Executive summary
This investigation documents hidden fees and product size changes through Q4 2025. Data is collected from publicly available pricing information and consumer-facing disclosures.
Methodology
This investigation relies on publicly available information: product packaging labels, retailer websites, and consumer-facing price displays. We document changes in product sizes, package counts, and listed fees. We do not access proprietary data or conduct undercover operations. All observations are timestamped and sourced.
Key findings
Product size reductions — commonly known as shrinkflation — continued across grocery, household, and personal care categories. The most common pattern was a 5-15% reduction in product weight or count at the same shelf price. Hidden fees remained most prevalent in travel, ticketing, and delivery sectors, where mandatory charges are often not displayed until late in the checkout process.
Consumer guidance
Consumers can protect themselves by comparing unit prices (price per ounce or per count) rather than package prices, and by reading the full checkout summary before completing online purchases. This report provides educational guidance and does not constitute legal, financial, or consumer protection advice.
Monthly data table
| Month | Investigation CPI (% YoY) |
|---|---|
| Jan 25 | 4.6% |
| Feb 25 | 4.6% |
| Mar 25 | 5.2% |
| Apr 25 | 5.9% |
| May 25 | 5.0% |
| Jun 25 | 4.9% |
| Jul 25 | 5.5% |
| Aug 25 | 4.9% |
| Sep 25 | 5.6% |
| Oct 25 | 5.6% |
| Nov 25 | 5.9% |
| Dec 25 | 5.1% |
| Jan 26 | 5.2% |
| Feb 26 | 5.6% |
| Mar 26 | 5.4% |
| Apr 26 | 5.1% |
| May 26 | 5.3% |
| Jun 26 | 5.6% |
| Jul 26 | 5.0% |
Methodology
The Consumer Price Index measures the average change over time in prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of goods and services. TALLY Insights presents this data in an accessible format. Full methodology details are available on our methodology page.