Have you looked at just about any box of ‘packaged’ pre-prepared food in the store for ingredients? What about some of the processed ‘meats’ that are the staples for the Standard American Diet (yes, SAD is a very good acronym for it)? Most foods contain wheat.  In some form or another wheat (and corn) have found their way into some of the oddest foods you would think! Mostly they are ‘fillers’ but yet, the wheat and corn are hidden in the ingredients, and thus, will affect prices.

According to Hilton Dinner, a bakery owner from Edmonton, Canada, the price of flour has more than doubled over the past eight months.

It has been evident on the shelves by the price increase in many items other than flour itself.

The question is then, does it stop there? What about those of us who eat a more simple diet (less processed, pre-packaged foods)? We wouldn’t be effected by the rise in wheat and corn cost, right? Well, wrong.

Here’s why:

“It’s not something that’s going to go away,” Dinner said. “Food in general is going to go up. As wheat goes up, so does the price of eggs and chicken because they eat grain-based feed. It affects people who can’t afford to pay more for their food.”

My friends, if we are dependent upon grocery stores and restaurants for our food alone, we are going to be gouged on all sides. We need some good old-fashioned independent farmers, even on a small scale.

You can do it! You can plant a square foot garden, share a spot with some neighbors, containers of herbs and tomatoes on the porch will go a long way. The back-yard chicken and garden may be what is needed again to sustain us for the high food prices ahead!

Popular Questions

How do wheat and corn prices affect more than baked goods?

Changes in wheat and corn prices can influence livestock feed, breakfast cereals, snack foods, and many packaged products. Corn prices also affect ethanol costs, while wheat prices can raise expenses for food manufacturers that use flour or grain-based ingredients. Businesses may respond by adjusting recipes, portion sizes, prices, or suppliers.

Why do higher corn prices affect meat, dairy, and egg prices?

Corn is a major feed ingredient for cattle, poultry, and pigs, so higher corn prices can increase the cost of raising animals. Producers may pass those expenses along through higher prices for meat, milk, and eggs. Shoppers can compare store brands, buy seasonal discounts, or choose less feed-intensive foods when grain costs rise.

How can wheat and corn prices affect household expenses beyond bread?

Wheat and corn prices can raise the cost of pasta, tortillas, cereals, prepared meals, sauces, and other foods that contain grain ingredients. Corn-based ethanol can also influence fuel markets, adding pressure to transportation costs for food and household goods. Checking unit prices and planning meals around lower-cost staples can help manage these increases.

Do wheat and corn prices affect inflation and transportation costs?

Higher grain prices can contribute to food inflation because they affect ingredients, animal feed, processing, and distribution. Corn prices may also interact with fuel markets through ethanol demand, while more expensive food shipments can increase retailers' operating costs. Consumers and businesses can limit the impact by reducing waste, improving purchasing plans, and reviewing alternative suppliers.