15 Common Foods Disappearing from Grocery Shelves Because of Tariffs

Have you noticed your grocery bills increasing while your shopping list keeps shrinking? Supply chain disruptions have recently occurred, along with challenges in the food industry brought on by increased tariffs. The availability of several essential grocery items has drastically diminished, with some becoming impossible to find. 

Consumers face increased prices and limited choices, along with uncertainty, while purchasing everyday household items.  We will detail the reasons behind their scarcity while providing supporting data and offering advice to help you adapt to these changes.

This listicle examines 15 popular grocery items that are disappearing because of tariff impacts.

Rice

A significant portion of jasmine and basmati rice consumed in the U.S. comes from Thailand and India. Tariffs on these imports have made it difficult for grocers to keep shelves stocked affordably. This affects not just consumers but also restaurants specializing in Asian cuisine.

Countries like India, one of the largest rice exporters, have considered retaliatory tariffs in ongoing trade wars with the U.S. Many households have had to substitute with different rice varieties or brands, often sacrificing texture and taste. Cultural cooking traditions are also impacted, as authentic dishes rely heavily on specific types of rice.

Canned Tuna

Tariffs on aluminum, heavily used in the production of canned goods, have caused disruptions across grocery aisles. Canned tuna, an affordable protein source for decades, is disappearing as one of the many casualties. These tariffs have raised aluminum prices by 35%, according to the American Metals Market Association.

Consumers are increasingly opting for fresh or frozen fish options, such as salmon or whitefish. The changes have disrupted normal cooking activities at home, diminishing the enjoyment of food preparation.

Honey

Honey imports from key producers like Argentina, India, and Vietnam have been hit by steep tariffs in recent years, making this sweet treat increasingly rare. The U.S. consumes over 600 million pounds of honey annually, yet domestic production only accounts for about 25% of that figure, according to the National Honey Board.

For allergy sufferers and those who use honey as a natural sweetener, these tariffs have been an unexpected blow. Some stores have seen honey prices jump by as much as 15% compared to pre-tariff years. Stock up when possible, or consider exploring local honey as an alternative.

Olive Oil

The Mediterranean is synonymous with olive oil, but EU tariffs have significantly impacted imports to the United States. A 25% tariff increase on Spanish olive oil, in particular, has strained availability for American grocers. With the U.S. importing more than 100,000 metric tons of olive oil annually, according to the International Olive Council, this squeeze has left consumers scrambling to find their favorite brands.

Prices have risen by nearly 10%, and retailers report an ongoing struggle to meet demand. A USDA report suggests that olive oil prices could surge by as much as 20 percent if tariffs continue. Switching to alternatives like avocado oil or exploring domestic brands might help tide you over during shortages.

Citrus Fruits

The supply of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits is diminishing. The new tariffs on fruit imports from Mexico and the European Union have led to a decrease in import volumes. According to a USDA report, the U.S. imported almost $1 billion worth of fresh citrus annually. Recent years have seen a sharp decline in imports due to tariff increases reaching 22%, resulting in tighter availability of these fruits.

This doesn’t just affect your fruit bowls; it impacts the entire food industry. Citrus is widely used in juice production, cooking, and even cleaning products. If you’ve noticed rising prices on orange juice or lemons, tariffs are likely playing a role.

Coffee

Your morning cup of coffee might get much more expensive or more challenging to find. The U.S. sources most of its coffee beans from tariff-affected regions, such as South America, particularly Brazil and Colombia. Higher costs tied to tariff-related trade disputes have made coffee imports increasingly complex.

The National Coffee Association reports that coffee is a $225 billion industry in the U.S., yet rising tariffs have added as much as 25% to import costs. Smaller coffee roasters and retailers are struggling to maintain margins, affecting the supply chain down to your local grocery store. Avid coffee drinkers should buy coffee when it’s on sale and try locally produced options whenever they can find them.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter, which consumers often use for sandwiches and snacks, now faces significant challenges. Trade disputes with China, which exports raw peanuts on a large scale, have led to disruptions in the supply chain. According to the USDA, nearly 40% of the U.S.’s peanut supply comes from international sources. With higher tariffs on these exports, it’s no surprise that grocery stores are experiencing shortages. The National Peanut Board reports that U.S. peanut butter prices increased by 30% between 2020 and 2023, causing products to disappear from shelves slowly.

This has increased peanut butter prices. Families reliant on peanut butter as a budget-friendly, protein-packed staple are feeling the squeeze. Consumers are opting for generic or store-brand peanut butter, which might have fewer associated overhead costs compared to branded options.

Cheese

Europe is a key exporter of specialty cheeses like Gouda, Brie, and Roquefort. However, tariffs linked to trade disputes have pushed up their costs and made imports more sporadic. The USDA highlights that in recent years, cheese tariffs have added up to 25% to the retail prices of cheese in the U.S.

For fans of fondue, charcuterie boards, or artisanal dairy, these tariffs hit particularly hard. Some stores are reducing their cheese inventory, while others are sourcing domestic options to supplement the loss of imports, but replicating the complexity and heritage of European cheeses is challenging.

Wine

European wines, particularly those from France or Italy, face significant tariffs, which can increase the cost by 25% or more. The U.S. wine industry’s monitoring body, Wine America, noted a 33% drop in sales of European wines to the U.S. after tariffs were imposed. For enthusiasts of imported reds, whites, and rosés, this means reduced availability and higher prices.

According to the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, the added tariffs have led to a nearly 25 percent jump in retail prices for some imported wines. Try a wine from emerging regions like South America and Australia, or even growing U.S. wine regions (California, Oregon, and Washington are producing impressive vintages).

Seafood

The seafood industry has seen significant turbulence, particularly due to tariffs on imports from countries such as China, Vietnam, and India. These regions account for a large portion of shrimp, tilapia, and squid found in U.S. supermarkets. Tariffs have increased costs by as much as 25%, making it more challenging for retailers to maintain these products at affordable prices.

Restaurants, along with seafood markets, are responding by sourcing more local products and revising their menus accordingly. This adaptation strategy typically results in higher expenses or a limited product selection. Consumers encounter higher prices and reduced options, particularly when it comes to sought-after dishes like shrimp cocktails and grilled fish fillets.

Chocolate

Global cocoa shortages fueled by restricted supply chains and higher tariffs are leaving chocolate lovers with fewer options. According to the International Cocoa Organization, specific tariffs on exports from West Africa, where over 60% of cocoa is sourced, could disrupt global cocoa trade.

Many European chocolate brands often encounter barriers due to U.S.-EU trade disputes. Explore small-batch or single-origin chocolates, as their smaller production runs can sometimes evade broader trade disruptions.

Pasta

Italy is the leading exporter of pasta to the U.S., and tariffs on these goods have led to increased prices and reduced availability. Specialty pasta and authentic Italian brands are tough to find. The increased costs of shipping and importing are usually passed down to consumers.

Shoppers are turning to domestic options, but many note a difference in texture and quality. Italian cuisine enthusiasts feel the impact most, as recipes require specific pasta types for proper execution.

Beef

While the U.S. is a major beef producer, it imports specific cuts and types of beef to meet consumer demand. Tariffs of 25% on beef imports from Canada and Mexico have increased costs, leading to higher prices for consumers.

The U.S. has established tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) for beef imports, but increased competition and tariffs have strained the supply, affecting availability and pricing. Consumers are experiencing higher prices for certain beef products, and retailers are adjusting their offerings accordingly.

Almonds

Almonds are one of the most exported agricultural products in the U.S., with California producing over 80 percent of the world’s supply. However, hefty retaliatory tariffs imposed by key buyers, such as China and India, have significantly slowed United States almond exports.

According to the California Almond Board, exports to China dropped by 33 percent in recent years, leaving farmers struggling to find alternative buyers. These reduced export opportunities often result in lower supply and, in some cases, higher prices for almonds in local markets.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

The U.S. imports a significant portion of its fresh produce. From 2007 to 2023, the share of fresh fruit availability supplied by imports grew from 50% to 59%, and fresh vegetables from 20% to 35%. Imported tomatoes and tomato-based products, including canned tomatoes and sauces, have been subject to tariffs that increase their costs. Reports from the USDA suggest a 17% price spike for tomato-based goods in recent years.

The costs of imported bananas, pineapples, and avocados from Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Peru have increased while their availability has decreased due to higher tariffs. The United States has imposed 25% tariffs on cherry tomatoes and other Mexican produce, resulting in increased consumer prices and potential shortages.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.

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