Shortages still?

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Someone on another thread mentioned that they were experiencing shortages in their stores and I am now kind of curious as to which states are like this.

I'm in WA, and toilet paper and paper towel shelves are fully stocked.  We paid normal price for the big package of toilet paper from Costco with 36 (?) rolls last month.  I also recently bought a huge jug of Lysol, and wipes and hand sanitizer have been plentiful.

Food wise, while we had a pretty severe meat shortage in May, now I can now find anything I am looking for.  There was a time where the canned soup aisle and pasta section of the grocery store were pretty picked over, but they are now fully restocked.  Beans and rice are fully stocked too.

Pricewise, I have not noticed any large increases.  There was a period of time in May/June where Costco's beef prices were double what they had been, but they are now back down to normal.  Most produce is the same price as its always been.  Same with can goods and other pantry staples.    

[oped]

Disinfecting wipes are still very hit or miss here. 

[wvugurl26]

There is plenty of hand sanitizer and toilet paper here. Paper towels can be found as well. There are still huge gaps on the shelves for any sort of disinfecting product.

I found wipes the other day at the warehouse club. My MIL had requested them. I split the 5 pack up between our houses. Her preferred grocery store has not had toilet bowl cleaner or Scrubbing Bubbles. I found those for her at Sam's Club. I was at Walmart Friday night and they had about 7 cans of Chlorox wipes on a shelf. I bought one and gave it my grandma.

Stores have plenty of face masks as well. I have not seen any out of stock food items. Ziploc bags appear to be hard hit in my area. I think people were freezing their garden extras. 2 trips ago Sam's Club had no Propel. They had it last time though.

[oped]

Its weird but I can't get French Onion soup? 

[happyhoix]

Sept 27, 2020 15:18:23 GMT -5 oped said:

Its weird but I can't get French Onion soup? 

I’ve noticed soup shortages as well - chicken broth, cream of chicken, beef broth. Not sure why.

[plugginaway22]

Yesterday I could not find the canned fried onions, like for green bean casserole. I will live.

[Tiny]

I shop a lot of stores.  Aldi has 4 stores within 5 miles of my house - 1 is a quarter mile away - a 2nd one is near a friend's house (so on a path).  The other two I visit when I'm on paths that take me that way. 

In the last two weeks (I shopped for me and a friend and stopped in one on further out path) the paper products were pretty much stocked (with Limit of 1 or 2).   Canned veggies and chips/crackers were hit or miss depending on the store.   The rest of the products in the store seemed pre covid.    Most of the prices seemed typical for Aldi.

I also make a long distance run to Miejer's  (there's 2 within 3 miles of each other out in the 'burbs).   The paper aisle in both stores was thin - limited paper plates, napkins, and paper towels/TP.  The paper products seemed to be the "basic" kind - there were only 2 designs on the paper plates - even though all the sizes were available.   The laundry detergent aisle had some fully stocked sections with basic "scents"  (the empty sections I guess were for the special scents) same with bleach - only regular and "fresh" scents on the shelfs.    There weren't any sales on this stuff - and the prices seemed pretty typical for nothing on sale.    

The other areas of the store seemed to have stuff on the shelfs spread out more --- so I think some of the 'varieties' of stuff was missing - but the basic versions were there.  (I noticed it with canned tomatoes and the soup aisle. plenty of product just not the variety.) 

The cold cases seemed filled.  The fresh veggies/fruit was about the same.  the bread aisle seemed to be missing some "varieties" but there was plenty of bread-products.    Prices were fairly typical.   

I don't buy lysol or disinfecting stuff.   so I don't normally look at those products. 

If I had to note a difference - it was I had to plow thru fewer 'varieties' of things I was looking for to find the plain/basic kind I wanted.   

I don't buy a lot of meat... I have been able to find 'family value' packs of chicken thighs or drum sticks for .99cents per pound or less for the last couple of months.  I  supplement my cats' food with cooked chicken.  (They have GI issues  -- it's long and complicated and I spent months trying different foods with advice/meds from the vet to get them a "menu plan" that doesn't result in endless puking or days of diarrhea.  So, yes I cook chicken for my cats.)     I think back in May/June the chicken jumped up to $2.00 or more per pound... I managed to avoid paying that - as I had a "family pack" in the freezer from when it was cheaper.    That was enough to get the cats thru to the prices going back to "normal". 

[thyme4change]

I haven't noticed in my grocery stores. But my company is still unable to get components, mostly packaging- bottles, lids, pumps, sprays, etc. We have backordered a lot of product.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

I did have a few other thoughts.

I was only recently able to get yeast, so bought a jar of it so will be good for awhile.  I don't think I found it locally until maybe July?

Exercise equipment has been scarce.  I had a set of 3, 5 and 8 lb hand weights that TD gave away.  I went to replace them, and can't.  After PT, I went looking for a massage ball and bought one, but think it might be too big.  I also bought a set of exercise bands since I can't find hand weights.  

Apparently bicycles are also still scarce because I see lots of people locally looking for bikes.  This are is a huge bike area, so not sure how much of this is due to the end of the season or people shifting their exercise out of the gym to the outdoors as gyms were closed.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Sept 27, 2020 15:31:57 GMT -5 Tiny said:

I shop a lot of stores.  Aldi has 4 stores within 5 miles of my house - 1 is a quarter mile away - a 2nd one is near a friend's house (so on a path).  The other two I visit when I'm on paths that take me that way. 

In the last two weeks (I shopped for me and a friend and stopped in one on further out path) the paper products were pretty much stocked (with Limit of 1 or 2).   Canned veggies and chips/crackers were hit or miss depending on the store.   The rest of the products in the store seemed pre covid.    Most of the prices seemed typical for Aldi.

I also make a long distance run to Miejer's  (there's 2 within 3 miles of each other out in the 'burbs).   The paper aisle in both stores was thin - limited paper plates, napkins, and paper towels/TP.  The paper products seemed to be the "basic" kind - there were only 2 designs on the paper plates - even though all the sizes were available.   The laundry detergent aisle had some fully stocked sections with basic "scents"  (the empty sections I guess were for the special scents) same with bleach - only regular and "fresh" scents on the shelfs.    There weren't any sales on this stuff - and the prices seemed pretty typical for nothing on sale.    

The other areas of the store seemed to have stuff on the shelfs spread out more --- so I think some of the 'varieties' of stuff was missing - but the basic versions were there.  (I noticed it with canned tomatoes and the soup aisle. plenty of product just not the variety.) 

The cold cases seemed filled.  The fresh veggies/fruit was about the same.  the bread aisle seemed to be missing some "varieties" but there was plenty of bread-products.    Prices were fairly typical.   

I don't buy lysol or disinfecting stuff.   so I don't normally look at those products. 

If I had to note a difference - it was I had to plow thru fewer 'varieties' of things I was looking for to find the plain/basic kind I wanted.   

I don't buy a lot of meat... I have been able to find 'family value' packs of chicken thighs or drum sticks for .99cents per pound or less for the last couple of months.  I  supplement my cats' food with cooked chicken.  (They have GI issues  -- it's long and complicated and I spent months trying different foods with advice/meds from the vet to get them a "menu plan" that doesn't result in endless puking or days of diarrhea.  So, yes I cook chicken for my cats.)     I think back in May/June the chicken jumped up to $2.00 or more per pound... I managed to avoid paying that - as I had a "family pack" in the freezer from when it was cheaper.    That was enough to get the cats thru to the prices going back to "normal". 

You aren't going to get an argument from me on this.  I had a cat that was losing weight and adored chicken.  I used to buy Sam's sized packages of chicken thighs, roast them off, pick the meat and skin off the bones, break it up in my food processer and package it in 1/2C measurements in the freezer.  He still continued to lose weight, but would eat all of that chicken each day, I wonder how much faster he would have lost weight if I hadn't been trying to get so many calories into him.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Sept 27, 2020 15:18:23 GMT -5 oped said:

Its weird but I can't get French Onion soup? 

are you talking about the dried mix?

[oped]

No like Progresso in the can. 

[kadee79]

More people are at home, more people are eating at home, more people are fixing meals for kids that are home...so yes, many of the soups are out of stock off/on.  Many of them are used in other dishes like casseroles too or if I wanted to make potato soup, I'd need some chicken stock or broth.
It is all related.
We still are hit/miss with disinfectant wipes around here & a few other odd items...but it's getting better.
I had stocked my freezer before all this hit with the meat, so I haven't had to buy any yet except chicken leg quarters...those are cat treats here...they get 1 thigh or 2 legs...there are 4 of our cats & when they are done the feral cats come it to clean it up...at least 3 feral ones.

[countrygirl2]

This last week I finally noticed the local store was pretty stocked, its been awhile. The Dollar Store looked pretty wiped but she said the delivery was late.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Sept 27, 2020 17:11:14 GMT -5 oped said:

No like Progresso in the can. 

I haven't looked for particular soups, mainly because I only make soups (cream of mushroom tonight for dinner).  But the last time I went down the soup aisle I noticed it was fully stocked, no holes.  

[busymom]

Some sections of the store clear out quickly, like toilet paper & paper towels.  Sometimes the stores run out of liquid soap, too.  And, have you noticed the higher prices?

[Tennesseer]

yup (on the higher prices).

[alabamagal]

While we suffered through store stock outs at various times, we should be thankful that there were no true food shortages. At times the shelves of what we wanted were bare, but there was still food to be bought.

Strangely I don’t recall any big problem with fresh fruits and vegetables. Just tells you about what we are buying.

[wvugurl26]

Sept 27, 2020 17:56:55 GMT -5 alabamagal said:

While we suffered through store stock outs at various times, we should be thankful that there were no true food shortages. At times the shelves of what we wanted were bare, but there was still food to be bought.

Strangely I don’t recall any big problem with fresh fruits and vegetables. Just tells you about what we are buying.

Several times this spring I encountered a completely empty produce aisle at the local warehouse club. We were under stay at home orders and I was trying to limit the stores I went to.

[andi9899]

Sept 27, 2020 15:18:23 GMT -5 oped said:

Its weird but I can't get French Onion soup? 

They have had plenty at Aldi the last few times I've gone. That's something weird to have a shortage of.

[andi9899]

Sept 27, 2020 17:11:14 GMT -5 oped said:

No like Progresso in the can. 

That soup is disgusting! Don't eat that! It's an insult to onion soup.

Now I want real onion soup but I'm too lazy to make it.

[oped]

I know. But sometimes I just want quick and easy and gluten free. Honestly though my local Grocery and Target haven't had it in months... 

Usually I make my own chicken broth but I don't usually do beef. I'll have to get the stuff to make some. 

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Sept 27, 2020 18:15:45 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Sept 27, 2020 17:11:14 GMT -5 oped said:

No like Progresso in the can. 

That soup is disgusting! Don't eat that! It's an insult to onion soup.

Now I want real onion soup but I'm too lazy to make it.

Yeah, French onion soup is going to be on the menu in a few weeks, now that I have replaced my crock.  I use Cook's Illustrated's method of carmelizing the onions in the oven.  It still takes a long time and is a lot of effort, but soooo good.

[Blonde Granny]

An article I just read in the WSJ.
:

Grocers Stockpile, Build ‘Pandemic Pallets’ Ahead of Winter
Resurgence of Covid-19 cases and the impending holiday rush prompt retailers to sideline lean-inventory strategies
By Jaewon Kang and Annie Gasparro
Updated Sept. 27, 2020 11:32 am ET
PRINT
TEXT
162
Grocery stores and food companies are preparing for a possible surge in sales amid a new rise in Covid-19 cases and the impending holiday rush.

Supermarkets are stockpiling groceries and storing them early to prepare for the fall and winter months, when some health experts warn the country could see another widespread outbreak of virus cases and new restrictions. Food companies are accelerating production of their most popular items, and leaders across the industry are saying they won’t be caught unprepared in the face of another pandemic surge.

Southeastern Grocers LLC secured holiday turkeys and hams over the summer, months before it normally starts inventory planning, said Chief Executive Anthony Hucker. And grocery wholesaler United Natural Foods Inc. has loaded up on extra inventory of cranberry sauce, herbal tea and cold remedies, said President Chris Testa.

“We started talking about Thanksgiving in June. That’s earlier than we ever have,” he said.

Associated Food Stores recently started building “pandemic pallets” of cleaning and sanitizing products so it always has some inventory in warehouses, said Darin Peirce, vice president of retail operations for the cooperative of more than 400 stores. The company is establishing protocols so it can better manage scenarios of high demand.

[Lizard Queen]

We still can't get our (much) preferred spaghetti sauce. A lot of my favorite lean cuisines are also gone from the store. Still can't find lysol wipes.

The supply chain just seems really spotty at Meijer (more than it used to be), where we grocery shop the most. 2% milk and chocolate ice cream were out in the last couple of weeks. Our nearby Aldi is temporarily closed for remodeling, but we get more basic things there anyway.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Sept 27, 2020 18:17:18 GMT -5 oped said:

I know. But sometimes I just want quick and easy and gluten free. Honestly though my local Grocery and Target haven't had it in months... 

Usually I make my own chicken broth but I don't usually do beef. I'll have to get the stuff to make some. 

I'll have to look for it next week when I go to the store.  The only canned items I buy are canned beef broth.  I keep canned chicken stock, but I have my good stock and I have the canned stuff that I used when it doesn't matter as much  - like for my soup tonight when the mushrooms are getting simmered in it - then I toss these mushrooms out and cook fresh for the soup, chicken stock is the base for my mushroom broth.  

[buystoys]

North central Texas here.  The stores are finally fully stocked again.  They've been full for a couple of months now.

[justme]

Florida

I have yet been able to get disinfecting wipes. I just missed them at Costco like a month ago and only saw the empty boxes they came in. Mad because I used to like to use them for regular cleaning, but don't want to use all of mine for that. 

Hand sanitizer, masks, and tp are easy to find.

It's not completely gone, but only about half of the popcorn shelf is stocked for some odd reason. 

The tomato sauce I usually buy from costco came back in stock like two weeks ago. 

Rice is mostly back in stock.

Besides maybe having to go to a few stores - I haven't had other shortages in a long time. Though I still have meat in my freezer from when I bulk bought in March lol

[teen persuasion]

There are few empty shelves like we saw back in March/April, but still weird random missing varieties.

I'm still hoping Aldi gets angel hair pasta back in; their regular spaghetti is too thick. But the price has dropped.

Last week their ice cream selection was hit and miss, with only icky flavors left. No idea why the normal kinds weren't available, but it meant no ice cream with b-day cake for DS4.

There were no carrots 2 weeks back. But this week Tops had carrots on sale, 2 lbs 99¢. Not bad, cheaper than Aldi. Then I saw them - they were massive carrots - 3 & 1/2 carrots in a 2 lb bag!

[Opti]

NJ. Things are mostly back to normal but some odd stuff still persists. For some reason Mary Kitchen hash is disappearing off the shelves quickly and my preferred version, low sodium, isn't stocked at all anymore at the local grocery store. I checked out their website, and according to it no store in 50 miles of me carries it. I wonder if the manufacturer dropped producing it for now? Looks like they had planned or did release a frozen version of hash in late 2019, but I haven't seen it around here. Not in their current list of products.

Choices are different too in some things. We are finally stocked in Softsoap, but the small bottles are only two different types. Manufacturers are also dropping in new items which means grocers drop some of the old line. So some of my favorite frozen meals have disappeared but I did find a couple new things I like.