BLS Publishes a Research CPI That Removes the Effect of Product Size Changes
The Fact
BLS publishes a research version of the Consumer Price Index that removes the effect of product size changes. The official CPI uses the observed price change in the month a product's size changes; the research series lets anyone see how much package downsizing adds to measured inflation.
What This Means
Shrinkflation is paying the same price for less. BLS tracks it closely enough to publish a separate index showing its effect.
Why It Matters
If the box got smaller, you are not imagining it — and it is not free.
Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Research CPI Without Product Size Changes (R-CPI-SC),” updated July 20, 2026. https://www.bls.gov/cpi/research-series/r-cpi-sc.htm