Food News

Trade Policies and Tariff Wars Trade Policies and Tariff Wars (image credits: unsplash) The Trump administration’s trade policies, particularly the imposition of tariffs, had a significant impact on global food culture. Tariffs were placed on a variety of goods, including agricultural products, which led to shifts in international trade dynamics. For example, soybeans, a major U.S. export, faced heavy tariffs from China, prompting American farmers to seek new markets. This disruption in trade patterns affected global supply chains and influenced the availability of certain foods worldwide. As countries responded with their own tariffs, a ripple effect was felt throughout the … Read more

Rising Costs for Everyday Groceries Rising Costs for Everyday Groceries (image credits: unsplash) When tariffs are imposed on foods imported from other countries, the first thing families notice is higher prices at the supermarket. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, food-at-home prices increased by more than 11% in 2022, and tariffs have played a part in this. Items like fruits, vegetables, and canned goods that rely on global supply chains get hit the hardest. For example, the cost of imported olive oil and cheeses surged after new tariffs on European goods were put in place. These price hikes mean … Read more

Altered Prices of Imported Fruits Altered Prices of Imported Fruits (image credits: unsplash) When tariffs were imposed on certain goods, one of the more immediate effects was on the prices of imported fruits. Consumers who once enjoyed a wide variety of fruits from abroad found themselves paying more at the checkout. For example, tariffs on Mexican avocados led to a noticeable price increase, which forced consumers to either cut back on their consumption or switch to more locally sourced produce. This change in pricing not only impacted individual choices but also affected restaurants and food services that relied heavily on … Read more

American Dinner Plates Face a Price Hike American Dinner Plates Face a Price Hike (image credits: pixabay) Grocery shoppers across the U.S. are seeing something unexpected in their carts: the price of pasta, cheese, and olive oil is rising, sometimes sharply. This isn’t just about inflation or supply chain issues. Recent policies, especially new tariffs introduced by the Trump administration, are having a real impact on Italian food staples imported to America. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pasta prices have climbed 12% since the start of 2024, much faster than average food inflation. For families who love … Read more

Soybeans: America’s Export Powerhouse Under Pressure Soybeans: America’s Export Powerhouse Under Pressure (image credits: unsplash) Soybeans have always been a backbone of American agriculture, but the trade war initiated by the Trump administration hit this crop especially hard. China, the world’s largest soybean importer, slapped a 25% tariff on U.S. soybeans in 2018. This move was in direct response to U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, and it sent shockwaves through American farming communities. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, soybean exports to China plummeted by over 70% in 2018 compared to the previous year. Farmers faced surplus stockpiles and … Read more

Del Monte Foods Files for Bankruptcy and Seeks Buyer Del Monte Foods Files for Bankruptcy and Seeks Buyer (image credits: flickr) Del Monte Foods, a 138-year-old company famous for its canned fruits and vegetables, has filed for bankruptcy and is currently seeking a buyer for its assets. Chapter 11 Filing and Asset Sale Process Chapter 11 Filing and Asset Sale Process (image credits: flickr) On Tuesday, Del Monte announced it is voluntarily entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy and initiating a court-supervised sale process for all its assets. Its product portfolio includes popular kitchen staples such as College Inn broths, Contadina canned … Read more

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