The Everyday Ingredient You Need To Stock Up on Before Prices Skyrocket

These days, we’re no stranger to shortages and empty shelves at the grocery store. Between supply chain issues, changing weather patterns, and outbreaks of disease like avian flu, we’ve become accustomed to volatility in our groceries’ availability and prices. From eggs to hot sauce to olive oil, many of our go-to ingredients have experienced shortages in the past few years. And now, one of the world’s most-used spices is getting more expensive—and harder to find.

Black pepper is universally used and adored; You’ll find it in most cuisines as an essential seasoning, even in the simplest of dishes. So what happens when such a beloved ingredient becomes more expensive, harder to find, or worse, not available at all?

Why Is There a Black Peppercorn Shortage?

Even though the pandemic feels far behind us, the spice trade is still dealing with its aftereffects. According to U.S.-based importer Majestic Spice, bottlenecks in the supply chain have made distribution clunky and costly. Additionally, international demand for premium black peppercorns is growing, but the supply remains limited.

Climate change is another major factor. Peppercorn plants thrive in tropical climates—the biggest peppercorn producers are India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Brazil. Farmers in those countries count on a predictable rainy season in order to time their planting and harvest, and unpredictable rainfall has upended those schedules. There is also a higher risk of drought, which puts a lot of stress on pepper plants, as well as more flooding, which can damage crops.

And studies have shown that the weather not only impacts how much will grow, but also how the finished peppercorns will taste—and pepper that doesn’t have the right flavor can’t be sold.

All of this creates a major headache for black pepper farmers. That would explain why many are turning to crops that are more reliable and profitable. An article in the India Tribune describes how a disorganized trade system has left farmers in a difficult position. To add to the frustration, third-party distributors take a cut of farmers’ profits, so even though we can’t get enough of the spice, there isn’t a lot of incentive for pepper farmers to meet the demand.

Shortages are likely to appear first in stores that sell generic or store brand spices like Trader Joe’s or Aldi. And, no matter where you shop, you can expect black peppercorns to get more expensive. Prices have already tripled since January 2023, according to a 2025 report by Nedspice, a global spice trader and distributor.

Can You Use Ground Black Pepper Instead of Black Peppercorns?

Unfortunately, pre-ground black pepper is a pretty poor substitute for freshly ground peppercorns. The spice loses its potency quickly, so the stuff that’s been sitting in a shaker for months (or even years) probably doesn’t taste like much. There’s also no substitute for the fragrance and texture of fresh cracked pepper—it’s what gives classic Cacio e Pepe its aroma and Steak au Poivre its bite.

Need another reason to avoid the pre-ground stuff? There’s a good chance it contains trace amounts of heavy metals, according to a recent Consumer Reports study. Instead, reach for one of these substitutes.

Substitutes for Black Pepper

White pepper has a milder, earthier flavor than black pepper, so it won’t pack the same punch as black pepper. Rainbow peppercorns (a blend of green, pink, black, and white peppercorns), are a bit too complex—they’ll likely stand out more than you’d like in an everyday application.

Instead, we recommend leaning into the other spices in your cabinet. 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.