Chicken Wings

Cause: Texas storm

Effect: Rise in price or removal from menus

Texas isn’t just famous for producing the most crude oil in the US. The state is also one of the biggest producers of chicken in the country. In 2021, the US and neighboring Canada were ravaged by North American storms. And Texas took quite a hit, resulting in the disruption of chicken production.

According to the “Wall Street Journal,” around 1 million birds died. And with figures like that, something has to give. The result was a scarcity of chicken wings. And as you’d expect, the price went up. Luckily, brands like Wingstop—known for offering chicken wings—launched the “Thighstop” as an alternative.

Bacon

Bacon was another pork-based staple that was in short supply. And, like hotdogs, the problem began with the 2020 hog shortage. The industry’s output suffered due to a labor shortage and a virus affecting pigs. In reality, it turns out that bacon lovers were the cause of the scarcity.

Cause: More outdoor gatherings and barbecues

Effect: Bacon shortage

With people cooped up during the lockdowns, the popularity of cookouts went up. And with the supply depleted, it became impossible for the pork industry to keep up with the demand. To worsen things, residents of California are coming to terms with a new law set to ban the sale of some pig breeds.

Hot Dogs

Swine fever was to blame for the 2020 hog shortage. However, it did not take long for production to return to normal. During the same period, the global lockdown was in full swing. As a result, the consumption of pork-based products, such as hotdogs, plummeted that year.

Cause: Increase in barbecues

Effect: A menu overhaul

But with production rates back up, what caused the scarcity? Well, it turns out that the increase in social events like barbecues increased their demand. And for those who couldn’t lay their hands on the staple food, a menu overhaul was in order. Turkey and chicken sausages may be perfect substitutes for those family cookouts.

Sardines

Sardines feature in several dishes all over the world. However, we must accept that our diet may need to change temporarily. Overfishing has been an issue for many years. And the consensus is that we must temporarily reduce fishing for the sardine population to increase. In reality, that’s not the only problem threatening the sardine supply.

Cause: Fishing pressure causes the fish population to decrease

Effect: Less salty fish on the market

Peer-reviewed journals have reported that climate change is now causing changes in migratory patterns. In a nutshell, fishermen are returning with fewer sardines than anticipated. So, don’t be too surprised if your favorite salty fish becomes more pricey than it currently is and scarcer.

Ketchup Packets

Food packaging is as important as the food itself. And no one understands this better than Americans dealing with a ketchup packet shortage. When eating at home, you can use ketchup from a bottle. However, most diners are familiar with ketchup in a convenient pack.

Cause: Rise in food deliveries

Effect: No ketchup packs with your fries

During the pandemic, some restaurants remained open, and customers were expected to order takeout. After all, the goal was to keep physical contact to a minimum. As a result, the demand for single-use ketchup with customers’ fries, burgers, and other foods increased. With plans to increase production in 2021, Heinz warmed the hearts of millions.