Just as shoppers began to feel a bit of relief with inflation easing and supermarket prices inching down, a new hurdle has everyone scrambling — empty egg shelves and soaring prices, right in time for holiday baking.
Here is everything you need to know.
What Eggs-actly Is Going On?
Shoppers across the country are taking to social media to vent their frustration over seeing “No Eggs” signs where cartons should be at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and other stores.
Many are asking if this is the start of a new nationwide egg shortage. Sort of. Supermarkets across the country are struggling to keep eggs on the shelves due to a surge in cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) — or bird flu if you will.
Bird Flu Strikes Again
Since early 2022, the avian influenza virus has affected over 108 million egg-laying birds across 49 states.
After a short break from bird flu outbreaks among commercial egg producers, HPAI returned in mid-October, wiping out 2.8 million birds. Consequently, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported in a recent release that egg production dropped 2.6% in October from a year ago and is expected to decline more by 1%.
Prices Spike Just in Time for Baking Season
Egg prices have increased more than any other consumer staple over the past year, hitting an average of $3.37 per dozen in October, a 30% jump from last year. While not as steep as the $4.82 peak seen during the bird flu crisis in early 2023, prices remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Will the Egg Market Stabilize?
According to the USDA, egg shortages are expected to linger through the holidays, with production unlikely to bounce back until mid-2025. In the meantime, stocking up and rationing might be your best bet — eggs last quite a while in the fridge, so you have some flexibility.
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