In my laundry room, I have two packages of Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Laundry Detergent Pacs: a plastic tub purchased in August 2023 and a plastic bag purchased in September 2024. Both were bought for $26.99.

Each package contains 152 laundry detergent pods, but the other day I noticed a difference: the older package weighs 3.6 kg, while the newer one weighs 2.9 kg.

It’s a subtle reduction; however, it’s clearly an example of “shrinkflation,” which occurs when a company reduces the size of a product while maintaining the same price.

Initially, I thought the weight difference might be due to the change in packaging from a plastic tub to a bag. However, I decided to weigh the pods on a kitchen scale. The old pods weigh 22 grams, while the new ones weigh 19 grams. Additionally, the newer pods are visibly smaller than the older ones.

I know this isn’t the most earth-shattering change, but I think it’s important to document clear examples of “shrinkflation” in the interest of transparency.

It’s a cynical, deceptive, and downright shitty move by Costco.