If you've stepped into a grocery store recently, there's a good chance you've noticed something unusual in the egg aisle. The first thing you may have wondered is: "Where did all the eggs go?" And if there are eggs, why are they so expensive?

You’re not imagining things. The price of eggs has been on the rise, leaving many consumers wondering why. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average cost of one dozen grade A eggs jumped more than 20% between October and December of 2024, from $3.37 to $4.15. To add to the shock, prices from 2023 to 2024 soared by over 35%, with some cities seeing prices close to $12 a dozen.
What’s Driving the Shortage?
So, why the egg shortage? Experts point to a few factors, but the most prominent is the ongoing avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak. Emily Metz, the president of the American Egg Board, explains, “It’s devastating to egg farmers. In the U.S., we’ve lost more than 40 million laying hens in the past year to bird flu.”
But it’s not just about supply—demand has been soaring, too. Metz notes that egg sales have been rising for 22 consecutive months, and this surge is especially noticeable during the holiday season when eggs are essential for baking and entertaining.
With fewer eggs available and higher demand, the result is a sharp increase in wholesale prices, which translates directly to what consumers are seeing at the store.

When Will Prices Drop?
Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like prices will be coming down anytime soon. Metz stresses that egg farmers are doing everything they can to keep costs manageable, but the ongoing risks of bird flu remain a major threat to supply.
“We need an extended period without any detections on U.S. egg farms before we can stabilize supply,” Metz says, adding that everyone—industry, government, and academia—needs to work together to address this issue.
Should We Be Concerned About Bird Flu?
While the outbreak has caused major disruptions in the egg supply, humans don’t need to worry about contracting bird flu. “The CDC says the current risk to the public remains low,” says Metz, adding that there’s no evidence bird flu can be transmitted to humans through properly cooked eggs.
As for the quality of eggs, Metz assures us that eggs remain a nutritious and versatile protein source, and despite the price hikes, they’re still a good value in the protein department.
In the meantime, while egg prices may be high, experts continue to work hard on stabilizing the supply, and consumers can rest easy knowing that eggs are still safe to eat.
So, next time you're in the store, just remember: You're not alone in noticing the price hike—and there’s more to it than just inflation. It’s a complex issue that involves everything from bird flu to increased demand. Hopefully, with some patience, the supply will catch up, and egg prices will return to a more reasonable level.
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