Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Eggs Are So Expensive Right Now

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Why are eggs so expensive right now?

The Cost of Eggs Has More Than Doubled Since Summer 2023

The average price per dozen nationwide hit $4.15 in December. Shoppers in some parts of the country are already paying more than double the average price, or worse, finding empty shelves in their local grocery stores. Organic and cage-free varieties are even more expensive.

Costs Could Rise Dramatically in the Coming Months

The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts an increase of 20.3% in 2025.

Why Have Egg Prices Risen So Much?

The Main Reason: Bird Flu Outbreak

The main reason is the bird flu outbreak that started in 2022. Anytime the virus is found on a poultry farm, the entire flock is slaughtered to help limit the virus’ spread. And with massive egg farms routinely housing more than 1 million chickens, just a few infections can cause a supply crunch.

The Problem Tends to Linger

The problem tends to linger because it takes months to dispose of all the carcasses, disinfect barns, and bring in new birds.

Massive Slaughter of Chickens and Turkeys

More than 145 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been slaughtered since the current outbreak began, with the vast majority of them being egg-laying chickens.

Cage-Free Egg Laws May Also Be Responsible

Cage-free egg laws in 10 states may also be responsible for some supply disruptions and price increases. The laws set minimum space for chickens or cage-free requirements for egg-laying hens. They’ve already gone into effect in California, Massachusetts, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Michigan. At a Target in Chicago on Monday, a dozen large conventional eggs cost $4.49 but a dozen large cage-free eggs were selling for $6.19.

Some Grocery Stores Have Even Limited Egg Sales

Some grocery stores have even limited how many eggs shoppers can buy.

What’s the Impact on Consumers?

“It’s just robbery,” said Minneapolis resident Sage Mills, who bought eggs to bake a birthday cake last week. “Eggs used to be kind of a staple food for us, but now you know, you might as well just go out to eat.”

Conclusion

The cost of eggs has more than doubled since summer 2023, and prices might not decline for a while, with an uptick in demand ahead of Easter. The main reason for the price increase is the bird flu outbreak, which has led to massive slaughter of chickens and turkeys. Cage-free egg laws in 10 states may also be responsible for some supply disruptions and price increases. As a result, some grocery stores have even limited how many eggs shoppers can buy.

FAQs

Q: Why have egg prices risen so much?

A: The main reason is the bird flu outbreak that started in 2022.

Q: How many chickens and turkeys have been slaughtered since the current outbreak began?

A: More than 145 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been slaughtered since the current outbreak began.

Q: Are cage-free egg laws responsible for some supply disruptions and price increases?

A: Yes, cage-free egg laws in 10 states may also be responsible for some supply disruptions and price increases.

Q: Why have some grocery stores limited how many eggs shoppers can buy?

A: Some grocery stores have limited how many eggs shoppers can buy due to supply disruptions and high demand.

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