After some signs of a slow and cautious return to pre-pandemic normalcy this summer, fall 2021 is looking remarkably like fall 2020—and that means supply issues at grocery stores. This time the shortages are scattered throughout the store, but shoppers hoping to get their hands on specific products may find it’s not that easy right now.
“It’s spotty, it’s not a widespread situation,” says Katie Denis, vice president of research for the Consumer Brands Association, which represents the consumer packaged goods industry, including companies like General Mills and Kellogg. “It’s not like at the beginning of the pandemic when people went out and cleared shelves to stockpile and panicked.”
Still, there are specific product areas feeling the strain most strongly right now. Here are some products to look for during your next grocery run.
What Are Stores Running Short On?
1. Canned Goods
Last year, people stocked up on canned goods—and manufacturers wound up facing an aluminum shortage. The shortage has continued over a year into the pandemic, leading to reduced supply of products like tomato paste, canned vegetables and soda.
2. Turkeys
Thanksgiving isn’t here quite yet, and while we’re not ready to set the table, it might be time to start sourcing the main attraction. Large turkeys were passed over last year in favor of smaller 14-pounders as people gathered in small groups, factories shut down due to the pandemic and grain prices shot up.
All of these factors put together have resulted in a shortage of smaller turkeys this year—and since it seems that this year also may feature smaller Thanksgiving get-togethers, it might be time to snap one up and pop it into the freezer before the big day, buy a frozen bird or buy parts instead of the whole thing.
3. Chicken
Turkey isn’t the only bird crying fowl—chickens are off the menu, too. Back in February, news of a chicken shortage dropped, resulting in fast-food chains cutting back on chicken items. The shortage has now begun to affect grocery chains, who are struggling to find chicken suppliers.
4. Pet Food
Thanks to higher corn, soy and meat prices, pet food is in short supply. It’s also 8-20% more expensive than it would be usually. Even big retailers like Target and Amazon are also facing shortages of pet food, leaving many pet owners scrambling for their furry friends’ staple foods and favorite treats.
5. Lunchables
With school and work back in full swing in many places, this popular snack option flew off the shelves. While Kraft announced last year it would be keeping it on the shelves despite cutting a large number of their products, it seems the increased demand has outstripped supply.
If you can’t find your favorite Lunchables, you can always make snacks for kids at home.
6. Bottled Water
Costco has reported shortages of bottled water and jugs of water, and the warehouse has already begun to put purchase limits on other items anticipating a shortage.
7. Liquor
In states like Pennsylvania, Virginia and Ohio, liquor stores are still running short on supplies after a spike in demand last year. According to NPR, import prices have skyrocketed, glass bottles are hard to source and liquor simply takes so long to make that suppliers are still struggling to catch up—and probably will for a while.
For now, some states, like Virginia where the government is in charge of alcohol sales, have begun to put limits on the number of bottles people are allowed to buy.
Why Are These Items in Short Supply?
It’s because of labor shortages and supply-chain issues, from food manufacturers to grocery stores. There simply aren’t enough people to “make the goods, move the goods and sell the goods,” says Jim Dudlicek, a representative for the National Grocers Association.
In addition, supply is affected by more people cooking and eating at home, a trend that started at the onset of the pandemic. “Demand has been very, very high,” Denis says. Still, she doesn’t think there’s a reason for people to stockpile. She pointed to lumber as an example of a product that was extremely hard to get for a while, but has become more plentiful in recent months, and the food supply chain likely will rebound in a similar fashion, although it may take time.
How to Shop Responsibly Right Now
If you see purchase limits on products at stores, there’s no reason to panic—or panic buy. The retailers are simply being responsible and managing inventory. “If people can buy what they need, and only what they need, we’ll have enough,” says Denis.
Shoppers should expect that specific items may be harder to get at certain times. Be mindful of your fellow shoppers and only take what you really need. As the holidays approach, plan to preorder a turkey and secure other “must-haves” in a timely fashion. And don’t hesitate to ask your local grocer about item availability.
If you’re hoping to stay out of grocery stores for safety reasons, these stores offer delivery and pickup options.
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Amrita Thakkar