A consumer advocacy study has documented an average 15% reduction in restaurant portion sizes over the past two years while menu prices increased 20%, effectively creating a 35% decline in value for diners.

The Evidence

Researchers photographed and weighed dishes at 200 chain restaurants quarterly for 2 years. Protein portions shrank the most — chicken servings dropped from 8oz to 6.5oz while steak servings lost a full ounce on average.

Consumer Response

Dining out frequency has dropped 12% among consumers who noticed the shrinkage. Restaurants argue food costs have risen 30% and portions reflect sustainability goals.