I have observed that Dairy Queen could not provide a particular item on one occasion, but it does not indicate a widespread shortage. Nevertheless, it highlights that we should anticipate our preferred dining establishments to run out of certain items occasionally. Conversely, when peppers are scarce, it is indeed a shortage.

Jeanette Isabelle

I'd say the shortfall in hot sauce should be of interest even to those who do not use hot sauce at all, because it was caused by global warming. In the beginning the impact of such things may be visible only in "specialty" items like Sriracha hot sauce or Georgia peaches (2023 is seeing a 90% reduction because of higher than normal temperature). But one day we will see wide disruption in agriculture and our food staples as farms are forced to relocate further north -- if they can afford such a move & if they can find the land.

The French bread from the Walmart bakery seemed smaller the other day.

Jeanette Isabelle

This is what food companys do in my country when prices go up. They keep the same price of the package but reduce the content.

So for example: yesterday 500g of bread cost 2 euro. Today it also cost 2 euros but now it is only 400g of bread. A lot of people are fooled by this. They only look at the price and not the size of package.

We use the term "shrinkflation" in the United States when a product's size is reduced.

Jeanette Isabelle

Shrinkflation is prevalent here in the UK, my favourite chocolate biscuits now come in a pack of 8 for the same price previously charged for a pack of 9

Minor spot shortages of other goods continue, but nothing serious. Example, one major supermarket was out of own brand salted butter for a couple of weeks, plenty of alternatives though.

Propane is still in short supply, but is much less used here than in the USA.

Some cuts of beef are in short supply, but no general beef shortage.

Nestle tinned cream is hard to find, but not exactly a major food item.

Some NON FOOD shortages are being blamed on the war in Ukraine, white overalls (improvised winter camo) White latex paint (apply to sidewalls of tyres for winter camo) basic sheets and blankets, for hospitals and shelters.