A Nation in Crisis: Beer Prices on the Rise

While food prices for basics such as milk, eggs and bread have been increasing, another beverage that many Americans would also argue is a basic is in double trouble with key ingredient shortages and rising oil costs: beer.

Beer retail prices had remained constant for the last several years, but began to increase in the second half of last year and continue to do so. Even worse news is that you will probably continue to pay more for your beer even if prices ease on other foods.

The two main grains used to make beer have risen dramatically in price over the last year. Malted barley, which is the second biggest ingredient used in making beer after water, is the grain used to create alcohol during beer fermentation. Barley prices have risen by double-digit percentages over the last year due to worldwide demand of all grains. ...