European potato chip shortages may shake your snack routine
Europe's potato crop is projected to decrease by 30%
© Shutterstock
FOOD Potato chips
Though the world is currently facing turbulent environmental and political landscapes, for many people, this is felt purely in scary news headlines rather than in day-to-day routines. But as rising temperatures impact farms and food manufacturers, global warming may just ruin your appetite.
According to reports from Mic.com, this year's record-high temperatures and extremely dry climate are severely impacting potato production. This means your beloved potato chips, french fries, and baked potatoes may be affected.
“The various national statements and statements from individual [businesses] paint a clear picture that volumes in 2018 are expected to be significantly lower than average,” a spokesperson for the European Snacks Association told Mic. “And it is extremely likely that there will be serious issues in terms of quality and availability of potato varieties that are suitable for processing and also for long-term storage. That means that this is probably not a short-term issue and the impacts will be felt through to the next growing season."
If you are already hoarding a family-size bag of Lays in your bedroom, these reports may make you want to stock up. The pressure on the potato industry may impact chip size, flavor variety, and price. Is this the "chipocalypse?"