INTRODUCING "SNEAKFLATION"

Inflation is on the rise again, and companies are resorting to a subtle tactic known as "sneakflation" to pass on their costs without altering the price of goods, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Unlike "shrinkflation," where package sizes are reduced while prices remain the same, sneakflation involves a gradual erosion of product value. This can mean fewer features in tech products, downgraded ingredients in food, cheaper materials in clothing, or a reduction in service quality, all while prices stay the same. Examples of sneakflation can be seen across various sectors, from frozen dinners and streaming services to apparel and electronics. The strategy is a "silent downgrade" aimed at preserving company margins without causing sticker shock, says Kyle Benson from Consumer Dynamics Research.