
5. Kirkland Lemonade
- April price: $6.29
- June price: $6.39
- December price: $7.25
Kirkland organic lemonade might seem like a quintessentially American product, but its price trajectory tells a familiar story. In June, the price of two 3-quart bottles rose by just $0.10, from $6.29 to $6.39—hardly noticeable.
By December, however, the price had jumped to $7.25.
As Lakritz previously suggested, the lemons used to make the lemonade may come from countries affected by tariffs, or they may rely on imported agricultural inputs. Beyond that, packaging, transportation, and energy costs—all of which can be influenced by trade policy—also play a role.
This is a clear example of how tariffs combine with broader inflationary pressures. Even when tariffs aren’t the sole cause, they add another layer of cost that manufacturers and retailers must contend with.