Non lab science guy, but there was an M&M candy shortage up here. We went through the wheat shortage, that lasted about a month, then the M&M shortage, that is still on going along with other candies, after the wheat came back surprise surprise there was a yeast shortage, still ongoing, along with a baking powder and soda shortage. lots of corn starch still available though. As canning season is approaching I am hoping we do not have an artificial pectin shortage, I still have not gotten that yet.
A lot of it could be because of the supply chain, trucks and airplanes and boats to Alaska, but it seems as if the shortages are being manufactured, because when the stuff comes back on the shelf it is at a higher price.
Different locations will experience shortages differently.
I remember flour and other baking essentials could not be found a few months ago.