(CNN) — There’s a shortage of one of America’s favorite condiments: Ketchup!
Restaurants have relied heavily on takeout orders to survive during the pandemic, causing a huge need for ketchup packets.
Once the packets ran out, some eateries began pouring out bulk ketchup into individual cups. The Wall Street Journal says the low ketchup inventory is now hitting mom-and-pop restaurants as well as chains, like Texas Roadhouse and Long John’s Silver.
The restaurant-business platform “Plate IQ” says this condiment shortage has caused ketchup packet prices to rise 13% since January 2020.
But, you don’t have to start eating your french fries plain just yet. America’s most popular brand, Heinz is working to increase its supplies. They are aiming to produce 12 billion packets a year.