All the food shortages to watch out for in 2023

If you've noticed your local grocery store shelves looking more empty than usual recently, you are not alone.

In scenes reminiscent of the early days of the pandemic, supermarkets are being wiped out of eggs, orange juice, lettuce and even champagne.

Food shortages first emerged following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and, nearly a year later, they are still lingering.

It's caused prices to sky-rocket, with the cost of a dozen eggs more than doubling from less than $2 to $4 in the last 12 months. 

Now social media users have been sharing snaps of empty grocery aisles, as one person commented: 'Things will get worse before they get better.'

Here, Dailymail.com takes a look at the worst shortages expected to continue this year - and what substitutes you can use to replace your favorite foods.

Here, Dailymail.com takes a look at the worst shortages expected to continue this year - and what substitutes you can use to replace your favorite foods

A Ukrainian social media user is astonished to find a US supermarket shelf empty, having just returned from the war zone

Eggs 

America's egg production has been rocked by the largest global bird flu outbreak recorded in history. 

Coupled with increased costs of fuel, feed and packaging, eggs make up the biggest shortages in US grocery aisles. 

According to the Department of Agriculture, more than 58 million birds in 47 states have been affected - prompting a 7.5 percent drop in domestic egg supply over the last year.

The cost of a dozen eggs in New York increased by 57 percent in January compared to the same month a year ago, according to market intelligence firm Datasembly. 

A Twitter user shares their frustration with nationwide egg shortages sparked by an outbreak of avian flu

Can they be substituted? 

The growing popularity of veganism has given rise to a host of egg substitutes from brands such as Beyond Egg and Just Egg. However these are very different to regular eggs, often coming in powder or liquid form. 

Meanwhile, when it comes to baking, plant-based blogger Sharon Palmer recommends flax seeds, chia seeds and aquafiber.

Hellman's has been forced to discontinue sales in South Africa due to rising production  costs

Mayonnaise

Widespread egg shortages have had a knock-on effect on mayonnaise production.

The problem is so rife, major manufacturer Hellmann's announced it was discontinuing sales in South Africa due to rising production costs.

According to the Consumer Price Index, the cost of mayo has jumped by 18.2 percent in the last year.  

Can it be substituted? 

Food bloggers and chefs recommend everything from avocado to Greek yoghurt with dill to replace mayonnaise in sandwiches. More adventurous alternatives include blended cashews. And Hellmann's - among other manufacturers - also do a vegan mayo product which is not impacted by the nationwide egg shortage.

Lettuce 

Lettuce production has been hampered by warm temperatures in California, where much of the vegetable is produced. 

What's more, last fall, California’s Salinas Valley - known as the 'Salad Bowl' due to its high lettuce production - was infested by an insect-borne virus. 

Lettuce producers in California's 'salad bowl' lost 80 percent of its crop in 2022

The region, which accounts for half of the entire lettuce production in the US, lost 80 percent of its crop in 2022. 

This means it has become one of the biggest casualties of inflation with the price of lettuce shooting up 4 percent between November and December, according to the CPI.

And supermarkets have been sent into a tailspin by the shortage, with some said to be 'rationing' their supply. 

Can it be substituted?

Kale, spinach and cabbage are all popular alternatives to lettuce.  

Beef

Consumers can expect a beef shortage this year, which could stretch well into 2024.

The industry has been hampered by a drought in Texas, which is responsible for 14 percent of the nation's beef cow herd. 

The climate means there is not enough grass for the cows while alternative feed is too expensive for ranchers due to inflation. 

'We've had a large amount of culling this year because of drought,' livestock specialist David Anderson told the Washington Times at the end of last year.  

Can it be substituted?

Few things can mimic the taste of beef exactly, but vegetarian alternatives from brands such as 'Beyond Beef' and 'Impossible' are available in most mainstream grocery stores.

Beef production has been wiped out by drought in Texas, which accounts for 14 percent of the nation's beef

Oranges/orange juice

Orange juice is now 'liquid gold' say experts, amid ongoing shortages of the fruit

Florida's orange production fell victim to Hurricane Ian back in September, with suppliers still feeling the consequences now. 

Between 2022 and 2023, the Sunshine State's orange production is expected to drop 51 percent, according to the US Department of Agriculture. 

This makes it Florida's lowest output since 1936-37. The industry was already being battered by rising labor costs.

A Panama-based commodities and futures analyst recently told the Wall Street Journal that the crisis meant orange juice had become 'liquid gold.' 

Can it be substituted?

Nothing can exactly replace the taste of orange, but experts recommend using other citrus juices and extracts - such as pineapple and cranberry - in baking.

Soda 

Soda production has been hit by an 'earthquake' of shortages, claims Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey

Soda production has been rocked by a double whammy of shortages in  aluminum - used to make cans - and carbon dioxide.

The Co2 shortage was particularly devastating, having started during the pandemic, when much of the gas was needed for vaccine production. 

Last year Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey said the industry had experienced an 'earthquake'.

And it seems unlikely shortages will soon ease. 

Last week Bloomberg reported that Americans face record metals prices, with the cost of shipping aluminum driving 20 percent of its sky-high cost.

Can it be substituted? 

All carbonated drinks are being hammered by the same supply chain issues but high-sugar fruit juices and iced tea could provide alternative refreshment.

Butter 

Dairy production is tight this year as farms are battered by a shortage in labor.

Milk production fell in 2022 and while it is expected to recover slightly this year, the stock of cold-stored butter has diminished to its lowest level since 2017, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Not only are shortages set to persist, but the cost of butter will remain 65 cents higher this year than it was last year. 

The stock of cold-store butter dropped to its lowest level since 2017 last year 

Can it be substituted? 

Luckily, butter is one of the easiest ingredients to substitute, with a wide range of alternatives available including margarine and olive oil-based spread. 

Champagne

Fizz-lovers are in for even more bad news as Champagne production is set to stall this year - just as the drink has rocketed in popularity in America.

The US is now the largest consumer of Champagne outside of France - but drinkers may struggle to find a glass this year 

Last year the US became the biggest consumer of Champagne outside of France, while global demand sky-rocketed. 

But this increase in custom created pressure on the industry, with some producers restricting sales to keep up. 

The issue is compounded by the fact that Champagne producers had restrictions imposed on their grape harvests in 2020 by the trade group Comité Interprofessional de vin de Champagne.

Producers were ordered to make 20 percent less Champagne as the industry prepared for a market slump, sparked by the pandemic, which did not occur.

Michel Drappier of family-owned Drappier Champagne, shared with French-language news platform BFM Business that the industry was forced to restrict sales during the holidays including the upcoming Valentine's Day. 

'It would be terrible if we had a shortage of Champagne to celebrate St Valentine's Day,' he said.

Can it be substituted? 

Prosecco, cava and all sparkling wines are generally popular - and budget friendly - substitutes for Champagne.