You know that sudden moment when you reach for your favorite pasta sauce or coffee at Target—and the shelf is empty? That’s happening more often these days. After a recent grocery run, I noticed my go-to garlic cloves were gone—and they’re still missing.
This year’s sweeping tariffs—up to 145% on Chinese imports and hefty rates on foods from dozens of countries—are shaking up the food aisle. Experts say imports at U.S. ports fell nearly 33% year-over-year, and shoppers are seeing 10–50% price jumps across basics from tortillas to tuna.
As a mom trying to stretch every dollar, it’s not just annoying—it’s unsettling. Here’s a look at 18 staple foods now missing or getting pricier, what’s driving the shortages, and what it means for families like ours.
Tomatoes
Mexican tomatoes make up about 70% of our fresh tomato supply.
With a new 17% tariff in place, prices have shot up 40–50%, and cherry, Roma, and even big slicing tomatoes are disappearing from shelves.
That means less salsa at taco night and more stress trying to feed my kids affordably.
Aromatic Rice (Jasmine, Basmati)
We used to buy that fragrant jasmine rice for $10 a bag. Now, tariffs up to 36% on imports from Thailand and India have made it scarce and expensive when it’s available.
Weekly rice dishes have turned into special treats for us instead of pantry staples.
Seafood (Shrimp, Tilapia, Salmon, Crab)
Up to 85% of U.S. seafood is imported. Tariffs of up to 46% on seafood from Vietnam, India, and elsewhere have led to canceled orders and empty frozen sections.
My family’s Friday fish tacos? They’re now a rare splurge instead of a routine meal.
Coffee
We live on coffee, and with 80% of it imported, mainly from Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam, we’ve been hit hard. Tariffs from 10% to 46% have made that morning brew costlier, and our go-to dark roast is missing half the time.
Going without isn’t an option, so we’ve started mixing with cheaper store-brand blends.
Spices (Cumin, Turmeric, Chili, Black Pepper)
Those Indian and Vietnamese spices I rely on for curries and soups have climbed 30–50% in price. Imports from India face double-digit duties, and black pepper from Vietnam sees nearly 46% tariffs.
Simple meals feel like a luxury now, with spice blends far from reliable.
Cheese and Dairy
European cheeses—brie, feta, Parmesan—are now hit with 20% tariffs. Imported butter and yogurt are more expensive, and specialty cheeses seem to vanish by midweek.
I’ve become a regular at cutoff bins, hoping to snag basics before they disappear.
Chocolate and Cocoa
Tariffs of 10–21% on cocoa from the EU, Ghana, and Ivory Coast have taken delicious options off the shelf. Premium chocolate that my kids love is gone as fast as it hits stores, and the cost for what’s left is steeper.
Buying chocolate now is a choice, not a cheat.
Fresh Fruits (Bananas, Avocados, Pineapples, Mangoes)
Over half of our fruit is imported, so when tariffs hit Mexico, Costa Rica, and Guatemala, prices jump. Avocados used to be $1.50 each; now $2.50, and sometimes they’re just missing.
Smoothies and fruit bowls are now budget challenges.
Nuts (Cashews, Almonds, Pistachios)
Many nuts are shelled overseas—wholesale tariffs have pushed their prices up 25–40%. That bowl of mixed nuts? Definitely no longer routine for our family snacks.
Olive Oil
Our favorite Mediterranean olive oil—mostly bottled in Europe—has a 20% tariff. The premium bottle we trusted to dip bread in costs nearly 30% more, and some mid-priced brands are now gone.
I’ve switched to cooking oils made here, but it’s not the same.
Alcohol (Wine, Spirits, Beer)
Those celebratory bottles of wine and tequila at family gatherings aren’t so frequent anymore. With 10–20% tariffs on European, UK, and Mexican drinks, stores are keeping fewer imported options.
Even my husband’s favorite mezcal bar is charging $5 extra per pour.
Beef and Processed Meats
We used to enjoy steaks a couple times a month. Now, 34.7% of beef and pork come from Canada, but tariffs have interrupted that.
Prices are up, and deli meat is in shorter supply.
Garlic
China grows more than 80% of the world’s garlic. Now? Tariffs of 145%. Our garlic bulbs are gone within hours. And at $1.50 each, it’s a real punch to the budget.
Apple Juice
Sixty percent of our apple juice comes from China, which is also hit with a 145% tariff. Bottles are disappearing from shelves, and family breakfasts have gone from juice to water.
Tequila
Our favorite margaritas are now rare home treats. Tequila tariffs have shrunk varieties and jacked up prices by 20–30%.
Bars are rotating brands like produce, going without imports when stocks run dry.
Canned Tuna & Seafood
Canned foods like tuna and salmon are staples here, even our pantry lockups. Imports from Asia now face up to 46% tariffs, slashing availability.
Meals like tuna salad? They’re disappearing fast.
Fresh Vegetables (Peppers, Cucumbers, Zucchini)
About 63% of produce comes from Mexico—tariffs and slow truck lanes have caused gaps.
Our weekly fresh produce haul looks different these days, with bare spots in our cart.
Specialty & Ethnic Foods
My go-to Korean bibimbap sauce or Italian pasta is harder to find now.
Imports from Latin America, Asia, and Europe face new duties, and grocery aisles reflect it.
Daily cooking feels less global, more local, and limited.
Key Takeaway
Tariffs have turned everyday meals into minefields for families on every budget.
Supply drops (33% lower imports) and price increases (10–50%, sometimes more) are hitting every layer of the pantry, from garlic to tequila. Retail giants have warned the White House about possible empty shelves during the holidays.
National Grocers Association spokesperson David Cutler called tariffs a “food tax” that hits consumers directly. And Fed reports show rising costs are already impacting economic activity.
As a mom fighting to feed everyone affordably, this isn’t a policy paper—it’s personal. We’ve shifted brands, swapped in local produce, and second-guess every purchase.
If you want to shop wisely now, stay alert, buy basics when available, and support local producers who can withstand global volatility. Because in this tariff squeeze, home cooking has become both a necessity and an act of resilience.
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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