Barcode Betty
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Removes quantity qualifier from two instances since pre-beta coverage is not verified. per QA and CEO review comments on PR #42. Co-Authored-By: Paperclip <noreply@paperclip.ing>
3.7 KiB
CartSnitch Press/Media Kit
Timing: Ready by April 24, 2026 (beta launch)
About CartSnitch
CartSnitch is a grocery price tracking and shrinkflation detection app that helps consumers see exactly how much they are paying per unit of product — and when brands shrink products without lowering prices.
Founded: 2026 Mission: Help consumers understand what they are really paying for at the grocery store, and expose the practices that cost families hundreds of dollars per year.
Product Description
CartSnitch tracks unit prices (price ÷ size) across grocery products. Users can:
- Set alerts on products they buy regularly
- See when a product gets smaller or more expensive
- Compare total grocery costs across stores
- Access data on which products have experienced the most shrinkflation
Status: Beta (April 24, 2026) Availability: Web app / PWA Supported stores: Meijer, Kroger, and Target
The Problem: Shrinkflation
Shrinkflation is the practice of reducing product size while keeping prices the same or raising them. The average US family loses an estimated $300–$500 per year to shrinkflation across all grocery categories.
Examples (2020–2025):
- Family cereal boxes: 20 oz → 18 oz → 16 oz, same shelf price
- Paper towels: 12 rolls → 10 rolls, same price
- Yogurt cups: 6 oz → 5.3 oz, same price
- Dish soap: 24 oz → 20 oz, same price
Unlike price gouging, which is illegal during emergencies in many states, shrinkflation is legal year-round. The only defense is tracking unit prices.
Key Messages
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Unit prices reveal the truth. The shelf price is misleading. Price per ounce or per unit is the honest measure of value.
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Shrinkflation is real and costly. Brands reduce product sizes while maintaining or raising prices. The average family loses $300–$500/year.
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CartSnitch tracks it automatically. We monitor unit prices across products and alert users when their regular purchases change.
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Consumers deserve transparency. Price-per-unit should be displayed prominently at shelf level. Until regulation catches up, CartSnitch gives consumers the data directly.
Statistics (Directional — Based on CartSnitch Analysis of Manufacturer Packaging Data)
- Average family loses $300–$500/year to shrinkflation across all grocery categories
- Cereals specifically: $80–$120/year per family
- Family cereal boxes shrank an average of 12–16% in oz between 2020–2025
- Top shrinkflation offenders in 2021–2025: Lay's (28%), Yoplait (27.5%), Cocoa Puffs (27%), Ruffles (23.6%), Cheerios (21.5%)
Note: Dollar figures are based on CartSnitch analysis of publicly available manufacturer packaging data. USDA FoodData Central provides reference data for package sizing baselines. Production data will refine these figures.
Quotes
Penny Pincherton, CEO and Co-founder:
"We built CartSnitch because we were tired of going to the store and getting less for the same money. Shrinkflation is a quiet tax on families who don't have time to calculate price-per-ounce on every product, every week. We do that work automatically."
Savannah Savings, CMO:
"The grocery industry has been shrinking products in plain sight for years because they know most shoppers won't notice. We think noticing should be easy."
Leadership
- Penny Pincherton — CEO and Co-founder
- Savannah Savings — CMO
- Chip Overstock — CTO
Media Assets
- Screenshots: Available once staging environment is live (CAR-60 in progress)
- Logo: Available in brand assets folder
- Product demo: TBD
Contact
For press inquiries: press@cartsnitch.app For partnerships: partners@cartsnitch.app Website: cartsnitch.app