The latest effect of pandemic-influenced consumer habits is a Heinz tomato ketchup package shortage that's affecting food delivery services around the country. What's the culprit behind this condiment scarcity? Food delivery services.
As restaurants continue to limit in-person dining capacities and customers continue to order in food, the country's seemingly limitless supply of ketchup packets has begun to take a hit. Glass and plastic ketchup bottles that typically live on restaurant tables have been largely unused since restaurants pivoted to delivery and take-out models more than a year ago, and the sharp increase in to-go orders has resulted in elevated demand for single-serving condiments as well (a move first recommended by the CDC to avoid shared dispensers).