is there an oyster cracker shortage

The Oyster Cracker Shortage of 2022 What’s Causing It and When Will It End?

Oyster crackers, the petite, savory crackers often served alongside chowders and stews, have become the latest pandemic shortage seemingly overnight. Supermarket shelves once abundantly stocked with oyster crackers now sit bare, leaving shoppers crackerless. This sudden disappearance of a pantry staple has many wondering – what’s causing the oyster cracker shortage of 2022? And when can we expect this crunchy companion to return to stores?

I decided to crack into the case of the missing oyster crackers to get the full scoop for fellow cracker lovers struggling to find these tiny snacks Here’s a look at the factors behind the shortage, which brands are affected, when supplies may rebound, and some tips to help you locate oyster crackers during this shortage

What’s Causing the Oyster Cracker Shortage?

A perfect storm of supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and ingredient costs has converged to create the oyster cracker shortage of 2022. Here are some of the primary factors:

• Supply Chain Issues – Like many packaged foods, oyster crackers rely on complex supply chains for ingredients and packaging. Pandemic-related slowdowns of shipping, transportation, and production have disrupted these supply flows.

• Labor Shortages – From manufacturing facilities to trucking and distribution, labor shortages have impacted the ability to make and transport oyster crackers fast enough to keep up with demand.

• Ingredient Costs – Key ingredients in oyster crackers like wheat flour and vegetable oils have faced steep cost increases, which shrinks producer profit margins. Some may have cut back production as a result.

• pent-Up Demand – As pandemic restrictions ease, more people are going out to restaurants and cocktail bars where oyster crackers are served, driving up commercial demand.

Which Brands Are Affected?

The oyster cracker shortage appears to be widespread, affecting major national brands like Nabisco’s Premium Oyster Crackers, Pepperidge Farm’s Chesapeake Seasoned Oyster Crackers, and Keebler’s Oyster Crackers. Regional brands may also be impacted.

The parent company of Nabisco and Keebler, Mondelez International, confirmed inventory shortages on some of its snack brands due to pandemic-related labor and supply chain issues. They expect inventory levels and availability to improve gradually over 2022.

When Will Oyster Cracker Supplies Rebound?

Mondelez projects inventory levels will steadily rise over the course of 2022 as production ramps up. However, supply chain experts caution that pandemic-related disruptions could persist throughout 2022 and cause ongoing shortages of various foods.

The timing will depend on factors like:

• Resolution of labor shortages
• Smoothing of supply chain and transportation disruptions
• Stabilization of ingredient and packaging costs
• Rebuilding of safety stocks and inventories

Realistically, I wouldn’t expect oyster cracker shelves to be consistently full again until late 2022 at the earliest. The shortage may also come and go in waves during the year based on supply chain hiccups, production issues, and demand spikes. Stay flexible and grab oyster crackers when you spot them!

Where to Find Oyster Crackers During the Shortage

If you land on an oyster cracker workaround during this shortage, try these tips to help locate a stash:

• Check lesser-visited stores – Try mom & pop grocery stores, corner markets, and international food markets which may have better supplies than big chains.

• Search store perimeter areas – Sometimes crackers get stocked in the deli section rather than the cookie/cracker aisle during shortages.

• Ask for help finding overstock – Store employees may know of extra cases in the back or recent deliveries not yet shelved.

• Order online for delivery – Large online grocers may have more options for brands and quantities.

• Buy from restaurants – Some restaurants may sell their bulk packages when shelves are bare elsewhere.

• Substitute regular crackers – Saltines, round buttery crackers, or Club crackers can work in a pinch!

How to Cope Without Oyster Crackers

If your chowder feels naked without those little crispy oyster cracker toppings, here are some tips to survive the shortage:

• Seek out saltine or round cracker substitutions to approximate the flavor and crunch.

• Make your own by mixing crackers like Ritz or Club with melted butter, garlic powder, oregano, and parmesan or Old Bay seasoning.

• Use crushed crackers like buttery round crackers or pretzel crisps rather than whole crackers on top.

• Switch up your sides – bread sticks, dinner rolls, or buttery toast can replace oyster crackers with chowders and stews.

• Go low-carb – top casseroles or chilis with toasted nuts, seeds, or crispy bacon bits instead.

The Oyster Cracker Shortage Finish Line

Like so many pandemic shortages before it, the missing oyster cracker situation has passionate snack fans bummed. But take heart, little crunchy friends – your reemergence onto grocery store shelves is likely on the horizon for late 2022!

In the meantime, stay vigilant for restocks and get creative with substitutions. We’ll all raise a bowl of chowder topped with an “oyster cracker” made of crushed Ritz crackers when this shortage finally meets its end! Here’s to the return of buttery, salty, doughy oyster cracker goodness – we eagerly await that joyous reunion.