Disclaimer:This is a dummy PopVox article created solely for demonstration purposes. All names, quotes, facts, and data are fictional and not based on real individuals or events.
Context: Represents fictional restaurant owners operating on food delivery apps.
“Operational costs are rising — from ingredients to packaging. Some restaurants adjust prices, others reduce portions to cope.”-Prakash
Context: An imaginary consumer rights advocate campaigning against hidden price hikes.
“Customers are being charged more for less food. This trend erodes trust in both restaurants and platforms.”-Rina
trend changed your ordering habits?
Interview 1 – Meera Nibble, 28, Cloud Pastry Designer, Snacktown
“I ordered my favourite biryani last week -same price, but it felt like half the portion.”-Meera
Interview 2 – Raj Toastworthy, 34, Culinary Gadget Reviewer, Forksville
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“It’s sneaky. Prices look stable, but when the portion shrinks, you’re actually paying more.”-Raj
Interview 3 – Sanjay Chutney, 24, App Developer, Byte City
“I’ve started ordering directly from restaurants to get better value.”-Sanjay
Pop-Vox
Facts (Dummy Data)
Average in-app food price increase in past year: 12% (Source: Fictional Food Economy Index 2024)
Shrinkflation cases reported by customers: 4 in 10 orders show reduced quantity (Source: Imaginary Consumer Watch Survey 2024)
Difference between in-app and dine-in prices: 18% higher on apps (Source: Pretend Restaurant Pricing Study 2023)
Delivery platform commission rates: 18–30% per order (Source: Fabricated Digital Business Review 2024)
AI Summary — Stakeholder Impact
Public/Consumers:Many feel shortchanged as portion sizes shrink without clear notice, eroding trust in both restaurants and delivery apps.
Industry/Employers:Restaurants argue higher raw material and commission costs force either price hikes or portion cuts to stay profitable.
Policy/Government:Food pricing transparency is largely unregulated in the online delivery sector, making it difficult to monitor shrinkflation practices.
Related Links
[PopVox: How Delivery App Commissions Impact Restaurant Prices]
[PopVox: The Psychology of Online Food Pricing]
FAQ — Price Hike and Shrinkflation
Q1. What is shrinkflation?A1. Reducing the size or quantity of a product while keeping the price the same.
Q2. Is shrinkflation legal?A2. Yes, as long as the portion size is clearly disclosed — which is often not the case.
Q3. Why do restaurants resort to shrinkflation?A3. To offset higher operational costs without visibly increasing menu prices.
Q4. How can customers spot it?A4. By comparing past orders, checking portion sizes, and reading reviews.
Q5. Can apps enforce transparency?A5. Yes, platforms can require restaurants to display weight or quantity for every menu item.
