Sit Down and Take a Deep Breath, Vegans: A French Fry Shortage Is Among Us

french fry potato shortage

Every time I go to a restaurant and can’t find a single vegan option on the menu, there’s one thing I can always depend on: French fries. Beautiful, satisfying, salty French fries. Unfortunately, thanks to a potential shortage, you might be stuck ordering the sad, toppingless side salad once again.

According to Bloomberg, the amount of potatoes produced this year in some of the leading states is down, including Idaho, Oregon, and North Dakota. So much so that it’s the lowest it’s been since 2010. Potato harvests are down in Canada, too, meaning even our trusty neighbors up North can’t help us out. And the reason behind the shortage? The wet and cold weather that began in October, which not only damaged crops, but also resulted in smaller potatoes that aren’t long enough for standard French fry processing machines.

Because of the decrease in potato production and spud size this year, you might see a rise in French fry prices at restaurants. We’ve been through the same thing with avocados. But overall, Kevin MacIsaac, general manager of the United Potato Growers of Canada, said “it’s a manageable situation.” So rest assured: Maybe we won’t be losing our most loyal menu item after all. We might just have to pay more for it.

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