Once a reliable and affordable grocery staple, eggs have become a scarce and shockingly expensive commodity for many Americans. Shoppers across the country are wondering: where are all the eggs, and why are prices climbing so steeply? The answer lies in a combination of supply chain disruptions, disease outbreaks, and market forces that have created a perfect storm in the egg industry.
One of the primary drivers of the current egg shortage is a devastating outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu). Over the past two years, this highly contagious virus has swept through poultry farms, killing millions of egg-laying hens or forcing farmers to cull their flocks to prevent further spread. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the 2022-2023 bird flu epidemic was the worst on record, wiping out over 58 million birds.
While farms have been working to repopulate their flocks, the process is slow and costly. Hens take about five months to reach egg-laying maturity, and farmers must also implement rigorous biosecurity measures to prevent another outbreak. This lag in production has left store shelves empty and wholesale egg prices inflated.
Even farms unaffected by avian influenza are grappling with rising operational expenses. Feed prices have skyrocketed due to global grain shortages, driven by geopolitical tensions, droughts, and reduced crop yields. Additionally, high fuel costs continue to affect transportation, making it more expensive to ship eggs from farms to retailers. These increased costs are inevitably passed on to consumers.
Demand for eggs remains steady, as they are a versatile and essential ingredient in many households. Eggs are also a go-to protein source for budget-conscious families during times of economic uncertainty. However, with fewer eggs in circulation and production costs surging, the gap between supply and demand has led to record-high prices.
In December 2023, the average retail price for a dozen eggs reached $5.50 in some areas, more than double the pre-pandemic average. Organic and specialty eggs have climbed even higher, sometimes exceeding $10 per dozen.
The holiday season compounds the issue, as consumers purchase eggs in bulk for baking and festive meals. Retailers often struggle to keep up with demand, leading to temporary shortages in many stores. Some shoppers report seeing limits on egg purchases, reminiscent of pandemic-era restrictions on staples like toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Experts predict that egg prices may stabilize by mid-2025 as poultry farms recover from avian flu losses and increase production. However, this timeline is contingent on avoiding another outbreak and seeing relief in feed and fuel costs.
While waiting for prices to normalize, consumers can explore alternatives like plant-based egg substitutes or powdered eggs for cooking and baking. Supporting local farmers or joining community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs may also offer a more reliable and cost-effective way to source eggs.
For now, the humble egg remains an unlikely symbol of the complex challenges facing the global food system. As shoppers grapple with higher prices and empty shelves, the situation underscores the fragile balance between supply chains, agriculture, and consumer needs.
