15 Foods to Buy Now Before Tariff Increases Hit

In the world of global trade, tariffs are a powerful tool. They can protect domestic industries, penalize foreign competitors, or simply raise revenue for the government. However, the collateral damage from tariffs is often felt by consumers, who see prices rise on a range of everyday products.

When it comes to food, these price hikes can hit particularly hard, turning once-affordable snacks into luxury items. Here are 15 snacks that have become pricier due to tariffs.

1. Peanut Butter

Peanuts are one of the many agricultural products affected by tariffs. When the U.S. imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, China responded by imposing a 25% tariff on American agricultural products, including peanuts. This has led to a price increase for peanut butter, a staple in many American homes.

If you’re a fan of this nutty spread, you might want to consider making your own at home. All you need are peanuts, oil, and a food processor. Not only will it be cheaper, but you can also control the ingredients and avoid any unwanted additives.

2. Almonds

Almonds have also been affected by the trade war between the U.S. and China. China was the second-largest buyer of American almonds, but after the U.S. increased tariffs on Chinese goods, China retaliated by imposing a 50% tariff on American almonds.

The almond industry has been hit hard, and the cost has been passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for almond products, including almond butter and almond milk. If you love these products, consider buying in bulk to save money, or switch to a cheaper alternative like oat milk.

3. French Wine

The U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on French wines in response to France’s digital services tax, which affects American tech companies. As a result, French wine has become more expensive in the U.S.

If you’re a wine lover, consider switching to wines from countries unaffected by tariffs, such as Argentina or Australia. Or better yet, explore domestic wines. The U.S. has a wide variety of excellent wines from regions like California, Oregon, and Washington.

4. Spanish Olives

Spanish olives have also been affected by tariffs. The U.S. imposed a 35% tariff on Spanish olives, in response to what it saw as unfair subsidies given to Spanish olive farmers. This has led to a price increase for Spanish olives in the U.S.

If you love olives, consider switching to olives from other countries that are not affected by tariffs, such as Greece or Italy. Or explore other similar snacks, like pickles or roasted red peppers.

5. Canadian Whiskey

In a tit-for-tat trade war, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian whiskey. This has led to a price increase for Canadian whiskey in the U.S.

If you’re a whiskey lover, consider switching to whiskey from countries unaffected by tariffs, such as Scotland or Ireland. Or better yet, explore domestic whiskeys. The U.S. has a wide variety of excellent whiskeys from regions like Kentucky and Tennessee.

6. Mexican Avocados

The U.S. has threatened to impose a 20% tariff on all goods from Mexico, including avocados. This has led to a price increase for avocados in the U.S.

If you love guacamole or avocado toast, consider buying avocados in bulk when they’re on sale and freezing them. Or switch to alternative spreads, like hummus or pesto.

7. Belgian Chocolate

The U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on certain goods from the European Union, including Belgian chocolate. This has led to a price increase for Belgian chocolate in the U.S.

If you’re a chocolate lover, consider switching to chocolate from countries unaffected by tariffs, such as Switzerland or the Dominican Republic. Or explore domestic chocolates. The U.S. has a wide variety of excellent chocolates from regions like California and Pennsylvania.

8. Italian Cheese

The U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on certain goods from the European Union, including Italian cheese. This has made Italian cheeses like Parmesan and Mozzarella more expensive in the U.S.

If you love Italian cheese, consider switching to cheeses from countries unaffected by tariffs, such as the Netherlands or Denmark. Or better yet, explore domestic cheeses. The U.S. has a wide variety of excellent cheeses from regions like Wisconsin and Vermont.

9. German Beer

The U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on certain goods from the European Union, including German beer. This has led to a price increase for German beer in the U.S.

If you’re a beer lover, consider switching to beers from countries unaffected by tariffs, such as Belgium or the Czech Republic. Or better yet, explore domestic beers. The U.S. has a wide variety of excellent beers from regions like Colorado and Oregon.

10. Canadian Maple Syrup

The U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on certain goods from Canada, including maple syrup. This has led to a price increase for Canadian maple syrup in the U.S.

If you love maple syrup, consider buying in bulk to save money, or switch to a cheaper alternative like honey or agave syrup.

11. Turkish Dried Fruit

The U.S. has doubled its tariffs on certain goods from Turkey, including dried fruit. This has led to a price increase for Turkish dried fruit in the U.S.

If you love dried fruit, consider buying in bulk to save money, or switch to fresh fruit, which is generally cheaper and healthier.

12. Indian Mangoes

The U.S. has imposed a 20% tariff on all goods from India, including mangoes. This has led to a price increase for Indian mangoes in the U.S.

If you love mangoes, consider buying them in bulk when they’re in season and freezing them. Or switch to a cheaper alternative like oranges or bananas.

13. Scottish Shortbread

The U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on certain goods from the United Kingdom, including shortbread. This has led to a price increase for Scottish shortbread in the U.S.

If you love shortbread, consider making your own at home. It’s a simple recipe with just a few ingredients, and homemade cookies always taste better!

14. Spanish Ham

The U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on certain goods from Spain, including ham. This has led to a price increase for Spanish ham in the U.S.

If you love Spanish ham, consider switching to ham from countries unaffected by tariffs, such as Italy or France. Or better yet, explore domestic hams. The U.S. has a wide variety of excellent hams from regions like Virginia and Kentucky.

15. Greek Feta Cheese

The U.S. has imposed a 25% tariff on certain goods from the European Union, including Greek feta cheese. This has led to a price increase for Greek feta cheese in the U.S.

If you love feta cheese, consider switching to cheeses from countries unaffected by tariffs, such as the Netherlands or Denmark. Or better yet, explore domestic cheeses. The U.S. has a wide variety of excellent cheeses from regions like Wisconsin and Vermont.