Grocery stores empty shelves 2022: Shortages continue as prices rise

The new year hasn't stopped ongoing food shortages.

Shortages at grocery stores across the country have grown more acute in recent weeks as omicron continues to spread and winter storms have piled on to the supply chain struggles and labor shortages.

The shortages being reported nationwide are widespread, impacting produce and meat as well as packaged goods such as cereal.

While items are harder to find, many also cost more with rising inflation.

The consumer price index jumped 7% last year, the fastest pace since 1982, the Labor Department said Wednesday. That's up from 6.8% annually in November, which was also a nearly four-decade high.

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Albertsons' CEO Vivek Sankaran spoke about supply chain challenges during the company's earnings call with analysts Tuesday.

"I think as a business, we've all learned to manage it,” Sankaran said. “We've all learned to make sure that the stores are still very presentable, give the consumers as much choice as we can get.”

Curt Covington, senior director of institutional credit at AgAmerica, told USA TODAY that the trends for specific food shortages are intermittent and varied.

“Shortages depend on the item, store, and region of the country,” Covington said. “Shortages can be driven by supply chain issues, consumer behavior, or environmental factors, so it’s hard to pinpoint what will be affected next.”

COVID-19, bad weather impact shortages

As the world reaches the two-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, more items are becoming scarce because of global supply chain disruptions such as congestion at ports and shortages of truck drivers and service workers.

Part of the scarcity consumers are seeing on store shelves is due to pandemic trends that never abated – and are exacerbated by omicron. Americans are eating at home more than they used to, especially since offices and some schools remain closed.

Weather-related events, from snowstorms in the Northeast to wildfires in Colorado, also have impacted product availability and caused some shoppers to stock up more than usual, exacerbating supply problems caused by the pandemic.

U.S. groceries typically have 5% to 10% of their items out of stock at any given time; right now, that unavailability rate is hovering around 15%, according to Consumer Brands Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman.

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Patrick Penfield, professor of supply chain practice at Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management, recently told USA TODAY that cream cheese and international foods were among the food products in short supply.

“As you walk through a lot of stores you won’t see the quantity and quality of items you are accustomed to seeing,” Penfield said, adding some shortages are regional due to labor and truck shortages.

In a recent study by business consultancy KPMG, 71% of grocery consumers said they were somewhat or very concerned about shortages or stockouts with 35% switching brands when their favorite items are out of stock.

Costco limits purchases of some items

Some retailers have been limiting purchases of select items, similar to policies implemented at the start of the pandemic. But panic buying, especially of toilet paper, returned this summer as the delta variant spread.

In August, Costco brought back temporary purchase limits on some items including toilet paper.

According to Costco's website, some warehouses may have temporary item limits on select items.

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Food shortages 2022

Here are some of the food and supply shortages USA TODAY reporters spotted or that readers from across the country told us about. Know of more? There's a form below where you can share your experiences.

Baby formula shortage

In-stock levels for baby formula and baby food nationwide are slightly higher than for food products overall, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

Krishnakumar Davey, president of strategic analytics at IRI, told the Journal the shortages are intermittent and vary based on retailer and location. Davey said some of the nation’s 10 largest retailers had more than 20% of baby formula out of stock the week ended Jan. 2.

Some parents have been taking to social media to ask formula makers where they can buy products.

“We are experiencing obstacles in the production and shipping of some of our products as the pandemic continues to cause issues with the supply chain. We appreciate your patience as we navigate this dynamic situation,” Enfamil said on Twitter Dec. 29 in responding to one parent’s plea for help.

Enfamil also said parents can see real-time product availability at stores on its website.

Cream cheese shortage

Bagel shops have been struggling with the cream cheese shortage and Junior's Cheesecake had to stop production twice at its New Jersey-based facility because it didn't have enough cream cheese.

But cream cheese has also been missing at stores, particularly Philadelphia Cream Cheese.

In December, the Kraft brand offered consumers help paying for a replacement dessert, acknowledging the ongoing supply chain disruption of the key cheesecake ingredient.

Andrew Tobisch, a spokesperson for Schreiber Foods, said every cream cheese provider has struggled to keep up with demand.

"While that demand has been steady, it’s really world events that are the biggest driver. Things like the pandemic, labor shortages and supply chain disruptions are all hurdles that everyone is having to overcome," Tobisch said in an email to USA TODAY.

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Aluminum shortage

More consumers have opted to enjoy their favorite beverages in the comfort of their homes causing a higher demand for canned drinks. But the pandemic is only part of the problem.

The demand for can products accumulated for years according to a Quartz article. Canned drinks are cheaper to make and transport, and easier to market and design, initiating the highest prices for aluminum the market has seen in the past 10 years, senior analyst Salvator Tiano told Quartz.

Cat food, dog food shortages

Shipping woes and aluminum shortages have led to a scarcity problem for the pet food industry as stores throughout the country are unable to stock all their traditional brands and products.

Consumers are also feeling the impact. Many USA TODAY readers said canned or wet cat food was one of the top items they have been struggling to find.

These shortages are impacting the movement of ingredients and finished products, the Pet Food Institute told USA TODAY. Along with labor and transportation shortages, pet owners are spending more time with their pets which can lead to increased feeding and more treating. The high demand has resulted in larger purchases.

Marcie Rivera, a spokesperson for Wegmans told the MetroWest Daily News in Framingham, Massachusetts, part of the USA TODAY Network, that suppliers around the world "are being faced with an array of challenges affecting their businesses, causing a domino effect on retailers and customers."

Chicken tender shortage

Chicken tenders may be the next casualty of supply-chain-generated shortages, according to a recent NBC News story. Chicken tenders require more processing and packaging, which makes them harder to find and more costly, the story said.

Meat manufacturers have cited extreme weather, labor shortages and high demand among the reasons consumers are having trouble finding tenders.

A spokesman for the National Chicken Council said products were taking longer than normal to get to their destinations but that does not constitute a "shortage."

"There is no chicken tender shortage," said Tom Super, senior vice president of communications with the trade group. "Like almost all goods right now, supplies are somewhat tight, but I would say it falls short of any 'shortage.'"

►Finger lickin' gone:Is a chicken tender shortage underway?

Lunchables shortage

For months, parents have reported trouble finding Kraft Heinz' Lunchables. The company told USA TODAY that it has been seeing double-digit growth for the first time in five years.

High demand is one reason why it's harder to find these items.

“Our entire supply chain continues to step up – taking actions that protect our business today, while working hard to not delay critical investments that set us up for the future,” Kraft Heinz said in the statement.

Toilet paper shortage

In spring 2020, demand for toilet paper skyrocketed as Americans were faced with a possibly lengthy stay-at-home future. Panic buying of bath tissue has returned at various times throughout the pandemic. This shortage stems from lumber's raw material, wood pulp, which is used to make toilet paper.

Champagne shortage could impact celebrations for years

The nation is in the early stages of a Champagne shortage that is expected to last several years, according to Wine Enthusiast.

Drizly, North America's largest alcohol e-commerce and on-demand delivery platform, surveyed 500 alcohol retailers and found 80% said they were at least slightly concerned about the champagne supply running short.

Even with the shortages, Liz Paquette, Drizly head of consumer insights, said champagne and prosecco continue to be the top-selling sparkling wines with 63% and 18% of market share.

Beer shortage

Having a hard time finding your favorite craft beer? It could be part of the aluminum shortage, but the price of ingredients for beer are also skyrocketing because of supply chain issues throughout the world.

Sam Hendler, co-owner of Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers in Framingham, Massachusetts, and president of the Massachusetts Brewers Guild, told MetroWest Daily News that the cost increases being felt by breweries are universal and a big topic among colleagues.

In the past, manufacturers couldn’t keep up with the demand to make cans, but now even when cans are available, getting them to breweries can be difficult.

Contributing: Associated Press; Paul Davidson, Naomi Ludlow, Michelle Shen and Taylor Avery, USA TODAY; Norman Miller, MetroWest Daily News

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko. For shopping news, tips and deals, join us on our Shopping Ninjas Facebook group.

More shortages?

Share what items you are having a hard time finding and how inflation is hitting your wallet on the form below. If you don't see a form, click here.

5 things to know for July 22: Jan. 6, Covid-19, Extreme heat ...

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(CNN) Before you purchase those items in your Amazon cart, make sure you scan product reviews for anything suspicious. Amazon is trying to weed out thousands of online groups it says is responsible for orchestrating millions of fake reviews on its site. The company this week said it is using "advanced technology" and "expert investigators" to identify and sue the bad actors , but some of the fraudsters are well-disguised and are actively looking for loopholes to mislead buyers.

Here's what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.

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1. January 6

The January 6 committee presented new evidence Thursday highlighting then-President Donald Trump's refusal over three hours to publicly condemn the riot at the US Capitol or to call off the violent mob. During the primetime session, witnesses with firsthand knowledge of what was happening inside the White House on January 6 told the committee that Trump did not place a single call to law enforcement or national security officials as the insurrection was unfolding. Nor did he issue a statement during that time urging rioters to leave the Capitol and go home. The committee used that testimony to make a case that Trump's refusal to intervene amounted to a dereliction of duty. The hearing also featured disturbing new video and audio showing how endangered Vice President Mike Pence's security detail felt as they were trying to evacuate him safely from the Capitol. Thursday's session was the committee's final public hearing until September

2. Covid-19

President Joe Biden said Thursday that he's tested positive for Covid-19 but will continue to work while in isolation at the White House despite mild symptoms. In a video posted to Twitter , Biden told Americans that he is "doing well" and that "it's gonna be OK," adding he has been double vaccinated and double boosted. This is the first time Biden has tested positive for Covid-19, according to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Biden, 79, has begun taking the antiviral drug Paxlovid , which is available via emergency use authorization from the FDA for eligible people at high risk of severe illness. The President's infection comes as coronavirus cases are once again on the rise in the US, driven by the most contagious strain of the virus yet: BA.5

3. Extreme heat

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4. Immigration

The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to freeze a lower court order that has blocked the Department of Homeland Security from implementing new immigration enforcement priorities . The court's 5-4 vote is a loss for the Biden administration, which is trying to return to Obama-era policies that limit immigration arrests in order to focus on security risks instead of the more aggressive approach taken by the Trump administration. The vote was also the first for Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson since she was sworn in on June 30. Jackson joined the court's three other female justices in dissenting with the ruling. This comes a little more than a week after thousands of migrants from multiple countries descended upon the US-Mexico border in search of asylum, adding to the Biden administration's challenges.

5. Ukraine

Russia's Ukraine war effort is running "out of steam" and Russia has lost its ability to spy in Europe "by half," according to the chief of Britain's foreign intelligence service. "I think our assessment is that the Russians will increasingly find it difficult to supply manpower material over the next few weeks," Richard Moore, the head of MI6, told CNN. "They will have to pause some way and that will give the Ukrainians opportunities to strike back." In addition, the European Council hit Russia with new restrictive measures today , preventing another major Russian bank from conducting transactions outside of the country. Separately, the Russian government today expanded its list of " unfriendly foreign states ," adding Greece, Denmark, Slovenia, Croatia and Slovakia.

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BREAKFAST BROWSE

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One of Central Park's prettiest places is closing

This popular boathouse restaurant in New York City will close permanently in October. Get your pictures while you can.

QUIZ TIME

Which product remains difficult to find in many US stores due to a nationwide shortage?

A. Paper towels

B. Toilet paper

C. Baby formula

D. Toothpaste

TODAY'S NUMBER

13

That's how many people are accused of sending more than 8 billion robocalls about "auto warranties" since 2018. The illegal calls typically begin with recorded lines such as, "We've been trying to reach you concerning your car's extended warranty," the Federal Communications Commission said in an order Thursday, requiring voice providers to stop carrying the calls. The people behind the alleged scheme are mostly based in Texas and California but also in places as far away as Hungary. The calls were the single largest source of consumer complaints to the FCC in each of the past two years.

TODAY'S QUOTE

Many of you may be too young to remember polio, but when I was growing up, this disease struck fear in families, including my own. The fact that it is still around decades after the vaccine was created shows you just how relentless it is.

-- Ed Day, a county executive in Rockland, New York, urging people to get vaccinated against polio after a person from the county was diagnosed with the first case of polio identified in the US in nearly a decade . The unvaccinated young adult began experiencing weakness and paralysis about a month ago, health officials said. About 1 in 4 infected people have flu-like symptoms, but as many as 1 in 200 develop more serious symptoms that include numbness in the legs, an infection of the brain or spinal cord, and paralysis, the CDC said. There is no cure for polio, and paralysis caused by the disease is permanent.

TODAY'S WEATHER

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AND FINALLY

The most beautiful fruits and vegetables you've probably never seen

Grocery store shelves bare? These products may be hard to find ...

Correction: A customs dispute at the U.S.-Canada border involving shippers and U.S. Customs and Border Protection is preventing the transportation of fish used in fish sticks and sandwiches.

Can't find what you need at the store again? You're not alone.

As the world reaches the two-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, more items are becoming scarce because of a supply chain shortage across the globe.

Supply chain concerns are a result of “record-level congestion at the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach that has spread to the East Coast, the widespread power outages across China, shortages of truck drivers and service workers, and COVID-19-fueled infections and restrictions,” Tinglong Dai, a business professor at Johns Hopkins University, told USA TODAY in an email.

Shipping prices have skyrocketed, and demand for items has outpaced supplies.

Cream cheese shortage:Supply chain problem has reached bagels, cheesecakes

Impact on the economy:Food prices are climbing amid worker shortages, supply-chain problems, extreme weather and more

Before making a grocery list, here is a list of items you might not find:

Ben & Jerry flavors

This frozen treat is usually the perfect dessert, but in an email on Sept. 14, Ben & Jerry's parent company, Unilever, cited labor shortages as the reason for reducing the amount of flavors produced. The company said it will focus on producing its most popular flavors. Phish Food lovers, you have nothing to worry about.

Carbonated drinks

Fertilizer plants, which lead to the production of carbon dioxide, had to reduce their output because of rising costs, causing shortages in food and other products, Per Hong, senior partner at consulting firm Kearney, told CNBC. “We almost certainly will be faced with a global shortage of CO2 that is used widely. CO2 is used extensively in the food value chain from inside packaged food to keep it fresher longer, for dry ice to keep frozen food cold during delivery, to giving carbonated beverages their bubbles,” he said.

Chicken

People have substituted fast food for home-cooked comfort meals, causing chicken to become scarce. In May, suppliers announced a shortage of chicken, which limited some restaurants' menu items and increased the price in stores.

Coffee

Brazil is a supplier of most of the world's coffee, but the country has been experiencing a drought that slowed production and transportation of coffee beans.

Diapers

Households with small children should be aware that diaper prices have increased because of increases in prices of raw materials, shipping delays and container shortages, according to Business Insider. Diaper manufacturers Proctor & Gamble (Pampers and Luvs) and Kimberly-Clark (Huggies) announced price increases in early April.

Fish sticks

A customs dispute at the U.S.-Canada border has kept the Alaska pollock, which is used for fish sticks and sandwiches, stored across the border. Cross-border violations have halted transportation of the fish and may cause permanent seafood supply chain problems.

Frozen meals

Rodney Holcomb, food economist at Oklahoma State University, told ABC27 News that concerns over the delta coronavirus variant have some customers buying more than usual, as Americans saw at the beginning of the pandemic, in case there is another lockdown.

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Heinz ketchup packets

With restrictions on indoor dining, most people switched to pickup, takeout and delivery orders, limiting the supply of individual ketchup packets. Kraft Heinz confirmed to USA TODAY in early April that it was working to increase supplies, such as adding manufacturing lines that would increase production by about 25% for a total of more than 12 billion packets a year.

Marie Callender’s pot pies

The holidays call for comfort foods – even if you aren't the one making it. But expect shortages of Marie Callender's 10-ounce and 15-ounce pot pies. According to parent company Conagra, it would be allocating shipments through Nov. 29 after it "encountered packing material challenges from our tray and carton supplier resulting in a production interruption," CNN Business reports.

Rice Krispie Treats

This lunchbox treat's production has been "below service expectations," as stated in an email sent to suppliers. The shortage persists as Kellogg's workers remain on strike, even though production lines have restarted as replacement workers were brought in.

Sour Patch Kids

In an Oct. 1 email to a grocery distributor, parent company Mondelez says there is "limited availability" on some of their items such as Sour Patch Kids, Swedish Fish candy and Toblerone chocolate "due to supply chain constraints."

Toilet paper

This is something that isn't new to the pandemic shortage list, but the industry has yet to keep up with the demand. The shortage stems from lumber's raw material, wood pulp, which is used to make toilet paper. Fox Business reports only 60% of orders are being shipped out. Some retailers, such as Costco, have reinstated purchasing limits.

Before the pandemic ketchup squeeze:A year of COVID-19 product shortages and the items we struggled to find

Other shortages?

Share what items you are having a hard time finding, your holiday shopping plans and how inflation is hitting your wallet and your Christmas meal on the form below. If you don't see a form, click here.

What you can and can't do to get through the infant formula shortage ...

(CNN) Misinformation about how families can get through the infant formula shortage is fueling concern among pediatricians like Dr. Tanya Altmann.

The California doctor has been getting phone calls, emails and social media messages -- not just from her patients but from families all over the United States -- along with photos of empty store shelves that once held infant formula.

Parents say they've been to a dozen stores and looked on a hundred websites and can't find their baby's infant formula, and they want to know what to do and whether some of the so-called alternatives they're hearing about are legit.

"It's scary for these moms and their babies, and it's becoming a real issue," Altmann said.

Supply chain issues and product recalls have sparked the nationwide shortage of infant formulas. As of early April, seven states reported that between 40% and 50% of baby formula products were out of stock. Manufacturers have said they are producing at full capacity to make as much as they can, but this week 43% of baby formulas were out of stock, according to a new report from Datasembly.

The US Food and Drug Administration is working with Abbott Nutrition, the company involved in the recent recall , to safely resume production and find tools to support the supply of infant formula, according to an FDA spokesperson. But its Michigan facility is likely still about two weeks away from being back online, pending sign off from the FDA, and it will probably be another six to eight weeks until products are back on the shelves, according to a statement from the company.

The pediatricians said there are ways to get through the shortage for many people, and it is important to work with your pediatrician to address your infant's particular needs. Here are answers to some of your questions about what's safe and what is not.

Baby formula is displayed on the shelves of a grocery store in Carmel, Ind., Tuesday.

Can I make formula at home?

No.

"There is a lot of discussion about making your own formula at home and things of that sort, and I really want to discourage that as much as possible," Abrams said.

Formulas are complex, and researchers spent years developing the right ratio to give babies the nutrients they need, Altmann said.

Infant formulas must be dense with protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, many of which you can't buy at the grocery store. And the balance must be precise for babies' health and development, she added.

"You can see how it would be really hard to duplicate in your own kitchen," she said.

Homemade formulas can result in a baby not getting the right nutrition or having the ratio of their electrolytes disrupted, which can be dangerous, Altmann said. There have also been cases of bacterial contamination, which can make the infants sick.

Can I stretch out my formula supply?

No.

Adding in other food sources or adding more water to formula is tempting as you get close to the end of your last container of formula, but pediatricians said it's not a good idea.

Families can start introducing solids into an infant's diet when the baby is around 4 to 6 months old, Altmann said. But these foods are not a nutritional substitute for formula at that age.

"Even when you start solids, breast milk or infant formula is still the major source of nutrition for your baby," Altmann said.

And adding extra water to stretch the formula you have can dilute the essential nutrient profile and lead to serious health issues and interfere with proper growth and development, she added.

"We're not irrational. If there is nothing you can put in the baby's mouth except cow's milk, you're going to do that," Abrams said. "But that's not what we want people to do."

Can I use toddler formula or cow's milk instead?

Maybe.

It really depends on how old your baby is and what your pediatrician says.

For the first six months at least, formula specified for infants is really important, Altmann said. But the closer they are to a year, there may be more flexibility.

"You can actually choose a toddler formula at that point where normally you'd want to wait until they're exactly a year of age," Altmann said. "Talk to your pediatrician, always, first."

"We discourage the use of cow's milk until a year of age but it's certainly true that as the baby is close to a year of age, especially if it's simply no formula to be found, that you could use either that or a toddler formula," Abrams said. "Neither are ideal, but the closer you are to the year, especially for the short term, those are alternatives."

Can I buy international formulas online?

Maybe.

Altmann said there are some high-quality products made in Europe and Australia she likes that are available online. But it is important to make sure you are ordering from reputable retailers.

She recommended buying from trusted pharmacies of the country the formula is from and checking how the formula's nutrition compares to FDA-approved formula.

"Not all international formulas are created equally so you may want to make sure you know what you are getting and that it's a high-quality product," she said.

But Abrams cautions against imports, reminding families that imported formulas are not reviewed by the FDA.

"It's a less-than-ideal alternative but if that's what they have to do, then that's what they have to do," he said.

The FDA recommends against importing formula online because it could potentially be counterfeit, a spokesperson said.

Can I switch formula brands?

Yes.

"What we want people to do if at all possible is to be as flexible as possible and make formula switches," Abrams said.

It may take your baby a few days to get used to a new formula brand, but in most cases, switching is fine, Altmann said. You can find good formula choices for your baby here

It gets more complicated, however, in cases where a child may be on a certain formula because of an allergy or sensitivity.

"If your child has an allergy or sensitivity and has had previous reactions to formulas, please consult with your pediatrician before switching off because not all formulas are the same," Altmann said. "But in most cases, there are other options available we can help direct you to."

Can I restart my breast milk supply?

It's complicated.

There have been instances where parents can induce lactation for the first time or restart lactation after choosing not to breastfeed, Altmann said. The process is complicated, however, and likely requires the help of a lactation specialist.

Baby formula shortage 2022 worsens after Abbott Similac recall

Less than two months after a baby formula recall, retailers are reporting shortages with some stores rationing sales.

Nearly 30% of popular baby formula brands may be sold out at retailers across the U.S., according to an analysis by Datasembly, which assessed supplies at more than 11,000 stores.

That's a higher level than other products, said Ben Reich, CEO of the Tysons, Virginia-based research firm.

"Inflation, supply chain shortages, and product recalls have brought an unprecedented amount of volatility to the category, and we expect to continue to see baby formula as one of the most affected categories in the market,” he said.

Baby formula shortage:5 things you can do to feed your baby during a formula shortage

Recall Database:Check USA TODAY's recall resource for the latest updates

The shortage comes after Abbott Nutrition voluntarily recalled in mid-February select batches of Similac, Alimentum and EleCare formulas manufactured in Sturgis, Michigan. The recall was expanded in late February to include one lot of Similac PM 60/40.

The Food and Drug Administration said two weeks ago that the formula maker failed to maintain sanitary conditions and procedures at that plant.

Baby formula supplies limited

But formula supplies were limited before the recall.

Krishnakumar Davey, president of strategic analytics at IRI, told The Wall Street Journal that formula shortages are intermittent and vary based on retailer and location. Davey said some of the nation’s 10 largest retailers had more than 20% of baby formula out of stock the week ended Jan. 2.

"Product supply challenges are currently impacting most of the retail industry," CVS Health, which owns the pharmacy chain, said in a statement to USA TODAY. "We’re continuing to work with our national brand baby formula vendors to address this issue and we regret any inconvenience that our customers may be experiencing."

Walgreens is limiting shoppers to three infant and toddler formula products per transaction "to help improve inventory," the company said in a statement to USA TODAY. "Due to increased demand and various supplier issues, infant and toddler formulas are seeing constraint across the country," its statement said.

Nearly 75% of infants get some formula by the 6-month mark, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

'Full-time job trying to find Similac'

After she visited three different stores in one day, Elyssa Schmier, the vice president of government relations for advocacy group MomsRising, "all of a sudden realized my formula was nowhere to be found. … It's almost a full-time job trying to find Similac."

After experiencing the nationwide shortage firsthand, Schmier organized an Instagram Live discussion Friday with Brian Dittmeier, who is the senior director of public policy for the National WIC Association.

Manufacturers "are tuned into this and it is our understanding that across the board, folks are ramping up production," Dittmeier said.

"Now, it's not like flipping a switch," he said. "We will probably continue to see shortages in the next couple of weeks. But our hope is that as production ramps up, that later this spring it should be easier for families across the country."

What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day

Formula out-of-stock rates increasing

Datasembly's analysis found that during the first seven months of 2021 baby formula supplies were "relatively stable" with out-of-stock supplies between 2-8%. But in subsequent months, it has continued to worsen, Reich said, as out-of-stock rates rose into double digits and reached 23% at the end of January.

The out-of-stock situation started to affect baby formula in July 2021, varying between 2-8% and has continued to worsen into 2022.

Among the states hit worst with baby formula supply shortages, according to Datasembly: Minnesota had the highest out-of-stock percentage for the week of March 13th at 54%, followed by Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Texas, all at 40% or higher.

Cities with the highest out-of-stock rates: San Antonio (56%), Minneapolis (55%), and Des Moines (50%), for the week of March 13. Houston, New Orleans, and Oahu were above 45%.

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Contributing: Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY

Follow Mike Snider on Twitter: @mikesnider.

Supply chain shortages: Why is there a shortage; what is the impact?

Food prices are going up, gas prices are climbing, and finding that great gift for the holidays might get tougher.

The reason? Struggles linked to our global supply chain.

Last week, President Joe Biden revealed plans to help tackle bottlenecks within our supply chain, including plans to turn ports into 24/7 operations. Meanwhile, shipping companies FedEx and UPS as well as retailing giant Walmart will expand their efforts to ease the strains on the supply chain.

“This is the first key step for moving on entire freight transportation and logistical supply chain nationwide to a 24/7 system,” said Biden.

So, what is the supply chain, and why should you care about these issues? Let's explain:

What is the supply chain?

The supply chain is how we get nearly all of the stuff in our lives that we want and need. It's a system that helps make and deliver our favorite products. It involves the manufacturers of these products, the companies that supply materials to create them, the cargo ships, trains and trucks that deliver them, and the stores selling them.

“You can think of this as a pipe that connects supply and demand," said Tinglong Dai, a professor of operations management and business analytics at Johns Hopkins University.

It's also complicated. Take the iPhone, for example. To build one, Apple has supply chains with companies providing materials for its smartphone such as Corning, which makes precision glass for use on the iPhone. Then you have the supply chains Apple uses to distribute iPhones to you.

"It’s a complex network of various different entities that are working together in order to enable us as consumers to receive our products in the time that we expect," said Marko Bastl, the director of the Center for Supply Chain Management at Marquette University.

►Grocery store shelves bare?:These products may be hard to find due to supply chain issues

►Gas prices:Why are they higher?

►Food prices keep rising:3 tips to save on your groceries

What is wrong with supply chains?

The issues affecting supply chains are linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bastl said the pandemic is unique because it has impacted both supply and demand. Some manufacturers still aren't operating at the levels they reached before the pandemic.

The pandemic also affected companies focused on logistics, such as warehousing to store items that travel overseas and transportation like trucks and trains to deliver them across the country, said Bastl.

At the same time, due to millions of us staying at home to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, we ordered a lot of stuff, from personal computers to sports equipment.

"It’s almost like a perfect storm of loss of manufacturing capacity as well as loss of logistics capacity, married then with the increase in demand," said Bastl.

Why are cargo ships not docking?

One of the enduring images of this crisis has been several container ships sitting idle at ports waiting to unload their goods.

Biden has struck a deal with the Port of Los Angeles to turn it into a 24/7 operation to move ships through more quickly.

Dai said the process of unloading these ships requires a lot of work and people, including warehouse workers and drivers to ultimately deliver these products to retailers.

“We have increased the number of goods coming here to the U.S., but we do not have more truck drivers, we do not have more warehouse space," said Dai. "So then that’s where those cargo ships are stuck."

What products are hit hardest?

Bastl said it depends on the industry because of the different supply chains they use, but he notes consumer electronics, such as personal computers and video game consoles, as well as toys, have been affected most by supply chain issues.

Dai said "low-end inexpensive products" across industries will be impacted as well, forcing us to buy a more expensive item to compensate.

How do supply chain issues affect me?

All of these issues have a direct impact on what we can buy – on what's available to buy. That's the reason consumers have been advised to start their holiday shopping early. Dai projects we'll see higher prices and fewer available products. And we may see more empty shelves at stores due to shortages and delays, Bastl said.

"The longer that these delays will last, the more likely it is companies involved in production, distribution and movement of our products will not be able or willing to absorb this cost, and they’ll start pushing them on to consumers," Bastl said.

Kelly Tyko and Keira Wingate contributed to this report. Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.

Why is there a formula shortage? What to know and why you ...

A national shortage of baby formula has emptied shelves across the U.S., including in Arizona, where some grocery stores and pharmacies are limiting formula purchases to five items per customer.

Kaity Jacobsen, a first-time mom in Tempe, said she's driven around all day looking for formula for her 3-month-old son.

She found luck using Instacart, the grocery delivery app, but said it was scary worrying how she would feed her son.

"I wish people would stop comparing this to the toilet paper shortage. It minimizes the severity of this problem that moms are facing. It’s not wiping your booty; it’s feeding your baby. And for most babies under the age of 6 months, it’s the only thing they can have," Jacobsen said.

Dr. Gary Kirkilas, a pediatrician at Phoenix Children's Hospital, says he's been fielding questions about the problem since February, when formula became more difficult to find because of a combination of a voluntary product recall and supply chain problems. So far, the shortage has persisted and supplies in retail outlets remain extremely low.

Kirkilas, who is in charge of the mobile health units at Phoenix Children's Hospital, says he can't ever recall a baby formula shortage like the one facing new parents right now.

The Women, Infants and Children program at the Maricopa County Department of Public Health is getting 150 to 200 calls per day about the formula shortage, program manager Carrie Zavala said.

The program, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, serves low-income women and children. The women it serves are pregnant, breastfeeding or their pregnancy ended in the past six months.

"It's definitely an all day, every day situation that we're helping families one after another trying to figure out what formula to give them," Zavala said.

Complicating the situation for WIC enrollees in Arizona is that the program specifies that families must get formula made by Abbott Laboratories, which is the manufacturer of the Similac formula that was recalled in February.

"Because Abbott was the (baby) formula for most of the WIC contracts, now we're giving WIC clients formula they've never purchased before," Zavala said. "And now they are competing with the rest of the consumers that aren't on WIC for these other brands."

Metro Phoenix moms leverage social media to find formula

Hundreds of Valley moms have turned to social media for help in finding formula, joining Facebook groups created to assist parents during the shortage.

"AZ Moms of formula shortage" has garnered nearly 500 members since it was created March 28.

Members posted 256 times in the past month alone, according to the group's "About" page.

Dozens of mothers in the group "Arizona Baby Formula BST" are posting multiple daily updates on where formula is and isn't in stock.

Comments on the public group of 430 members show moms sharing stories of mad dashes to stores across the Valley to secure specific brands of formula for their babies. Some say they've spent hours driving to different stores.

In some cases, moms are buying whatever formula they find in hopes to be able to trade it for the one they need online.

Others who have extra or old cans they no longer need are selling them.

The occasional post shows a mom in desperate need, noting how many bottles worth of formula she has and asking if anyone can help.

Dani May Cord, a Surprise mom of four, said she couldn't count the number of stores she'd left in tears because she couldn't find formula for her youngest.

"I’m just going to say if you are able, you should try and BF (breastfeed) as long as possible. This formula shortage is NO joke. It’s absolutely devastating in all honesty," she wrote.

"What am I supposed to do? Can't find milk anywhere this is crazy!" another person posted.

It's OK for most babies to switch formulas, but don't make your own

One common question from families is whether they can switch the type of formula they are giving their infant if their regular brand isn't available. Kirkilas reassures them that in most cases, that's fine.

"As long as their baby doesn't have any digestive issues where they have to be on a special formula, it is OK to switch formula," he said.

"Let's say you were on Similac and the store only has Enfamil, that's perfectly OK to switch the formula type. The formulas do taste differently, so sometimes we experience kids not liking the new formula. But it's OK for the short term."

But he cautions against families making their own formula at home and also against watering down their existing supply of formula to make it last longer.

And if at all possible, he advises individuals who are giving birth now or in the near future to consider breastfeeding, if that's an option for them.

"Mothers who are just giving birth now, if they haven't considered it, I would strongly consider breastfeeding," Kirkilas said. "We get a lot less issues with fussiness and spit up and constipation with children who are breastfed than we do with formula. So if the parent was open to breastfeeding, I would highly recommend it."

Here are answers to common questions about the baby formula shortage in Arizona:

Why is there a baby formula shortage in the US?

The shortage is an unfortunate combination of supply chain issues and a voluntary product recall. Hoarding and illegal activity could be at play, too.

On Feb. 17, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers not to use certain powdered infant formula products from Abbott Nutrition’s Sturgis, Michigan, facility, and Abbott initiated a voluntary recall of certain products.

Since then, the agency has been working with Abbott and other manufacturers to bring safe formula products to the U.S. market, the federal agency said in a May 10 release.

Before the Abbott Nutrition facility recall, the FDA already was working to address supply chain issues associated with the pandemic, including those affecting the infant formula industry, federal officials say.

In a letter to Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan dated Thursday, President Joe Biden asked that the commission consider using all of its available tools and authorities to "actively monitor the infant formula market" and "address any illegal conduct that may be contributing to scarcity and hoarding as well as study whether rural or smaller retailers are being put at a disadvantage."

Any price gouging due to the infant formula shortage is "unacceptable," Biden wrote. He asked the commission to thoroughly investigate any complaints of such activity.

"We know State attorneys general are also examining this issue and may be valuable partners in this effort," he wrote.

What if I'm a WIC participant and the only formula available is not covered by my benefits?

Participants in the Arizona Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) can call WIC if they are at a store that has formula not on their benefits. Their benefits can be updated so they are able to buy it right then and there, officials with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health wrote in an email Thursday.

Health officials advise WIC recipients to call their local WIC program or the Arizona WIC Shoppers Helpline, operated by the state, at 866-927-8390.

Zavala, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health WIC manager, said since nearly every Similac product was taken off the shelves after the Abbott recall in February, the WIC program began offering flexibility to purchase other brands.

"it is difficult because their benefits are so specific," Zavala said. "When they arrive to the store, even if we've changed their benefits to something we think they'll be able to find, if what is on their exact benefit is not present in the store, then they do need to call us."

When is it not OK for my baby to switch formula?

In most cases, switching formula is fine.

"If the child does have a digestive issue where they are on a very specific formula, then it would be best to talk to the pediatrician about maintaining that special formula," Kirkilas said. "Some children have digestive issues like lactose intolerance. ... But in general, kids can switch to a different type of formula."

If the only formula that's available is gluten-free and your baby is not gluten intolerant, the gluten-free formula would be fine for a while, Kirkilas said.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says it's OK for most babies to switch formulas unless the baby is on a specific, extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based formula such as Elecare.

Do food banks have baby formula available?

Food banks don't typically stock baby formula as a regular item, said Angie Rodgers, president and CEO of the Arizona Food Bank Network, although some may occasionally have a donated supply.

"There are a couple of locations, such as food banks that are attached to health centers, that tend to stock it more regularly," Rodgers said.

But food banks in Arizona are looking at options for purchasing some baby formula product to address the current formula shortage, she added.

"We're just mindful of the need that is there, and we're looking at our options," she said. "I'm talking with WIC and our partners that predominantly serve pregnant women and young infants to see what options we have available for them."

Should I grab all of the formula that's available if I see it in the store?

If you find formula, buy what you need and don’t panic buy, officials with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health said. Buying large amounts will make it harder for other families to get what they need.

Where else can I get formula if it's not at my local store?

"I've had parents say the place they normally go to doesn't have it," said Kirkilas, the Phoenix Children's Hospital pediatrician. "If parents are savvy with the internet, they can purchase their formula on the internet."

On Thursday, for example, Amazon, Walmart and Fry's all had infant formula for purchase online, according to a search conducted at midday.

Arizonans enrolled in SNAP — the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which used to be known as food stamps — can use those benefits to purchase formula, and they are able to do that online through an authorized retailer, said Rodgers of the Arizona Food Bank Network.

WIC benefits can't be used to purchase formula online.

What about homemade baby formula recipes?

The American Academy of Pediatrics has safety tips that advise against making homemade formula, which could cause electrolyte imbalances and other issues in babies, health experts say.

Recipes for homemade formulas circulating on the internet may seem healthy or less expensive, but they are not safe and do not meet your baby's nutritional needs, according to the group's safety tips, authored by pediatrician Dr. Steven Abrams, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas at Austin.

"Infant deaths have been reported from use of some homemade formulas," he wrote.

Kirkilas said, "It has been done in the past where people would make their own formulas ... the mixing has to be done very precisely. Too much salt, too much protein, would bother the kidneys in an infant.

"Not enough salt or not enough iron could bother other systems. You see kids who will have seizures if they don't have the right amount of salt in the formula. So it's very risky to make your own."

Should I water down my baby's formula to make it last longer?

Like trying to make formula at home, watering it down could dangerously alter the content of important components such as salt, sugars, fats and protein, Kirkilas said.

"I would definitely recommend continuing mixing the formula as prescribed. Usually it's two ounces of water to put in the bottle first, and then you add the formula afterwards. Adding more water or less formula would disrupt that. ... It could cause problems."

Can I give cow's milk to my baby?

"We only recommend cow's milk after one year of age. You are formula-fed or breastfed until you are one and then after one you switch over to cow's milk," Kirkilas said.

"If you are less than one, we definitely do not recommend cow's milk, but in this sort of situation where we don't have access to formula, if they are six months to one year, they can use cow's milk for a short time. ... But I would not recommend them taking cow's milk before six months."

What if I have unopened (unexpired) formula that I don't need?

Consider donating it to a food bank. Rodgers, of the Arizona Food Bank Network, suggests going to her organization's website at https://azfoodbanks.org/ to find a food bank near you.

What about donated breast milk?

Shell Luttrell, a midwife clinic manager in Arizona who founded a global human-to-human breast milk sharing network called Eats on Feet, said she's seen a surge in the demand for breast milk donations.

The network, which provides education on how to safely store and share breast milk, operates Facebook pages for all 50 U.S. states, as well as other locations across the world. The pages serve as a meeting ground for milk donors and recipients, though the network does not accept or distribute breast milk itself.

"I would say there's been at least a 35% increase, maybe 40%, on some (Facebook) pages of folks looking for breast milk," Luttrell told The Arizona Republic.

Though difficult to pinpoint what's led to the increase in milk sharing since those seeking breast milk don't always share the reason, Luttrell said the increase has coincided with the formula shortage.

Luttrell said she's happy to see people find more ways to feed their children but worries that infants may be at risk if families don't properly educate themselves on best practices.

Want to know all of the latest health news? Download the free azcentral.com app.

Failure to comply with breast milk storage practices can taint the milk and affect a baby's health, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC provides safe breast milk storage guidelines on its website.

Milk-sharing can also pose a risk because it may expose an infant to an infectious disease like HIV. Exposure to hepatitis B and C may be possible if, for example, the expressed milk came from cracked nipples where blood was present, the CDC says.

However, "it is very unlikely that a child would be at risk for hepatitis B or C by receiving another mother’s breast milk," the CDC says.

Families seeking breast milk for their infants from donors should make an effort to meet person-to-person and learn about the donor's health history and milk storage practices, Luttrell said.

Is the formula shortage ever going to end?

The FDA says it will continue to dedicate "all available resources to help ensure that infant formula products remain available for use in the U.S. and will keep the public informed of progress updates."

Zavala said she's starting to hear from WIC clients who recently noticed Similac formula on the shelves.

“Ensuring the availability of safe, sole-source nutrition products like infant formula is of the utmost importance to the FDA," FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said in a statement. "Our teams have been working tirelessly to address and alleviate supply issues and will continue doing everything within our authority to ensure the production of safe infant formula products.”

Reach the reporter at Stephanie.Innes@gannett.com or at 602-444-8369. Follow her on Twitter @stephanieinnes.

Reach the reporter at tseely@arizonarepublic.com or at 480-476-6116. Follow her on Twitter @taylorseely95.

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The baby formula shortage is getting worse - CNN

New York (CNNBusiness) For months stores nationwide have been struggling to stock enough baby formula. Manufacturers say they're producing at full capacity and making as much formula as they can, but it's still not enough to meet current demand.

The out-of-stock rate for baby formula hovered between 2% and 8% in the first half of 2021, but began rising sharply last July. Between November 2021 and early April 2022, the out-of-stock rate jumped to 31%, data from Datasembly showed.

That rate increased another 9 percentage points in just three weeks in April, and now stands at 40%, the statistics show. In six states — Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Missouri, Texas and Tennessee — more than half of baby formula was completely sold out during the week starting April 24, Datasembly said.

And although seven states had between 40-50% of baby formula products out of stock as of early April, 26 states are now struggling with supply.

"This issue has been compounded by supply chain issues, product recalls and historic inflation," Datasembly CEO Ben Reich said. "Unfortunately, given the unprecedented amount of volatility to the category, we anticipate baby formula to continue to be one of the most affected products in the market."

Parija Kavilanz
Ramishah Maruf
Cnn Business

Cream cheese shortage and ham, chicken shortages to impact ...

Holiday cooks will need to check their shopping list twice because the ongoing shortages of key ingredients aren’t ending anytime soon.

But it’s not just the ingredients needed to throw together a Christmas feast. It could be the essentials for setting the table like disposable plates, cups and cutlery, and food for your cat and dog that’s hard to find.

And of course, gifts, including popular video game consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, also are in high demand along with Christmas trees to put the presents under.

As the world reaches the two-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, more items are becoming scarce because of global supply chain disruptions such as congestion at ports and shortages of truck drivers and service workers.

►Can't find what you're shopping for?:Navigate Christmas and other supply chain shortages with these tips

Patrick Penfield, professor of supply chain practice at Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management, told USA TODAY that cream cheese, peppermint and international foods are among the food products in short supply.

“As you walk through a lot of stores you won’t see the quantity and quality of items you are accustomed to seeing,” Penfield said. “Unfortunately, as we progress through the holiday season, we are seeing more bare shelves and stockouts of popular items.”

Some of the shortages, could be regional due to labor and truck shortages, Penfield said.

In a recent study by business consultancy KPMG, 71% of grocery consumers said they were somewhat or very concerned about shortages or stockouts with 35% switching brands when their favorite items are out of stock.

“We see demand surges during the holidays that make replenishment especially difficult, particularly given the transportation and store labor shortages and variant surges that can further reduce available labor,” Matt Kramer, KPMG consumer and retail sector leader, told USA TODAY.

►Save better, spend better: Money tips and advice delivered right to your inbox. Sign up here

Costco, Publix stores limit purchases

Some retailers have been limiting purchases of select items, similar to policies implemented at the start of the pandemic. But panic buying, especially of toilet paper, returned this summer as the delta variant spread.

In August, Costco brought back temporary purchase limits on some items including toilet paper.

Publix, which has more than 1,280 stores in the southern U.S., started limiting purchases of canned cranberry sauce, gravy, canned pie filling ahead of Thanksgiving. It has expanded its list of limited-purchase products ahead of Christmas to include sports drinks, half-and-half creamers, bacon, toilet paper, disposable plates, vegetable oils and cat food.

"Due to ongoing supply issues and increased holiday demand, we have updated our purchase limits," Maria Brous, Publix director of communications, told USA TODAY, adding most products on the list are limited to two of each item including cat food variety packs. For individual cans or pouches of cat food, the limit is 10.

►Last-minute gifts:These are the best last-minute gifts that will arrive in time for Christmas

►Fight inflation with these tips:Inflation rate increase means groceries and Christmas gifts cost more. How to combat higher prices

Food shortages 2021

Here are some of the other food-and-supply shortages USA TODAY reporters spotted or that readers from across the country told us about. Know of more? There's a form below where you can share your experiences.

Cream cheese shortage

Bagel shops are struggling with the cream cheese shortage and Junior's Cheesecake had to stop production twice at its New Jersey-based facility because it didn't have enough cream cheese.

Philadelphia Cream Cheese is offering consumers help to pay for a replacement dessert, acknowledging the ongoing supply chain disruption of the key cheesecake ingredient

The Kraft Heinz brand is offering to reimburse 18,000 consumers $20 for a holiday dessert through its Philadelphia Spread the Feeling offer Friday and Saturday. (Learn more about the offer here.)

►No cream cheese?:Philadelphia Cream Cheese to pay $20 to replace Christmas cheesecake with a different dessert

Candy cane shortage 2021

Peppermint candy canes are in short supply ahead of Christmas. The New York Post reported that a New York candy store has run out of the classic holiday treat and received less than past holiday seasons.

“We only received half of our candy cane order for the holiday season and sold out almost immediately. We currently have zero in stock,” Mitchell Cohen, the owner of Economy Candy on the Lower East Side, told The Post. “Raw material and ingredient shortages globally have had quite an impact.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, peppermint production has declined nearly 25% over the past decade.

USA TODAY checked on Amazon Monday afternoon and found several options that would arrive ahead of Christmas.

►Peppermint shortage?:Candy canes, peppermint candy harder to find ahead of Christmas

Ham recall could lead to shortage

In early December, Alexander & Hornung announced a recall of 234,391 pounds of pork products, including ham and pepperoni.

The Michigan-based meat producer later expanded its recall to 2.3 million pounds.

KPMG’s Kramer said this recall “places further challenges on high demand products.”

►Pork recall 2021:Alexander & Hornung recalls 2.3 million pounds ham, pepperoni for possible listeria

Cat food, dog food shortages

Shipping woes and aluminum shortages have led to a scarcity problem for the pet food industry as stores throughout the country are unable to stock all their traditional brands and products.

Consumers are also feeling the impact. Many USA TODAY readers listed canned or wet cat food as one of the top items they have been struggling to find.

These shortages are impacting the movement of ingredients and finished products, the Pet Food Institute told USA TODAY. Along with labor and transportation shortages, pet owners are spending more time with their pets which can lead to increased feeding and more treating. The high demand has resulted in larger purchases.

Chicken tender shortage

Chicken tenders may be the next casualty of supply-chain-generated shortages, according to a recent NBC News story. Chicken tenders require more processing and packaging, which makes them harder to find and more costly, the story said.

Meat manufacturers have cited extreme weather, labor shortages and high demand among the reasons consumers are having trouble finding tenders.

A spokesman for the National Chicken Council said products were taking longer than normal to get to their destinations but that does not constitute a 'shortage'.

"There is no chicken tender shortage," said Tom Super, senior vice president of communications with the trade group. "Like almost all goods right now, supplies are somewhat tight, but I would say it falls short of any 'shortage.'"

►Finger lickin' gone:Is a chicken tender shortage underway?

Lunchables shortage

For months, parents have reported trouble finding Kraft Heinz' Lunchables. The company told USA TODAY that it has been seeing double-digit growth for the first time in five years.

High demand is one reason why it's harder to find these items.

“Our entire supply chain continues to step up – taking actions that protect our business today, while working hard to not delay critical investments that set us up for the future,” Kraft Heinz said in the statement.

Champagne shortage could impact New Year’s celebrations

The nation is in the early stages of a champagne shortage that is expected to last several years, according to Wine Enthusiast. The demand of champagne is also up 20%, Nielsen said.

Drizly, North America's largest alcohol e-commerce and on-demand delivery platform, surveyed 500 alcohol retailers and found 80% said they were at least slightly concerned about the champagne supply running short.

Even with the shortages, Liz Paquette, Drizly head of consumer insights, said champagne and prosecco continue to be the top-selling sparkling wines with 63% and 18% of market share.

“With demand holding strong for champagne and prosecco, we aren’t seeing signs that consumers are seeking alternatives just yet on Drizly but can anticipate impacts due to the supply chain strains as we get deeper into the holiday season,” Paquette said.

Cranberry sauce shortage

Whether it tops your turkey or pairs with your dressing, cranberry sauce may be hard to come by.

Ocean Spray had some of its own "supply chain challenges," the company said in a statement to USA TODAY. As a result, some consumers might have to opt for whole berry sauce or homemade sauce instead of jellied sauce, for instance.

Aluminum shortage

More consumers have opted to enjoy their favorite beverages in the comfort of their homes causing a higher demand for canned drinks. But the pandemic is only part of the problem.

The demand for can products accumulated for years according to a Quartz article. Canned drinks are cheaper to make and transport, and easier to market and design, initiating the highest prices for aluminum the market has seen in the last ten years senior analyst Salvator Tiano told Quartz.

Beer shortage

Having a hard time finding your favorite craft beer? It could be part of the aluminum shortage, but the price of ingredients for beer is also skyrocketing due to supply chain issues throughout the world.

Sam Hendler, co-owner of Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers in Framingham, Massachusetts and president of the Mass. Brewers Guild, told MetroWest Daily News that the cost increases being felt by breweries are universal and a big topic among colleagues.

In the past, manufacturers couldn’t keep up with the demand to make cans, but now even when cans are available, getting them to breweries can be difficult.

Toilet paper shortage continues

In spring 2020, demand for toilet paper skyrocketed as Americans were faced with a possibly lengthy stay-at-home future. Panic buying of bath tissue has returned at various times throughout the pandemic. This shortage stems from lumber's raw material, wood pulp, which is used to make toilet paper.

More shortages?

Share what items you are having a hard time finding, your holiday shopping plans and how inflation is hitting your wallet and your Christmas meal on the form below. If you don't see a form, click here.

Contributing: Michelle Shen and Taylor Avery, USA TODAY; Norman Miller, MetroWest Daily News

Follow USA TODAY reporters Kelly Tyko and Naomi Ludlow on Twitter: @KellyTyko and @itsnaomikay. For shopping news, tips and deals, join us on our Shopping Ninjas Facebook group.

Sriracha shortage: Where you can still buy it—and other spicy options

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Hot sauce lovers, buckle up for some bad news: According to Huy Fong Foods, Inc., the manufacturer of the iconic Sriracha hot chili sauce, the company is halting production of its beloved sauces until after Labor Day. Following in the footsteps of other product shortages, including baby formula and tampons, Sriracha is just the latest good with too low inventory to meet demand, and is expected to be difficult to find on shelves this summer.

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►More:Sriracha hot sauce maker warns of chili pepper shortage, suspension of summer sales

Why is there a Sriracha shortage?

In a letter to customers, Huy Fong explains that "due to weather conditions affecting the quality of chili peppers," the California-based company is facing a severe shortage of chilies and is unable to produce its products: Sriracha Hot Chili sauce, Chili Garlic or Sambal Oelek.

Huy Fong sources its red jalapeño chili peppers primarily from Mexico, New Mexico and California—areas that are experiencing a "megadrought that studies link to human-caused climate change." The extreme weather patterns have led to dry soil and subsequent crop failures in the regions.

Huy Fong states in the letter that any orders submitted after April 19, 2022, would be postponed until after Labor Day in the order they were received, and that new orders will be placed on hold until after September 6, 2022.

What other hot sauces should you buy?

If you can't find Sriracha sauce at your local grocery store, you may have to wait a few months to get your hands on a bottle off the shelves. Ahead, we've compiled a list of retailers where you can find Sriracha sauce online, though inventory may vary by area; we wouldn't recommend buying it from an online marketplace, due to price-gouging by third-party sellers.

Although Sriracha is in short supply right now, there are plenty of spicy alternatives with similar flavors worth checking out. Ahead, we've gathered up a few options to tide you over until your favorite chili sauce becomes available again.

Where you can still buy Sriracha online

Alternative hot sauces to consider

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