ECON Report food and grocery price increases/shortages here: 2021 Edition

[summerthyme]

interesting trip to Publix today in Waynesville NC . . . went to the cashier with 10 cans of Bushes Best Chilli Beans - 5 in hot chilli sauce and 5 in medium sauce (because there were no other hot left on the shelf). manager says I'm only allowed TWO . . . I'm like WTF is this about? he produces a "letter from management" which clearly states certain canned vegetables are now restricted to TWO CANS per customer.

I saw this letter myself. I did leave with 4 cans of beans - but only because 2 were in HOT sauce and 2 were in MEDIUM - therefore they were considered "two different products" . . .

I did go across the street to Ingles and bought six 24 oz cans of TottoRosso diced tomatoes and ordered another 12 cans which I'll pick up tomorrow with no anticipated problems . . . but the experience at Publix was . . . "interesting" to say the least.

looking more and more like soviet era USSR every day

Those limits are truly aggravating to those of us who shop only a few times a year! My routine for 20 years has been to make two major shopping trips- spring and fall. I'd stop at the store for a couple things every 2 weeks, but we produced all our meat, fruit, vegetables and dairy...

Summerthyme

 

[momma_soapmaker]

I was watching some baking show on TV yesterday --- they suggest putting a couple of tablespoons of sour cream in your pie dough. They said it makes the dough more pliable. I'll have to try that.

It needs to be worked gently too, or it will be tough.

 

[momma_soapmaker]

This, also shave frozen butter with a food grater and prep the dough in a food processor! Works like a charm every single time.

I use a food processor too. I watched a French pastry chef do that years ago, and been doing it myself ever since.

 

[PalmettoGirl]

My 16 year old son and his friends at school have decided to have a Thanksgiving dinner at school tomorrow as it’s the last full day of school before break. Someone is bringing a tablecloth so they can picnic. There are about 10 boys and each one is bringing something. My son volunteered to bring a rotisserie chicken in place of turkey. So I thought I’d pick it up today at Costco in Charleston, SC. There were none to be had. They had a sign up saying they didn’t have any. And the ovens were all empty. So I thought I’d stop at Publix on my way home and pick one or two up there since they usually have good chicken. And same story there. I asked the kid in the deli if they were making any more and he apologized and said they were out. I finally found some at another Publix. I find it amusing that ten 16 year old boys are putting together Thanksgiving dinner. I hope they eat the chicken!

 

[momma_soapmaker]

Grabbed my turkey this morning at Walmart because I like Honeysuckle better than Butterball. Got the smallest one they had....22.45 pounds! That is going to be a lot of leftovers, but you can't beat cheap meat!

Since I was there at 8 am...the store was way busier than normal at that time. Most people weren't wearing masks. Nice to see more faces!

I used to work with a guy who'd answer the phone, "Bucky's Butcher Shop - nobody beats our meat."

Sorry for the drift.

 

[bracketquant]

I used to work with a guy who'd answer the phone, "Bucky's Butcher Shop - nobody beats our meat."

Sorry for the drift.

No, you're not.

 

[nomifyle]

I've just about cut out ordering from Amazon and cancelled my prime, too last to keep them from charging for another month, but I was sick. I honestly don't need anything and there is nothing in the nice to have column that is worth me spending the money.

I've stocked up on vitamins and have enough for at least a year, I've ordered from vitacost for years and as of late I've ordered from walmart.com.

I've not been in a grocery store for about 6 weeks so I don't know what the local store shelves look like.

God is good all the time

Judy

 

[rafter]

I've just about cut out ordering from Amazon and cancelled my prime, too last to keep them from charging for another month, but I was sick. I honestly don't need anything and there is nothing in the nice to have column that is worth me spending the money.

I've stocked up on vitamins and have enough for at least a year, I've ordered from vitacost for years and as of late I've ordered from walmart.com.

I've not been in a grocery store for about 6 weeks so I don't know what the local store shelves look like.

God is good all the time

Judy

I didn't renew my prime either. I haven't ordered very much since and just order enough to not have to pay shipping. I do miss prime video and might just opt in for that because it is pretty cheap.

 

[psychgirl]

This, also shave frozen butter with a food grater and prep the dough in a food processor! Works like a charm every single time.

The first recipe I learned to follow perfectly was Martha Stewart’s pie crust in the food processor
It does work like a charm! And so much more efficiently

 

[greysage]

Figured I'd get out of bed and hit the grocery store before Thanksgiving madness. Really I wanted to make sure I got frozen pizza, hot sauce, and diet cola. Could have made it longer after last weeks delivery. Was thinking if things get riot-ey in the coming days that snacks would be nice.

90% of the people were masked.
Zero broccoli. No bags, no whole bag your own.
Still no Huy Fong Sriracha Sauce. Haven't seen that stuff since the grocery stores were first cleaned out. A year and half now. Found Texas Pete's Sriracha sauce, there were only a few and way to the back of the top shelf. Almost missed them!
Pasta, wanted the Barilla Collezione stuff three cheese pastas. That's been hit or miss in all this. Bought three of the last dozen or so. Had a $3.25 off coupon. The pasta section was maybe 15% stocked. It's been low last few times.
Cereal, maybe 25% stocked. It was looking pretty empty.
Paper plates etc, got the bowls I wanted. It was looking pretty sparse there too. Didn't see much for hot or cold cups.
No string cheese, well there was some, I got one of the last two standard whole milk packs. There was still quite of bit of the higher end and more expensive brands.
Plenty of soda in the soda aisle.
A staple, the Lindt 4 oz chocolate bars, $2.79! Up $.40 since last trip. Used to be $2.19 pre-bioattack.
The prepared meat section was well stocked, plenty of bacon, sausage, bologna, etc.
Eggs, the 18 pack of store brand (large, brown) used to be cheaper than the same pack of a dozen. Now it's the same price. $3.27 now too!
Chunky Chips Ahoy, they changed the formula, and the cookies are smaller. There is nothing special about them now.
Thankful I won't need to go again for a while.
Central north western Vt.

 

[Terrwyn]

I did a small order via Instacart this morning. 4 subs but ok just different brands of the same thing like organic blueberries. Got 2 lbs of the nicest cube steaks I've seen in a while. They had cranberries and cream cheese for a loaf bread I make and the deli baby swiss and ham. Paid the extra 2 bucks for the priority delivery. Worth it because they only shop your order and deliver right away. Bread is very expensive and still iffy. All in all it was ok if expensive.

 

[coloradohermit]

I was in our local small town Kroger(20 miles NW of Colorado Springs) and noticed that their ground lamb has gone from $9.89/lb to $12.99/lb. Several packages were marked down, reduced for quick clearance, to $9.39. I buy it fairly often and a 1 lb pack is 2 meals for me, but it's about to become an extravagance.

 

[Roadgeek]

Publix places limits on bacon, Gatorade, major holiday staples due to ongoing shortages

An increased holiday demand has forced retailers like Publix Supermarkets to establish purchase limits for certain items.

www.firstcoastnews.com

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Shelves at your favorite supermarket may be looking a bit bare as the country continues to battle ongoing supply issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This, coupled with an increased holiday demand, has forced retailers like Publix Supermarkets to establish purchase limits for certain items.

These items include plastic plates, cutlery, bacon, toilet paper, refrigerated snacks, sausage, sports drinks and more.

 

[psychgirl]

There’s still NO limits at all, at our kroger. Central Indiana.
And it is packed fully stocked with a couple of exceptions. It’s as if nothing was wrong or on short supply, albeit prices are a little higher in some things. A lot higher in others.

 

[greysage]

Definitely noticing higher prices now.

 

[bracketquant]

Local WalMart Honeysuckle turkeys are down to .56/lb. Picked up a 27 pounder to thaw out by early Thursday morning. Entire store is now basically fully stocked. TP and PT stacked to the rafters. A good supply of yogurt and Gatorade/sports drinks finally back. People seem to be buying much more than previously, with things flying of the shelves. Restocking is keeping up, as it looks like there are many more workers. I had no time to check prices and/or package shrinkage.

 

[psychgirl]

Kroger had a lot of turkeys today, so I bought a nice Honeysuckle turkey breast , it’s a smaller one for 14$, and took out the other one I’ve had in my freezer to thaw. I’ll keep this newer one for “just in case” Christmas preps.

(I’ve had the older one in the freezer for a year and 1/2; think it’ll be ok? It’s out on the screened in back porch where it’s cold, but enough to thaw.
Been needing to to thaw it out for six months but was worried I couldn’t replace it!)

 

[summerthyme]

Kroger had a lot of turkeys today, so I bought a hood Honeysuckle turkey breast , it’s a smaller one for 14$, and took out the other one I’ve had in my freezer to thaw. I’ll keep this newer one for “just in case” Christmas preps.

(I’ve had the older one in the freezer for a year and 1/2; think it’ll be ok? It’s out on the screened in back porch where it’s cold, but enough to thaw.
Been needing to to thaw it out for six months but was worried I couldn’t replace it!)

It will be fine. I've cooked a 4 year old turkey... tasted like fresh.

Summerthyme

 

[psychgirl]

It will be fine. I've cooked a 4 year old turkey... tasted like fresh.

Summerthyme

Great! Good to know!

 

[bracketquant]

They do use a fairly thick wrap for turkeys. But, after a year and a half, possibly there could be some freezer burn. I've never seen it on an 8 month frozen bird.

 

[psychgirl]

They do use a fairly thick wrap for turkeys. But, after a year and a half, possibly there could be some freezer burn. I've never seen it on an 8 month frozen bird.

This one is a year and 1/2 old. I kept it in the original heavy wrap, then wrapped again with plastic bags.
Either way, hub RARELY will complain if he knows I’m doing my best with food lol bless his heart even IF it’s a little freezer burned.
I’ll just cook it up this week and use for sandwiches
He’s SO good about my cooking and best efforts which I can usually “fix” most mistakes.

edit: I AM a good cook, I will say, but I have had some blunders

 

[briches]

Kroger had a lot of turkeys today, so I bought a nice Honeysuckle turkey breast , it’s a smaller one for 14$, and took out the other one I’ve had in my freezer to thaw. I’ll keep this newer one for “just in case” Christmas preps.

(I’ve had the older one in the freezer for a year and 1/2; think it’ll be ok? It’s out on the screened in back porch where it’s cold, but enough to thaw.
Been needing to to thaw it out for six months but was worried I couldn’t replace it!)

We did a test run of a turkey we had for about thirteen months. Tasted amazing.
I bought a 24 pound turkey today for under $8. So thankful to get it.

 

[psychgirl]

We did a test run of a turkey we had for about thirteen months. Tasted amazing.
I bought a 24 pound turkey today for under $8. So thankful to get it.

Great price!!!

 

[psychgirl]

Thread drift alert*** true story

Last week I was on a mission to get more freezer space and use up things I thought were too old, found a pkg of “ground something or other”... thawed it out, still wasn’t sure about it but cooked the meat anyway...yep, mildly freezer burned ....

it looked....pale....really pale, in the pan.

Hmmmm....
Hub walked in, looked curiously in the pan and at all my random fixings laying around, “soooo.... whatcha makin there hon?”....

me.”well, I’m ...not sure, yet.........I don’t know, guess we’ll find out”...

Hub..” whadaya mean? What IS that?”

Me...” ummm, meat?...,wanna taste it for me?”

He just looked at me. Blank stare.
Tasted it.
Twice. Said it needed salt.
More blank stares....but no complaining was forthcoming!

So the end of the story is, I made chili with a LOT of spices and fixings....come to find out, if you use a LOT of spices and extra things even freezer burned, ground pork will taste great in chili if its getting cold out and you’re both hungry for some soup!!

 

[Terrwyn]

Publix places limits on bacon, Gatorade, major holiday staples due to ongoing shortages

An increased holiday demand has forced retailers like Publix Supermarkets to establish purchase limits for certain items.

www.firstcoastnews.com

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Shelves at your favorite supermarket may be looking a bit bare as the country continues to battle ongoing supply issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This, coupled with an increased holiday demand, has forced retailers like Publix Supermarkets to establish purchase limits for certain items.

These items include plastic plates, cutlery, bacon, toilet paper, refrigerated snacks, sausage, sports drinks and more.

I think the plastic thing is funny. I have 20 years worth of plastic cutlery in zip bags along with napkins and seasoning packets. DH got mad at me for saving them when we got to go orders.

 

[psychgirl]

I think the plastic thing is funny. I have 20 years worth of plastic cutlery in zip bags along with napkins and seasoning packets. DH got mad at me for saving them when we got to go orders.

I save mine!

(Well of COURSE I do! I found out, later in life, my grandma used to take every, single salt/pepper/sugar pack off of the table whenever we she had a random splurge eating out at their local diner.... mom told me that! Grandma kept EVERYTHING. I swear, that’s where I got this affliction but I’m no where near HER hoarding tendencies)

 

[marsh]

Zerohedge

ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero

www.zerohedge.com

"No Turning Point Yet" - Soaring Food Inflation To Continue Into 2022: Commodity Expert

SATURDAY, NOV 20, 2021 - 03:00 PM

Soaring food inflation has still more room to run and will continue well into 2022, according to Judy Ganes, the president of J. Ganes Consulting.

Ganes was interviewed on Bloomberg Television Friday and said rising food prices should continue into the middle of next year.

"We're not seeing a turning point just yet, we'll probably see it, my guess is the middle of next year. There's a point where high prices are the best cure for high prices, there's a point where its going to have to resolve itself," she said.

She pointed out rising prices were due to a combination of factors, such as caps on migration, red hot labor market, labor shortages, adverse weather conditions, snarled supply, higher fertilizer prices, and soaring transportation costs.

Ganes said the end to several major droughts and increased rainfall in major producing areas means global food production in 2023-24 will be "much improved."

For instance, she pointed out that farmers worldwide are experiencing higher costs due to labor shortages and expensive fertilizer. "In Brazil, labor rates have to match what the inflation rate is, and if inflation is at 10%, then wages go up 10%, and that hits straight through the supply chain," she said.

Brazil is a top ag country, producing everything from citrus to coffee to beef. Much of the ag goods are transported around the world, especially to the US.

Ganes' view that food inflation is persistent comes one day after Cargill CEO David MacLennan told Bloomberg he changed his mind about "transitory" inflation and now believes it will be more persistent with higher food prices in 2022.

"I thought inflation in ags and food was transitory. I feel less so now because of continued shortages in labor markets," MacLennan said during an interview at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore. "That's one of the inputs to the supply chain that we're watching most carefully."

The latest data from the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization's food price index shows that October prices climbed to a new decade high, mainly due to soaring vegetable oils and cereals.



Compound rising food prices with higher energy, shelter, and vehicle cost, working poor Americans have seen their real wages turn negative this year. Core CPI in October spiked to its highest since August 1991...



John Maynard Keynes once said: "When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do?"

And as the facts prove today, inflation is not as "transitory" as the Biden administration and the Federal Reserve want everyone to believe. They've doubled down on the narrative that will likely prove to become a dangerous bet ahead of the 2022 midterms, where people might vote with their depleted wallets.

 

[bracketquant]

I think the plastic thing is funny. I have 20 years worth of plastic cutlery in zip bags along with napkins and seasoning packets. DH got mad at me for saving them when we got to go orders.

If the New England area runs out of plastic sporks, it wasn't ME! (as I enter the witness protection program)

 

[Roadgeek]

Local WalMart Honeysuckle turkeys are down to .56/lb. Picked up a 27 pounder to thaw out by early Thursday morning. Entire store is now basically fully stocked. TP and PT stacked to the rafters. A good supply of yogurt and Gatorade/sports drinks finally back. People seem to be buying much more than previously, with things flying of the shelves. Restocking is keeping up, as it looks like there are many more workers. I had no time to check prices and/or package shrinkage.

My wife wants to know where this Wally is located?

 

[packyderms_wife]

Those limits are truly aggravating to those of us who shop only a few times a year! My routine for 20 years has been to make two major shopping trips- spring and fall. I'd stop at the store for a couple things every 2 weeks, but we produced all our meat, fruit, vegetables and dairy...

Summerthyme

Or if, like a friend of mine, you have ten kids! Those two cans of veggies are not going go far when you have six boys four of which are teenagers.

 

[bracketquant]

Western Massachusetts.

I tried to start up a conversation with the TP/PT stock person to see how things are going. He couldn't speak a single word of English. And, it didn't sound like Spanish. Perhaps it was one of those indigenous languages of central america . He likely was in a caravan just a short time ago.

 

[packyderms_wife]

Local WalMart Honeysuckle turkeys are down to .56/lb. Picked up a 27 pounder to thaw out by early Thursday morning. Entire store is now basically fully stocked. TP and PT stacked to the rafters. A good supply of yogurt and Gatorade/sports drinks finally back. People seem to be buying much more than previously, with things flying of the shelves. Restocking is keeping up, as it looks like there are many more workers. I had no time to check prices and/or package shrinkage.

Was in our WM yesterday, it's not only packed to the gills with inventory, but they rearranged the store again. The housewares section is twice the size it used to be.

 

[bracketquant]

Or if, like a friend of mine, you have ten kids! Those two cans of veggies are not going go far when you have six boys four of which are teenagers.

Two #10 cans might cover it.

 

[packyderms_wife]

Two #10 cans might cover it.

That's an idea.

 

[Raggedyman]

for what its worth . . . the post I made last week (below) regarding PUBLIX limiting purchases of certain canned vegetables AND OTHER FOOD ITEMS was on the local news here early this morning . . . its headed this way. best pay 'tenshun to the signs. keep an eye on yer top knot and yer nose in the wind

interesting trip to Publix today in Waynesville NC . . . went to the cashier with 10 cans of Bushes Best Chilli Beans - 5 in hot chilli sauce and 5 in medium sauce (because there were no other hot left on the shelf). manager says I'm only allowed TWO . . . I'm like WTF is this about? he produces a "letter from management" which clearly states certain canned vegetables are now restricted to TWO CANS per customer.

I saw this letter myself. I did leave with 4 cans of beans - but only because 2 were in HOT sauce and 2 were in MEDIUM - therefore they were considered "two different products" . . .

I did go across the street to Ingles and bought six 24 oz cans of TottoRosso diced tomatoes and ordered another 12 cans which I'll pick up tomorrow with no anticipated problems . . . but the experience at Publix was . . . "interesting" to say the least.

looking more and more like soviet era USSR every day

 

[Mushroom]

This one is a year and 1/2 old. I kept it in the original heavy wrap, then wrapped again with plastic bags.
Either way, hub RARELY will complain if he knows I’m doing my best with food lol bless his heart even IF it’s a little freezer burned.
I’ll just cook it up this week and use for sandwiches
He’s SO good about my cooking and best efforts which I can usually “fix” most mistakes.

edit: I AM a good cook, I will say, but I have had some blunders

Blunders are never to be spoken about.. Under penalty of pain. It's how we maintain our culinary reputations.

 

[energy_wave]

The local store I usually shop at, they filled the meat cooler with a good selection of hams. Best I've seen in years. Unfortunately, they are astronomical in price. The former owner last March, put out hams to liquidate before the final sale. I scored a few of those, wish I bought a few more. I bought half a Tavern ham for $7.00 and a spiral cut with praline nut glaze for $12.00. Today I checked the prices. A full semi boneless tavern ham is $57.00. Spiral ham around $37.00 and the half Tavern ham around $28.00.

I used to pick up a medium size semi boneless for around $12.00 to make ham and bean soup.

 

[Marie]

Just saw full ribeyes over $300 bout shite my britches at Sam's club

 

[EYW]

I used to work with a guy who'd answer the phone, "Bucky's Butcher Shop - nobody beats our meat."

Sorry for the drift.

LOL. I still have a tshirt from Fausto's Food Palace in Key West "You can't beat our meat." Must 35+ years old and several sizes too small now.

 

[ainitfunny]

If they want to discourage stocking up, WHY DO THEY ADVERTISE BUY 5 or 10 of the certain products and get $1 off each one?