One of world's most common storecupboard ingredients is facing a global shortage
Rachael Davis
Featured Image Credit: Massimo Ravera/Getty Images
Amidst a beef shortage in the UK and Europe, prices have shot up and availability has become more inconsistent.
For steak lovers, that’s pretty bad news. Not only with those ribeyes cost even more than usual, but getting one might not be as straightforward as you’ve come to expect.
The bad news doesn’t stop there, with another impending global shortage set to make a popular steak dressing more scarce as well.
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If you’ve got a penchant for peppercorn sauce, we’re sorry to report that black peppercorns are in short supply.
Majestic Spice, a US-based spice importer, has warned that global peppercorn inventory is down while demand remains as high as ever. As with beef, it seems peppercorn prices are set to spike.
Peppercorn is harvested in India, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, among other places, but in those three countries harvests have been delayed by unusual rain and drought issues.
80% of the world’s peppercorn production is handled by just four countries: Vietnam, India, Brazil, and Indonesia. With two of those facing such issues, it doesn’t bode well for global peppercorn supply in 2025.
The climate issues have had an effect on the peppercorn’s flavour too, meaning much of this year’s harvest could be unsuitable for sale.
Studies also show that unpredictable changes in climate — likely due to climate change — can affect how the peppercorn tastes, rendering some of the harvest unusable.
The issue is compounded by trade issues that have made peppercorn less viable for farmers and traders, according the India Tribune.
Black peppercorn is particularly difficult to replace in recipes requiring it, with its signature kick and flavour profile being very specific to it.
White pepper is considerably milder, and other peppercorn blends may go the other way in being too strong.
Allrecipes recommends stocking up before prices increase, and has a couple of recommendations for potential substitutes.
“Instead, we recommend leaning into the other spices in your cabinet, said Hannah Klinger at Allrecipes. “Try using smoked paprika to season roasted potatoes or scrambled eggs.
“Use coriander and cumin to punch up grilled chicken or fish. Or add dried herb blends like Herbes de Provence to your vinaigrette.
“If you're still missing your black pepper fix, consider getting a refillable pepper mill rather than buying the pre-filled grinders in stores. You’ll save some money by buying whole peppercorns in bulk, and you can stock up for when they are less readily available.”