Food News

1. Soybeans: A Surprising Shift in America’s Most Planted Crop 1. Soybeans: A Surprising Shift in America’s Most Planted Crop (image credits: wikimedia) Soybeans have been at the heart of America’s farming industry for decades, but the Trump administration’s tariffs on China changed that landscape dramatically. Before the trade war, China was America’s largest soybean buyer, purchasing about $12 billion worth annually. When tariffs hit, China quickly turned to Brazil and Argentina. As a result, U.S. soybean exports to China dropped by over 50% in 2018. Farmers saw storage bins fill up while prices plummeted, and many shifted to alternative … Read more

Tariffs: The Invisible Hand in Your Kitchen Tariffs: The Invisible Hand in Your Kitchen (image credits: unsplash) Imagine biting into your favorite chocolate cake only to discover it costs more than ever before. Tariffs, which are essentially taxes on imported goods, have played a huge role in making this a reality. When the Trump administration introduced new tariffs on a range of imported products, it set off a chain reaction in the world of food prices. Suddenly, the cost to bring in key dessert ingredients like sugar, chocolate, and vanilla shot up. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, sugar … Read more

Avocados: America’s Favorite Toast Topping at Risk Avocados: America’s Favorite Toast Topping at Risk (image credits: unsplash) The United States imports a massive 90% of its avocados, primarily from Mexico. With the Trump administration’s proposed tariffs and stricter border checks, the smooth flow of avocados could be interrupted. According to the Hass Avocado Board, Americans eat over 2.6 billion pounds of avocados a year, and any delay at the border could mean empty shelves and skyrocketing prices. In 2019, a border shutdown was predicted to result in a complete avocado shortage within three weeks. For consumers who rely on avocados … Read more

Seafood and Microplastic Contamination Seafood and Microplastic Contamination (image credits: pixabay) Plastic particles enter our food supply largely through single-use plastics that degrade and infiltrate waterways and soil. When these plastics reach the ocean, they accumulate in seafood. According to Dr. Mercola, microplastics are ingested by plankton and then consumed by fish and shellfish, where the particles accumulate in their flesh and eventually reach our plates. A Portland State University study found microplastics in 180 out of 182 seafood samples tested, with microfibers being the most common type. To reduce intake, avoid eating filter feeders and bottom feeders like clams, … Read more

The Lingering Impact of Tariffs on Food Costs The Lingering Impact of Tariffs on Food Costs (image credits: unsplash) The Trump-era tariffs have left an indelible mark on the food industry, and manufacturers are still grappling with the fallout. These tariffs, originally imposed as a means of protecting domestic industries, have inadvertently driven up the costs of raw materials. For example, the tariffs on steel and aluminum have increased the price of canned goods. While consumers may not immediately notice these price hikes, they are indeed paying more at the grocery store. This has forced manufacturers to either absorb the … Read more

The Unexpected Rise in Frozen Food Popularity The Unexpected Rise in Frozen Food Popularity (image credits: pixabay) In recent years, frozen food has seen a surprising uptick in popularity. Once viewed as a lesser alternative to fresh produce, frozen foods are now embraced by consumers seeking convenience and longevity. This shift can be partly attributed to the import restrictions imposed during Trump’s administration, which led to increased interest in locally sourced products. As fresh produce became scarcer and more expensive due to these restrictions, consumers turned to frozen alternatives. The frozen food aisle, once a neglected part of the grocery … Read more

Higher Prices for Everyday Produce Higher Prices for Everyday Produce (image credits: unsplash) If you’re used to grabbing apples, avocados, or grapes at bargain prices, brace yourself. Trump’s trade policies, especially the tariffs on imports from Mexico and China, could mean higher prices at your local grocery store. The U.S. imports a significant portion of its fruits and vegetables, with Mexico providing about 40% of our fresh produce. When tariffs increase, so do import costs, and those get passed on to shoppers. Real-world data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture already showed a 17% increase in avocado prices during previous … Read more

1. Soybeans: America’s Export Giant Takes a Hit 1. Soybeans: America’s Export Giant Takes a Hit (image credits: unsplash) Soybeans have long been a cornerstone of American agriculture, but the Trump administration’s tariffs on China sent shockwaves through this vital industry. In 2018, China imposed retaliatory tariffs of 25% on U.S. soybeans, causing exports to China to plummet by nearly 75%. This sudden drop left U.S. farmers with massive stockpiles and falling prices, with the USDA reporting a 20% decrease in average farm income that year. As a result, soybeans became more expensive for food producers, and shortages rippled through … Read more

The Immediate Shockwave: Price Hikes The Immediate Shockwave: Price Hikes (image credits: pixabay) In the world of food and beverages, prices are a sensitive subject. Consumers are used to picking products based on their budget. However, with Trump’s tariffs, there’s a looming threat of price hikes. This is because tariffs can make imported goods more expensive. For example, if a tariff is placed on imported cheese, the price of cheese in the store can go up. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it can cause a ripple effect across the entire food chain, from suppliers to consumers. Many companies might … Read more

Increased Ingredient Costs Increased Ingredient Costs (image credits: unsplash) Trump’s tariffs have led to higher prices on imported goods, including essential cooking ingredients. For example, tariffs on steel and aluminum have affected the cost of kitchen equipment, while tariffs on food products have increased prices for items like cheese and seafood. Chefs are now facing a dilemma: either absorb these costs or pass them on to customers. This has resulted in menu price hikes at many restaurants, impacting customer choices. According to the National Restaurant Association, 70% of restaurant operators reported that food costs have risen due to tariffs. Chefs … Read more