Here are the 10 foods I’m stocking up on before tariffs raise prices.
And you should, too.
There’s a lot changing in America right now—and if you haven’t felt it in your wallet yet, your grocery cart might soon clue you in.
The 10% universal tariffs and the threat of reciprocal tariffs (currently on a 90-day pause) have people concerned about many goods, but food is one of the most noticeable day-to-day essentials that could be impacted.
It might surprise you to realize just how many of the foods in your pantry and fridge were grown, produced or processed in other countries—from your morning coffee to your Friday night pasta dinner. And because many of these items rely on specific climates or growing conditions that just can’t be replicated on American soil, alternatives aren’t always easy to come by.
Even if you haven’t been following the news, I’m here to fill you in on how your grocery list could soon be affected. Spoiler alert: It isn’t pretty. While nothing is set in stone yet, I’m playing it safe and stocking up now—because by the time your next shopping trip rolls around, prices might have hiked.
Here are the 10 foods I’m grabbing before prices increase:
Cheese
Some of the most iconic, beloved cheeses have earned their status thanks to strict regional production methods and protective regulations. Sure, we make Parmesan here in the U.S., but true Parmigiana Reggiano —the kind you generously grate over pasta—can only be made in a specific region, using traditional methods.
And it’s not just Parm. If you love Pecorino Romano, Irish or English cheddar, or a decadent wedge of French brie, you’ll want to grab these imported favorites now.
Coffee
Let’s be honest—coffee is non-negotiable for most of us. But we don’t grow a whole lot of it ourselves. In fact, the U.S. is the world’s largest importer of coffee, with Brazil and Colombia making up about 60% of our supply.
With both countries facing 10% tariffs, our daily brews could get a lot more expensive—and that would affect our weekly budgets big time.
Olive Oil
This pantry staple is another victim of geography—some of the best olive oils in the world come from Mediterranean countries, and many popular brands in the U.S. use imported olives, even if they’re crushed and/or bottled here.
One of my go-to budget buys has been the Kirkland Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Costco, but because it’s from Italy and made with olives from Portugal, Tunisia, Italy, and Greece, it may not be wallet-friendly for much longer. So, I’ll be grabbing a few of my favorite bottles on our next grocery run—because a good olive oil can’t be compromised.
Chocolate
Chocolate lovers brace yourselves. Between extreme weather and plant disease in West Africa—where 80% of the world’s cocoa is grown, chocolate prices were already rising. Add in new tariffs, and things could get even more bittersweet.
Nuts
Yes, we grow plenty of almonds, walnuts and pecans here in the States—but if your snack drawer is stocked with cashews, Brazil nuts, pine nuts, or macadamia nuts, you’ll want to take note. Most of these are imported, and U.S. supply just isn’t enough to meet demand.
So if you’re a trail mix fan or a pesto lover, now’s a good time to fill your freezer.
Butter
I’m a big believers that the right butter can make or break a recipe. European butter (my favorite is Kerrygold) has a higher butterfat percentage and is often cultured, which gives baked goods a richer, more luxurious taste. So stock up – it freezes well!
Spices
Spices might not seem like an urgent concern… until your cinnamon, ginger, or curry powder runs out. Many of the world’s most-used spices are grown in Asia and Africa, and those regions are facing steep tariffs if the reciprocal tariffs are reinstated.
I’m checking my expiration dates and doubling up now—especially with fall baking season around the corner.
Fruit
Tropical fruits like bananas, mangoes, and pineapples are largely imported from Central and South America. In fact, in 2023, the U.S. was supposedly the largest banana importer in the world, with most of the supply coming from Guatemala, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.
If these are regulars in your smoothie rotation, consider stocking up—especially in the freezer aisle. And Trader Joe’s frozen mango is something I will grab too!
San Marzano Tomatoes
San Marzano tomatoes are a staple in sauces (and my favorite when making my Mom’s homemade spaghetti sauce). Plus, the real ones can only come from a small region of southern Italy. The volcanic soil, sea breeze, and sun make them uniquely sweet and complex.
Yes, you can get American-grown tomatoes labeled “San Marzano-style,” but purists will tell you it’s just not the same. Luckily, canned San Marzanos have a long shelf life—so go ahead and stock your pantry to enjoy authentic Italian flavor in your dishes throughout the year.
Vanilla
Vanilla has always been a bit of a splurge, but it could soon become even more of a luxury. That’s because most of the world’s vanilla supply comes from Madagascar, which was originally hit with a whopping 47% tariff. Luckily the tariffs are down to 10% for the span of the 90-day reciprocal tariff pause, but that could change in a few months.
While we’re still waiting to see exactly how these tariffs play out (the landscape is changing almost daily!), there’s no harm in being prepared. If any of these ingredients are regulars in your kitchen, now’s a good time to buy a little extra. Worst case, you’ve got a well-stocked pantry.
Best case? You’ve outsmarted inflation with a freezer full of butter and coffee beans.
