Sweet Potato Shortage Threatens Thanksgiving Tables as Yields Falter

For the third year running, sweet-potato supplies are constrained because North Carolina’s crops have been hit by Hurricane Helene, a string of storms and a severe drought that cut yields by 20-30 percent, according to the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission. A dry spell in Mississippi further weakened the 2025 harvest, and a repeat drought this spring has prevented a rebound. The shortage is compounded by a shift away from exporting to Europe, as cheaper Egyptian imports and growing European production made U.S. sales less viable, prompting growers to plant less.

Smaller-sized tubers dominate the market, and packers are rationing the light harvest, driving up prices and limiting the availability of the large, uniform potatoes favored for Thanksgiving casseroles. Consumers can expect fewer premium-size sweet potatoes, higher costs, and should consider buying earlier than usual.