Why Eggs Are So Expensive—and Scarce—Right Now
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Amid rises in inflation over the past year, you may have noticed prices spiking on some of your go-to groceries—and some staples have become harder to find in stores. Although some products have seen their prices and availability decrease, rising costs and a depleted supply of eggs mean that they are still available. According to research by, eggs have seen their prices rise more than any other grocery item over the past year. Urner Barry. Large eggs cost an average of $1.30 per dozen in mid-January 2022; prices rose to $5.46 by December. This isn’t an isolated phenomenon. There are several reasons eggs cost more and are less readily available.
The main reason for an increase in egg prices is the avian flu, which is a bird disease spread via saliva, nasal secretions, or feces. Bird flu became widespread in 2022. It affected over 100 species of birds including chickens. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. According to reports, less eggs are being produced which makes it harder for eggs to be found on supermarket shelves.
According to the, more than 57 million birds have died from this disease to date. United States Department of Agriculture. The American Egg Board Although there is an egg shortage, it isn’t as widespread as once thought. Wall Street Journal reports.
According to the American Egg Board, egg availability varies based on where you live. Eggs can be difficult to find in California or Colorado because these states have the highest bird flu incidences in 2022. Even if you can The prices for eggs are significantly higher than the norm. California’s egg prices reached $7 in 2017 due to high demand and low supply.
Food inflation has been largely driven by labor costs, logistics, and ingredients. Egg prices have risen despite the fact that egg producers are paying more for their feeds and transport costs. This is despite the fact that bird flu is beginning to recede. Poultry processors have improved biosecurity and cleaning in order to stop the spread of the disease. Wall Street Journal reports).
One glimmer of hope is that egg prices may drop now that the holiday season has ended. This would mean lower consumption. (Think about how many eggs were used to make Christmas cookies!) The following is the USDA, this will allow egg farmers to boost their stock and take further precautions to contain and resolve the spread of the bird flu before the spring—which Should This will help to drive down prices.