If there’s one staple that perfectly embodies consumer frustration with rising prices, it’s eggs. Once the go-to affordable source of protein, eggs have become a stark symbol of inflation and supply-chain woes, leaving many Americans scrambling at the grocery store. The bad news? Egg prices are likely to stay elevated for the foreseeable future.
The Perfect Storm: Supply Chain Woes and Skyrocketing Demand
The soaring cost of eggs is the result of a dual hit to supply and demand. On the supply side, the bird flu has wreaked havoc on the poultry industry for the third consecutive year. Since October alone, 26 million birds — over seven percent of the total flock — have been culled to prevent further outbreaks. As flocks are decimated, egg supplies dwindle, pushing prices upward.
At the same time, demand for eggs has been rising steadily. Seasonal factors, like holiday baking and Easter preparations, naturally boost egg consumption during the winter months. But the demand surge isn’t limited to holiday traditions. Eggs remain one of the most affordable sources of protein — even with higher prices — and their nutritional value keeps them in high demand, especially among health-conscious shoppers.
Breaking Down the Prices
Egg prices are hitting consumers hard. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of a dozen grade-A large eggs was $4.15 in December, compared to $2.51 the year before. Wholesale prices tell an even starker story: Midwest large eggs cost $7.27 per dozen as of this writing, well above the five-year average of $2.10.
Prices vary by location and retailer. Big-box stores like Walmart and Costco may offer some relief, as they often use eggs as loss leaders to attract shoppers. However, smaller retailers typically charge higher prices, with averages hovering around $5.31 per dozen. In states with cage-free laws, such as California, prices can soar even higher, reaching as much as $8.86 per dozen.
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The Bird Flu Crisis: A Persistent Threat
The bird flu, or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), is the primary culprit behind the supply-side crunch. Unlike previous outbreaks, which typically lasted a single season, this strain has proven more resilient and pervasive. It has spread beyond poultry to other animals, including dairy cows and even some humans, making it harder to control.
One infected chicken is enough to prompt the culling of an entire flock, and some farms have been hit multiple times over the past few years. The poultry industry has implemented strict biosecurity measures, but as Emily Metz, president of the American Egg Board, notes, “even the best biosecurity isn’t foolproof.”
Climate change is compounding the problem. Altered migration patterns and the loss of natural wetlands have brought wild waterfowl — the primary carriers of bird flu — closer to farms, increasing the risk of transmission. Additionally, farming practices that pack animals tightly together in industrial settings create an environment where diseases can spread rapidly.
Why Egg Prices Won’t Drop Anytime Soon
Several structural issues suggest that egg prices may remain high for the foreseeable future:
- Bird flu’s ongoing threat: With no clear end in sight, the bird flu remains a persistent challenge.
- Cage-free mandates: States like California, Massachusetts, Colorado, and Michigan require cage-free eggs, which are more expensive to produce. As more states adopt similar laws, prices may climb further.
- Limited solutions: Vaccines for poultry are still in development, and even if approved, they come with trade-offs, including potential trade restrictions from countries hesitant to import vaccinated birds.
Industry experts like Brian Moscogiuri of Eggs Unlimited acknowledge the lack of viable short-term fixes. “It seems as bad as it has ever been,” he says, noting that producers have little recourse beyond weathering the storm.
A Glimmer of Hope?
There’s some hope that demand may ease after the holiday season and peak egg-buying periods like Easter. Historically, egg consumption dips in the summer, which could provide slight relief. However, sustained interest in eggs as a budget-friendly protein source may keep demand high, limiting price drops.
While none of these challenges are permanent, the outlook for eggs remains cloudy. With ongoing supply issues, rising production costs, and shifting consumer preferences, supercheap eggs are unlikely to return anytime soon.
The Bottom Line
For now, consumers will have to adjust to higher egg prices and hope for a more stable market in the future. Whether you’re a breakfast enthusiast, a holiday baker, or someone searching for an affordable source of protein, it’s safe to say that eggs are no longer the easy choice they once were.
If nothing else, this situation reminds us how interconnected our food systems are — and how even a single ingredient can be a barometer for broader economic and environmental challenges. So, as you crack open your next egg, remember: the cost may be high, but the forces behind it are even higher.
Tips for Consumers
While egg prices remain high, there are a few strategies you can use to stretch your budget and get creative in the kitchen:
- Shop Smart: Check big-box stores like Walmart or Costco for lower prices. Keep an eye on sales or coupons at your local grocery store, and consider buying eggs in bulk if they have a longer expiration date.
- Try Egg Substitutes: For baking, experiment with alternatives like applesauce, mashed bananas, flaxseed meal, or yogurt. These are often more affordable and can help reduce your reliance on eggs.
- Use Eggs Strategically: Stretch your egg supply by using fewer eggs in recipes that can handle it, or focus on dishes like frittatas or omelets that highlight eggs without requiring a large quantity.
- Explore Other Protein Sources: If you’re using eggs primarily for protein, consider incorporating more beans, lentils, tofu, or canned fish into your diet. These are often budget-friendly and versatile.
- Buy Local: Check farmers’ markets or local suppliers, which may offer competitive prices, especially in areas less affected by supply chain issues.
- Store Eggs Properly: Extend their shelf life by storing eggs in their original carton in the coldest part of the fridge (not the door), and avoid washing them until you’re ready to use them.
While prices are high now, these tips can help you navigate the challenging market and make the most of every egg you buy.
