Tariffs have become one of the most direct forces driving up the cost of food — and now rising fuel costs are adding a second front to the same battle. U.S. consumers in January 2026 were already paying 12% more for coffee, tea, and cocoa, 8% more for fish and seafood, 7% more for fruit, and 5% more for meat compared to pre-tariff trends, with steel can prices jumping 16% and hitting canned staples like beans, vegetables, and soups. On top of that, diesel prices have surged n