Fewer nuggets, smaller salads as shrinkflation hits U.S. restaurant diners

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9 thoughts on “Fewer nuggets, smaller salads as shrinkflation hits U.S. restaurant diners

  1. Midwest meals out are much larger, typically, than on either coast. There are three consequences as a result. One is eating everything on the plate (which can easily exceed 3,000 or more calories and dangerously high amounts of artery-clogging saturated fat) and becoming morbidly obese. The another is leaving food on the plate, contributing to a waste of food that ends up in a dumpster (which benefits no one). And the last one is paying higher prices to eat out, due in part to the cost of the large plate of food. Right-sizing the meal is a good thing that Hoosiers should welcome fir their own sake.

    1. While your point is fundamentally correct, restaurants aren’t doing this out of some clarion call to social responsibility in promoting a public health battle against obesity. That’s the last thing they care about. They’re doing this because of a horrendous economy marred by crippling inflation, and it’s the only way they can stay in the black without raising prices to levels that scare people away. In other words, they’re fooling people into thinking they’re still getting their money’s worth when they order out…but who are they fooling? We all know our money is worth significantly less than it was a year ago, or three months ago, or even two weeks ago.

    2. Lauren B. We have inflation because the economy is screaming hot soaring. It is wonderful to see how well things are going. Things are booming for the first time in 20 years. I am surprised you commented here on an IBJ article since I assumed from the tone of your comments, you would be getting most of your news from FOX.

      I bought a house in 1988 with 18% Interest rate because inflation was out of control. I guess all of your news sources have selective memory.

    3. Lauren B – I for one welcome smaller portions (and would argue for lower prices to boot), but would note that candy manufacturers long ago reduced the size of their products and kept prices the same after the down-sizing. There’s nothing new about that. Whether by choice or by necessity, there are few alternatives available to retailers in our current economic environment (which, btw, is not unique to the US as inflation and supply chain woes are global).

  2. Meals in all US chain restaurants seemed to be super-sized. It is always a pleasure to travel in Europe because if I order a sandwich at lunch, I will actually be hungry for dinner. In the US even the fruit in the super market is super-sized. Nobody really needs a 1500 calorie sandwich with a 900 calorie side of fries for just one meal.

    Amen to smaller meals.

  3. I’d rather a restaurant keep portions the same and up the prices. Many people share a salad or sandwich. As a guest I will note your shenanigans when commodity prices correct and you’re still giving me 3 French fries after raising the price.

    After the last bird flu from 7 or 8 years ago (?) ended, egg inventories were through the roof. Large eggs were around 3 – 5 cents each. And that was RETAIL. A three-egg omelet at your favorite diner was probably less than a dime in food costs (of course add more for meats, veggies, and cheese but you get the point). Breakfast operators made a killing. Most didn’t get stingy during the flu and they kept the same portions – and kept their customers.

  4. As most have noted, many meal sized were too big. One frequently would leave a good portion to be trashed or request a take home contained (to be trashed at home once the meal is forgotten).

    Perhaps more attention to quality instead of quantity should be the focus. However, those who still are able to afford dining out should not complain. Many do not have this option. Despite the inflation for food items, it remain much more economical to prepare and eat at home. The justification for eating out is not economic but because one wants to do so. Of course, one can eat out less often.

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