There’s no end in sight for the rising cost of food.
On the heels of post-pandemic inflation, price tags at the grocery store are expected to multiply yet again once President Donald Trump’s tariffs against Canada and Mexico go into effect.
Canada and Mexico are the top two suppliers of food and beverages, according to EatingWell, and prices will likely change quickly once tariffs are implemented — not to mention the potential for supply chain disruptions while demand stays high.
Food items such as beef and seafood, cereals, legumes and maple products will see price changes soon after tariffs on Canada go into effect.
As for Mexico, Americans can expect a price increase on a litany of fruits and vegetables, including avocados, tomatoes, peppers, berries, cucumbers and greens, as well as sugar, orange juice products and some cuts of meat.
Some people might be wondering if it’s time to stock up on these foods — reminiscent of the COVID-era where people were stocking up on things such as toilet paper.
According to experts, it’s always a good idea to buy in bulk what you consume regularly for better prices — tariffs or no tariffs. But be sure not to get items that you don’t use regularly so it doesn’t go to waste.
Here are some foods you should be prepared to stock up on before tariffs lead to price increases and how to properly store them:
Meat and seafood
According to the Department of Agriculture, more than half of fresh red meat imported to the U.S. comes from Canada.
Canada also supplies the U.S. with poultry and prepared meats — including processed meats such as smoked sausage and cured ham — as well as seafood, particularly shellfish.
When stocking up on meat and seafood, be sure to put it in airtight food-storage bags in the back of the freezer. This will last for three to six months.
Vacuum-sealed products and certain meats may last longer in the freezer.
Nuts
While Vietnam is the largest exporter of nuts to America, Mexico comes in at No. 2, so price increases can still be expected.
Plus, when it comes to ground nuts, Mexico is the top exporter to the U.S., which can affect some gluten-free flour alternatives.
Nuts can be stored in unopened product bags or in airtight freezer bags in the freezer for up to a year.
Canned legumes
Guatemala, Mexico, Peru and Canada are America’s largest suppliers, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity — and as of 2022, the U.S. was the No. 1 importer of legumes.
Canned legumes, such as beans and lentils, can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to two to five years, like the pantry. Dry beans can also be stored in the pantry and will last for about one or two years.
Fruits and vegetables
Mexico is the largest exporter of fruit to America. In 2023 alone, more than $11 billion of fruit were imported to the U.S. from Mexico.
As for veggies, both Canada and Mexico play a big role in exports — with a combined $14 billion in vegetable exports to America.
But some produce doesn’t store well in the freezer, especially vegetables, so it’s best to buy frozen fruits and vegetables if you’re going to stock up and buy in bulk.
Frozen fruits and veggies are already flash-frozen to maximize freshness and preserve their nutrients.