Yes, There’s a Sugar Shortage—Here’s What You Need to Know
Updated: Dec. 04, 2023
Because of the sugar shortage, expect to see empty shelves (or higher prices) in the baking aisle.
The holiday season is here. For many of people, this is the time of year for baking Christmas desserts to share. But when you go to the grocery store, you may notice a staple ingredient missing from the shelves. No, we’re not talking about the egg shortage. This time, grocery shoppers have noticed the supply of sugar is short or non-existent. That raises the question: Is there a sugar shortage?
The short answer is yes. Reports predict that sugar exports from India and Thailand—the world’s second- and third-largest sugar suppliers—will drop drastically. This sugar shortage extends beyond the baking aisle, too. It’s affecting candy and other goods made with the ingredient, with shoppers noticing a rise in prices. Why is this happening?
Why is there a sugar shortage?
Like many other nationwide food shortages, such as flour, this sugar shortage is because of bad weather in top countries that export the good. Droughts in India and Thailand and the ongoing war in Ukraine have affected the output of sugar, according to AP News.
When will the sugar shortage end?
Experts say we’ll see a decrease in sugar supply through the 2023-2024 season. Luckily, sugar producers in Brazil expect to fill some of the gap in the sugar shortage. Until then, you’ll likely see sparse shelves—or even hiked-up prices—at the grocery store.
What is the best sugar alternative?
It depends. If you’re looking for a quick baking substitution, maple syrup or honey can be used. Sugar alternatives for other cooking needs can range from stevia to agave and molasses. Just make sure you do a trial run of your Christmas cookies with these alternatives so you know what needs to be adjusted before the holidays arrive.
