focus on shrinkflation fits into a larger narrative he emphasized in his State of the Union address, casting himself as a friend of the working American compared to Trump, whom he portrays as a friend to the billionaires. Shrinkflation is an issue that resonates with voters, as high prices remain a prominent concern.
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Evening Read
“The ‘Secret’ Gospel and a Scandalous New Episode in the Life of Jesus” by Ariel Sabar
Culture Break
Watch the new FX show Shōgun, which is breaking the mold of the beloved samurai stereotype. Also, dive into the new album of producer and songwriter Jack Antonoff, which taps into nostalgia that’s boosted his own success. And don’t forget to tackle our daily crossword puzzle.
Don’t Miss
Discover the Massachusetts man who has dedicated extensive efforts to cataloging sneakily smaller packaging and learn more about shrinkflation in the fascinating 2022 profile of Edgar Dworsky.
About This Newsletter
This article was derived from an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here.
Stephanie Bai contributed to this newsletter.
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