(Epic Economist)—It’s time to prepare yourself for the winter that is coming! In a few short weeks, a seasonal shift in consumer demand will leave some empty shelves at grocery stores, new reports reveal.
Weaker-than-expected harvest seasons and other manufacturing challenges have hit the biggest food companies in the country really hard throughout the year. And now, many retailers are already reporting inventory holes at a time when they should be receiving more supplies to prepare for the all-important holiday season.
For example, Americans might have to go out of their way to find asparagus for their holiday recipes next month. Michigan, California, and New Jersey reported an 11% reduction in the number of asparagus crops planted this year, and farmers also cited losses caused by fungus and beetles during the harvest season.
While more people will be looking for the veggie at big-box stores in the weeks ahead, retailers won’t likely be able to fulfill the entire demand. At local farmers’ markets, prices can be higher this season, but you’ll have greater chances of getting what you need for the perfect holiday dinner.
Similarly, flour, butter, shortenings, and oils are not only costing more but also becoming more scarce at grocery stores in 2023. The worldwide shortage of grains has been pushing the production of flour and vegetable oils down since 2022. Meanwhile, dairy products are being impacted by higher cow slaughter this year. And now that seasonal demand for baking supplies is about to grow home and professional bakers might have to fight for the available supply, according to Bloomberg. With holiday celebrations about a month away, many bakers have already started stocking up on the ingredients they’ll need. Those who haven’t yet should start making preparations now because many products may be sold out over the next couple of weeks.
You also might have heard about the massive decline in U.S. cattle production this year. A historic drought, rising fuel, and feed costs, as well as labor shortages, have all combined to create a perfect storm for the nation’s ranchers. Prices are expected to soar, too. According to the USDA, they are likely to double from a year ago levels.
The best cuts, including filet mignon and ribeye, will not only face even bigger price increases but also become harder to find, given that this year’s beef cows were much smaller than usual, and produced less meat. If you haven’t purchased steak for your holiday celebrations yet, don’t wait too long because you may struggle to get what you want.
Weather emergencies, supply chain disruptions, and an ongoing freight market crisis will exacerbate shortages and prevent retailers from restocking their shelves over the next weeks and months. Don’t wait until the last minute to search for the products you will need because you might end up paying a lot more than you would if you had prepared sooner. The holiday shopping frenzy has only just begun, and we should brace for a whole lot of chaos at U.S. stores next month.
In this video, we tracked the new product shortages that are about to hit the U.S. market in December and beyond so you can stay ahead of the shortages and get ready for the dark winter that is ahead of us.
The List
- Baking Supplies
- Asparagus
- Antibiotics
- Maple Syrup
- Dijon Mustard
- Baby Formula Mix
- Salmon
- Lentils
- Vanilla
- Mango
- High-Quality Beef Cuts
- Winter Clothing
- Grapes
- Pet Food
- Sweet Potatoes
For Emergency Preparedness, Don’t Forget the Meds
Being prepared is more than just a good idea—it’s essential. We stock up on non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, and first-aid supplies, but one critical aspect often gets overlooked: access to vital medications. What happens if pharmacies close, prescriptions can’t be filled, or you’re cut off from medical care during an emergency?
That’s where Jase Medical steps in, offering a reliable solution to ensure you and your family have the medications you need when it matters most.
Jase Medical specializes in emergency preparedness kits designed to provide peace of mind through physician-reviewed, prescription medications delivered right to your door. Their flagship product, the Jase Case, is a comprehensive emergency antibiotic and medication kit priced at $289.95.
This kit includes 10 essential medications—five life-saving antibiotics and five symptom relief meds—that can treat over 50 common infections and illnesses, from urinary tract infections and pneumonia to skin infections and traveler’s diarrhea. With 28 add-on options available, you can customize the kit to fit your specific needs, including a KidCase for children ages 2-11.
The process is straightforward and hassle-free. Simply visit Patriot.tv/meds, complete an online evaluation, and have your order reviewed by a board-certified physician. Once approved, the medications are shipped discreetly from a licensed pharmacy to your U.S. address (with plans for Canada shipping coming soon). Each kit comes with detailed Med Cards outlining symptoms, dosing, and usage, making it easy to administer even in high-stress situations. These medications are shelf-stable and designed for long-term storage, empowering you to handle medical emergencies without relying on external help.
For those on the move, Jase Medical also offers the Jase Go kit for $129.95, a compact travel med kit covering over 30 common conditions encountered during adventures or trips. And for ongoing needs, Jase Daily provides an extended supply of your prescribed chronic medications to safeguard against disruptions in supply chains or extreme weather events.
Don’t just take our word for it—thousands of satisfied customers have given Jase Medical a 4.9-star rating, praising its role in true preparedness. As radio host Glenn Beck warns, “The supply lines for antibiotics already are stressed to the max. Please have some antibiotics on hand… You can do it through Jase.”
Whether you’re prepping for a hurricane, a power outage, or simply the uncertainties of daily life, Jase Medical ensures you’re not caught off guard. Head to patriot.tv/meds today to customize and order your emergency kit—because when it comes to your health and safety, it’s better to be prepared than sorry.
When I read these stories, I wonder how long the shortages will last. Is this a temporary thing or are we looking at long term shortages? We have several rescue animals we care for and I’ve been wondering how much food we should put aside for them just in case. Could you post an article on preparing for SHTF situations for pets and other animals?