Why are eggs so expensive?
Egg prices in the United States are exploding because of the bird flu. In February 2022, the USDA reported a bird flu outbreak in a poultry facility. Since then, the disease has spread across poultry farms and facilities throughout the country (and even infected some humans). The bird flu has significantly reduced the number of egg-laying flocks in the US. Fewer flocks mean fewer eggs, and farmers and grocery stores must charge more money year after year to make a profit. From December 2023 to December 2024, the price of eggs in the store rose by a whopping 36.8%. The Economic Research Service division of the USDA is predicting that egg prices will increase by 20.3% in 2025.
How much does a dozen eggs cost?
A dozen grade A large eggs costs an average of $4.15 in December 2024. While that may sound high, it's actually lower than the average price in January 2023, which was $4.82. But to truly understand how expensive eggs are now, consider that in December 2021 – before the bird flu outbreak – the cost of eggs was much cheaper at $1.79 a dozen.
When will egg prices go back down?
Egg prices may go back down when the US rebuilds its poultry flocks. However, it's difficult for them to predict when that might happen because bird flu outbreaks are impossible to forecast. There are also other price-driving factors to consider such as the country's rising inflation rate, which caused all food prices to rise dramatically since 2020.
Where to Buy Eggs During a Shortage
Go to the grocery store the morning after they restock their eggs. Sometimes getting eggs in a shortage is simply a matter of timing. Large grocery store chains (like Kroger's and Whole Foods Market) in major cities (like New York City or Los Angeles) tend to restock items every day, whereas small chains and independently owned stores typically restock every Tuesday and Friday. You can also ask the manager of the grocery stores nearest to you when they get new shipments of eggs. All grocery stores tend to restock items the night they receive them, so arrive at the store close to opening time the next morning to get the best chance of snagging your eggs!
Connect with local egg farmers and farmer's markets to get fresh eggs. If you live in a city or a region with surrounding farmland, there may be some egg farmers near you who are happy to sell their eggs! The best way to connect with them is at your local farmer's market (if you have one) or through Facebook groups. You may also be able to find their ads in the newspaper. Check if any local egg farmers have a website where you can order eggs for pickup or delivery (delivery is usually only available if you live in the same area they do, however). Keep in mind that you may have to pay more for fresh eggs than you do at the store. Local egg farmers don't have nearly the amount of stock that industrial egg suppliers do, but the production cost is still high. If you can't afford to pay for fresh farm eggs, ask the farmer if they'd be willing to barter other goods for it. Offer to make homemade baked goods, beef tallow, candles, or other DIY items and exchange them for a dozen eggs once a week.
Buy chickens to lay eggs for your household. If you live in a rural area or a city that allows you to keep chickens, you may want to do what Americans in the Great Depression did: raise chickens for eggs! With your own hens, you may be able to build your personal egg supply and sell the surplus to friends, family members, and neighbors. The best part is, if you're successful, you'll no longer have to rely on your local grocery store to keep their eggs in stock! Be aware that there's a lot of work and money that goes into raising chickens. Not only do you have to build them a coop, but you also have to buy them special chicken feed, make sure they stay hydrated, and check them for signs of the bird flu. Do a lot of research beforehand to make sure chickens are a profitable venture for you and your family.
Other Reasons Egg Prices Change
Inflation In 2021, inflation in the United States rose dramatically and has been going up and down ever since. Experts believe several different things contributed to the increase, including a growing number of Americans becoming unemployed; issues in the supply chain stemming from the COVID-19 global pandemic; and skyrocketing energy prices. As a result of inflation, grocery stores charge customers higher prices to cover the increasing production and supply costs.
Panic buying During extreme events like weather emergencies, natural disasters, and pandemics, people tend to stock up on or "panic buy" groceries that are normally easy to get. This means they purchase several of the same goods (like eggs) for fear they'll run out of them before they can make it back to the store. In response, a grocery store might raise egg prices just to keep more eggs in stock longer.
Supply chain issues When the COVID-19 pandemic spread through the US, suppliers found it much harder to transport and sell their goods, which was just one of many reasons egg prices went up beginning in 2020. Any future pandemics, whether they're global or isolated in one area of the US, could cause similar problems. Supply chain issues can also happen because of labor strikes or shortages, cyberattacks on the supplier, and many other reasons.
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