Food inflation set to soar? Experts share essential items to buy now before tariffs drive prices even higher

With Mexico and Canada as two of America's biggest suppliers of food items and beverages, the tariffs will soon drive prices up and may cause supply chain disruptions while demand stays high, New York Post reported.

Price Hikes on Food Items

The tariffs will affect a variety of staple foods. Prices will increase on imports from Canada, like beef, seafood, cereals, legumes, and maple, as per the report. Among imports from Mexico, prices will be higher on fruits and vegetables—especially avocados, tomatoes, peppers, berries, cucumbers, and greens—and sugar, orange juice products, and some types of meat, according to New York Post.

For those who recall the COVID-era panic buying, this may prompt the question: should we begin hoarding food before prices increase? Experts say it's not a bad idea, but warn not to overdo it.

Stocking Up: What to Buy and How to Store It

Although it's always a good idea to stock up on items you use consistently, professionals advise against stocking items that are not needed too often since it might get wasted, according to New York Post.

Live Events

Here are items that can be stocked up and ways to store them.

Meat and Seafood: Canada provides more than half the fresh red meat imported to the US, including seafood like shellfish, New York Post reported. Food experts suggest keeping meat and seafood in airtight storage bags in the rear of your freezer as they will stay fresh for 3-6 months, depending on the item. While vacuum-packaged items can even stay fresh for longer.

Nuts: Though Vietnam is the largest exporter of nuts to the US, Mexico is the second supplier, especially of ground nuts. This can affect some gluten-free flour alternatives, New York Post reported. Experts suggest