bacon

It's like my mother always told me: Everything in moderation.

The food world's (inexplicable) obsession with bacon has led to the inevitable: The trendy meat is more expensive than ever -- up 16 percent in just the last few months (and 200 percent from one year ago). If it goes any higher -- which experts expect it will -- many of us won't be able to afford the tasty breakfast treat.

Heartbreaking, yes. Unless you look at it from this point of view: Finally, we'll have a break from the ridiculous fixation on bacon.

Here's what happened to cause the shortage:

Hog farmers hit hard by the recession cut down on production a few years ago. Now demand is up -- no doubt due to the fact that bacon has become such a foodie fad. As a result, prices are higher than ever: almost $4.21 per pound, according to the Department of Agriculture. If you're keeping track, that's $0.57 more than it was in April and almost $1 more than it was one year ago.

And, as can be expected, most restaurants, fast food chains, and supermarkets are adjusting their prices accordingly.

First eggs, now bacon -- if this keeps up, what will we eat for breakfast?

Do you think bacon is too expensive?

 

Image via Kimtaro/Flickr