Eggs have long been a staple of the American diet, an essential ingredient in breakfast plates, baked goods, and restaurant menus. However, rising prices and dwindling supplies have left consumers and business owners struggling to keep up. While the ongoing bird flu outbreak has been widely cited as the main cause of the egg crisis, many believe there’s more to the story. The uncertainty surrounding the real cause, the future availability of eggs, and the financial strain on the food industry has left Americans asking the critical question: Will there be enough eggs this year, and how much will they cost?
One of the most commonly reported causes of the crisis is the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu. Since early 2022, the virus has wreaked havoc on poultry populations across the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), more than 60 million birds have been culled in an effort to prevent further spread. The loss of millions of egg-laying hens has had an undeniable effect on supply, leading to skyrocketing prices and widespread uncertainty in the market. While bird flu outbreaks have occurred before, the severity of this one has created a disruption far worse than previous incidents.
Despite the bird flu’s significant impact, some industry experts and consumers are questioning whether it is the only factor contributing to the crisis. Economic and logistical challenges are also affecting the supply and cost of eggs. The rising cost of chicken feed, primarily composed of corn and soy, has placed a heavy burden on egg farmers. Global supply chain disruptions, inflation, and extreme weather conditions have all contributed to the increased price of these essential feed components, making egg production more expensive than ever. As a result, consumers are paying more at the grocery store, and restaurants are struggling to afford this crucial ingredient.
Beyond feed costs, concerns have emerged over whether major egg producers and distributors are taking advantage of the crisis to inflate prices. In 2023, lawmakers and consumer advocacy groups accused some of the largest egg companies of price gouging, citing record profits despite supply chain struggles. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and some state attorneys general have since launched investigations to determine whether companies artificially raised prices beyond what was justified by inflation and disease outbreaks.
The consolidation of egg production among fewer large corporations has also made the industry more vulnerable to disruptions. Many smaller egg farms have been forced to shut down due to rising costs and labor shortages, leaving the market dominated by a handful of major producers. This shift has reduced competition, giving large corporations greater control over pricing and supply. At the same time, new animal welfare regulations in states like California have required a transition to cage-free egg production. While these laws aim to improve conditions for hens, they have also led to supply chain adjustments and cost increases for both farmers and consumers.
With so many factors at play, the future availability of eggs remains uncertain. While the USDA has reported some recovery in egg-laying hen numbers, another bird flu outbreak could quickly reverse those gains. Experts predict that supply will remain tight, at least in the short term, and price fluctuations will continue. Restaurants, bakeries, and food manufacturers will likely face ongoing challenges in securing eggs at reasonable prices, making it difficult to maintain menu offerings and production costs.
While individuals and businesses cannot control large-scale economic and agricultural factors, there are ways to adapt to the current egg crisis. Some consumers have turned to egg alternatives for cooking and baking, using substitutes like flaxseed or chia seed mixtures, aquafaba from chickpeas, and tofu-based replacements. Many people are also choosing to buy eggs directly from local farms or farmers’ markets, where prices may be more stable compared to grocery store chains. Some families have even begun raising backyard chickens as a long-term solution, though this requires careful planning, proper care, and compliance with local regulations.
As concerns over price manipulation grow, consumer advocacy groups are pushing for greater transparency from large egg producers. By staying informed and holding corporations accountable, consumers can play a role in ensuring fair pricing in the industry. Watching USDA reports and following independent investigations into food pricing can provide insight into market trends and help people make informed purchasing decisions.
The ongoing egg crisis is a complex issue driven by multiple factors, including avian influenza, rising feed costs, corporate pricing strategies, farm closures, and regulatory changes. While supply levels are gradually recovering, uncertainty remains about the stability of the market and whether another disruption could send prices soaring again.
For now, consumers and businesses will need to adjust, seek alternatives, and stay informed as the situation evolves. Whether the crisis is solely the result of natural disease outbreaks or exacerbated by economic and corporate influences remains a topic of debate. What is clear, however, is that eggs have shifted from an affordable kitchen staple to a commodity affected by a tangled web of agricultural, economic, and regulatory forces.
