In recent years, the price of eggs has risen dramatically in the United States of America, placing a significant strain on consumers, businesses, and the economy alike.

What once was a basic, affordable staple food in many households has become a source of financial concern, especially for families in the lower-income brackets.

Several factors and their impacts have driven the surge in egg prices, and they are far-reaching.

The Cause of Rising Egg Prices

One of the primary factors that contributed to the skyrocketing egg prices is the recent outbreaks of avian influenza, also known as the bird flu. The United States is experiencing the largest outbreak in its history, with H5N1, another defining term of the bird flu, the strain causing the culling of millions of egg-laying hens.

By 2022, over 130 million hens were affected which reduced egg production by a significant margin. Due to this, with the fewer number of hens available to lay eggs, the supply of eggs has dwindled, causing prices to surge.

This shortage has continued to impact the market into 2025, making eggs less affordable for consumers.

“It’s unfortunate how the prices are rising and that shops are limiting the amount of eggs that we can purchase,” comments Rachel Cong, a senior at EHRS.

In addition to the loss of hens due to bird flu, the cost of producing eggs has risen sharply. Factors such as higher feed prices, increased labor costs, and inflation have all contributed to the rise in egg prices.

The price of corn and soy, which are essential ingredients in poultry feed, has seen significant increases which adds financial pressure to egg producers.

These costs are then passed down to consumers, which causes eggs to become an increasingly expensive purchase for households and businesses alike.

Although supply shortages play a significant factor in the rise of egg prices, some experts have pointed out that the market behaviors might be exacerbating the price to rapidly increase.

Allegations of profiteering and price gouging have surfaced, with certain industry players accused of exploiting the situation to maximize profits.

Investigations are ongoing to determine whether price hikes are being driven by genuine supply shortages or by companies who hope to take advantage of the crisis for financial gain.

The Effects on Consumers

The most immediate effect of rising egg prices is the financial burden placed on consumers.

Eggs, once considered a low-cost protein source, have now become a more expensive grocery item. This has impacted low-income and middle-income households the hardest as they typically spend a larger percentage of their income on food.

With inflation affecting a wide range of goods, the added cost of eggs has made it harder for families to maintain their food budgets, leading some individuals to cut back on their egg consumption or seek out less expensive alternatives.

Most consumers have been adjusting their purchasing habits in response to the rising egg prices.

Hannah Rosas, a senior at ERHS, mentions how “I usually have to buy my eggs from an egg farm but the prices have been so high everywhere that even their prices are like $10 for a dozen minimum.”

Many have started to reduce their consumption of eggs while others have turned to substitutes like plant-based alternatives or other protein sources.

Some individuals have even resorted to purchasing eggs through informal or black markets, where eggs might be available at lower prices.

This shift in consumer behavior could have long-term implications for how the public views and consumes eggs as well as the egg industry’s market dynamics.

The Effects on Businesses

There are several types of businesses that rely heavily on eggs, such as restaurants and bakeries, which have also been affected by the soaring prices of eggs.

Many have had to increase menu prices, reduce portions, or limit egg-based offerings to cope with the increased cost of ingredients.

For example, several restaurant chains have added surcharges to egg-heavy dishes, leading to a decline in customer visits. In some cases, businesses have had to explore other ways to substitute eggs in recipes without compromising the quality of their products.

The egg supply chain has experienced a significant disruption due to the bird flu outbreak and other factors. With fewer eggs available on the market, grocery store shelves have often been bare, and prices have remained volatile.

Small and medium-sized producers in particular are now struggling to meet demand, which leads to inconsistencies in availability.

These disruptions have led to challenges for both consumers and businesses highlighting the fragility of food supply chains in times of crisis.

What are the Broader Implications on Society?

The rising costs of eggs is a reflection of broader economic challenges that society is facing such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, and the health of the agricultural sector.

As egg prices climb, they have become a symbol of the economic fragility that many Americans are experiencing.

This situation has also sparked multiple political discussions about food inflation and market regulation, with some individuals calling for greater oversight of the food industry to prevent price gouging and ensure a more stable food supply.

This avian flu outbreak not only impacts egg prices but also poses a serious risk to public health and food security.

The culling of millions of hens has led to shortages in other poultry products, contributing to food insecurity for more vulnerable populations. This situation highlights the need for a stronger agricultural biosecurity measure to prevent the spread of the disease and ensure the continuity of food production.

Recent Developments and the Potential Future

As of early 2025, wholesale egg prices have slowly begun to decrease, offering some hope that the prices may stabilize soon. However, retail prices for eggs have remained high and the market continues to be affected by seasonal fluctuations in demand, particularly on holidays like Easter.

In the long term, the egg industry will likely need to adapt to the new realities of biosecurity, production costs, and consumer behavior to regain their stability.

In Conclusion

The rising costs of eggs have become a significant issue for consumers, businesses, and the broader economy.

While the primary causes lie in the avian flu outbreaks and increased production costs, the market dynamics, and potential profiteering have also played a role in exacerbating the problem.

The impact of these soaring prices has been felt across society, from financial strain on households to operational challenges for restaurants and bakeries.

As we look to the future, addressing these underlying issues with egg production and market regulation will be key to ensuring that eggs remain at an affordable price and an accessible food source for all to enjoy.