Do you remember the days when you could stock up your pantry with cheap and cheerful staples like pasta, rice, and bread? Well, those days are long gone. Due to inflation, supply chain disruptions, and climate change, some of the most common foods have become surprisingly expensive in recent years. Here are 8 foods that were once pantry staples – now surprisingly expensive!
1. Pasta
Pasta, the ultimate comfort food and budget-friendly meal, has seen a significant price increase in the past year. According to the Reuters, the average price of spaghetti and macaroni rose by 17.5% in March of 2023. That may not sound like much, but it adds up over time, especially if you eat pasta regularly. The main reason for the pasta price hike is the rising cost of wheat, which is affected by droughts, floods, and pests in major producing countries like Canada, Russia, and Australia.
2. Rice
Another staple grain that has become more expensive is rice. Rice prices surged to their highest price in 12 years. Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world’s population, so any change in its price can have a huge impact on food security and poverty. The main factors driving up the price of rice are the high demand from China and India, the low supply from Thailand and Vietnam due to weather and pandemic-related disruptions, and the rising cost of transportation and packaging.
3. Peanut butter
If you love peanut butter as much as I do, you may want to brace yourself for this one. The average price of peanuts butter continues to rise. The main reason for the peanut butter price surge is the rising cost of peanuts which has increased by 4.8%, which are affected by crop failures, diseases, and labor shortages in major producing countries like Argentina, Brazil, and China.
4. Canned tuna
Canned tuna is one of those foods that you can always rely on for a quick and easy meal or snack. But you may have noticed that your favorite brand of canned tuna is not as cheap as it used to be. The main reason for the canned tuna price increase is the declining fish stocks due to overfishing, illegal fishing, and climate change. As tuna becomes scarcer and more expensive, so does canned tuna.
5. Coffee
If you’re a coffee lover like me, you may want to sit down for this one. The average price of roasted coffee increased by 8%. That means your morning cup of joe is costing you more than ever before! The main reason for the coffee price hike is the severe frost that hit Brazil in July 2021, which damaged about 20% of its coffee crop. Brazil is the world’s largest producer and exporter of coffee, so any disruption in its supply can have a ripple effect on the global market.
6. Eggs
Eggs are one of those foods that you can use for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. They’re versatile, nutritious, and delicious. But they’re also becoming more expensive. The average price of eggs increased by 8.9%. That’s a big jump for a dozen eggs! The main reason for the egg price increase is the high demand from consumers who are cooking more at home due to the pandemic, as well as the rising cost of feed and labor for egg producers.
7. Cheese
Cheese is one of those foods that can make any dish better. Whether it’s pizza, pasta, salad, or sandwich, cheese adds flavor, texture, and richness to your meal. But cheese is also becoming more costly. The main reason for the cheese price increase is the high demand from consumers who are craving comfort food during the pandemic, as well as the rising cost of milk, which is affected by droughts and wildfires in major producing regions like California and Wisconsin.
8. Bread
Bread is one of those foods that you can eat with anything. It’s a staple for sandwiches, toast, and more. But bread is also becoming pricier. The main reason for the bread price increase is the rising cost of wheat, which is affected by the same factors as pasta, as well as the rising cost of yeast, sugar, and other ingredients.
Strategies
Nine foods that were once affordable and common, but now have become expensive and scarce. These foods include bacon, butter, coffee, chocolate, and others. However, there are some strategies to cope with the rising prices and limited availability of these foods. One can look for discounts, coupons, or bulk purchases, or one can try to make homemade versions of these foods.
