Prepping Possible Wheat Shortage a List of Items to have in your Pantry or Stock Pile

Winter wheat is off to a rocky start in 2025, with major production states like Nebraska, Texas, and South Dakota reporting poor early conditions, according to the first USDA Crop Progress report of the season released April 7. 

Nationally, 31% of winter wheat is rated good/excellent. But in some states, rough weather and dry soils are threatening yields just as the crop is entering key spring growth stages. 

What does this mean to you or your family? What should you consider adding to your pantry or stock pile. Remember the general rule keep your food in a cool, dry, and dark place for longevity. 

Next time you go shopping look at the ingredients you maybe surprised to see wheat in the ingredients. Here is a list of items to consider.

Common Wheat-Containing Foods:

• Breads: All types of bread, including white bread, whole wheat bread, rye bread, sourdough, biscuits, and bagels. 
• Pastas: Spaghetti, fettuccine, lasagna, ravioli, and other wheat-based pasta dishes. 
• Breakfast Cereals: Many breakfast cereals, though some are specifically labeled gluten-free and pancakes. 
• Baked Goods: Cakes, cookies, muffins, pies, pastries, and other baked goods. 
• Crackers and Biscuits: Various types of crackers, biscuits, and snack foods. 
• Pizza: Pizza crust, dough, and some toppings. 
• Snack Foods: Granola bars, energy bars, some types of chips and pretzels. 
• Process Meat and Deli Meats: Many processed meats, sausages, and deli meats may contain wheat-based ingredients. 
• Seitan: A meat substitute made from wheat gluten. 
• Soups and Sauces: Many canned and boxed soups and sauces may use wheat flour as a thickener. 
• Malted Drinks: Some malted drinks, like beer and ale, may contain wheat. 
• Other: Many other foods may contain wheat, including ice cream, soy sauce, and even some personal care products. 

Important Considerations for Wheat Allergy and Celiac Disease:

• Cross-Contamination: Be mindful of cross-contamination, especially in restaurants and when preparing food. 
• Hidden Wheat: Wheat can be hidden in unexpected places, such as in sauces, salad dressings, and processed foods. 
• Read Labels: Carefully check ingredient labels for wheat and its derivatives. 
• Gluten-Free Alternatives: Look for gluten-free alternatives to wheat-containing foods. 

Foods That May Contain Wheat (Check Labels):

• Couscous: Made from semolina, which is a type of wheat.
• Spelt: A type of wheat.
• Triticale: A hybrid grain between wheat and rye.
• Farro: An ancient grain that can be used like wheat.
• Semolina: A type of wheat flour used in pasta.