‘Shrinkflation’: Lawmaker warns bread might shrink but cost more

THE chairperson of the House Committee on Ways and Means on Sunday asked flour millers and bread makers to fortify their products with additional vitamins and minerals in anticipation of what he called “shrinkflation,” or the reduction in serving size of certain goods instead of an increase in per serving price.

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said bread would probably be the hardest hit by shrinkflation.

“Wheat prices have increased by 165 percent. At that point, bread makers will probably both increase prices and shrink sizes,” Salceda said.

In March this year, Salceda warned of higher bread prices as the Russia-ukraine conflict affects the trade of wheat.

“Egg prices are also threatening to go out of control. Sugar supply is already problematic. What we are likely to see is shrinkflation. Goods getting smaller instead of higher prices,” he said.

Salceda added that while the government continues to try to control price hikes and resolve supply issues, manufacturers and millers can “fortify their products with vitamins and minerals.”

“[The Department of Science and Technology] also asked millers and bread makers to consider other alternatives and additives to maintain nutritional value without increasing prices or reducing sizes significantly,” he said.

“So, in the meantime, while we solve the structural issues affecting price and supply, we can adapt,” he added.

Salceda already made the call to manufacturers in April.

Salceda said he would work with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute to come up with a prescribed guide for bread makers to come up with bread at similar nutritional value but at a lower cost.

“Nutrition should be part of Science for Change, which is the DOST’S flagship program. This should be one of the most relevant and immediate applications,” the lawmaker from Albay pointed out.