Americans are on a budget. They're also on Ozempic. Food companies are raking in cash by catering to both.
Briefly

Americans are on a budget. They're also on Ozempic. Food companies are raking in cash by catering to both.
"The United States has long been known for its extra-large food portions. We've got king-size candy bars and family-size chip bags and all-you-can-eat buffets. Many restaurants put calorie counts on their menus that can serve as a PSA for diners that they really ought to take half of their meal to go. More recently, however, food has started to move in the opposite direction. Portions are getting smaller amid tighter consumer budgets, the growing prevalence of weight-loss drugs, and perhaps some corporate tomfoolery."
"In the wake of pandemic-driven inflation, you may remember the uproar over shrinkflation, where brands shrank their products without shrinking their prices accordingly. But even now that price jumps have slowed, the shrinking continues. Coca-Cola is leaning into its 7.5-ounce "mini cans" and plans to send them to convenience stores in 2026 to be sold individually for $1.29 a pop. Pepsi is offering smaller packs for its snacks in an effort to appeal to budget- and portion-conscious consumers."
Portion sizes across the food industry are trending downward as brands introduce smaller formats and single-serve options. Economic pressures from pandemic-driven inflation and tighter household budgets have pushed companies to offer reduced-size packs and individual pricing. Growing use of weight-loss drugs and heightened calorie awareness have also contributed to demand for smaller servings. Major companies such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi, along with snack and packaged-goods firms, are experimenting with mini cans and compact packs. Consumers continue to value indulgence, but a distinct frugal, calorie-conscious segment is driving the market toward miniaturized food options.
Read at Business Insider
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