Egg prices spiked by 28.1% in August from 12 months ago, the biggest increase out of any food item tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This comes even as overall grocery prices are barely budging and inflation cools across the US economy. The main reason for rising egg prices is bird flu outbreaks.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has impacted poultry across 48 US states since January 2022, according to the CDC. “When one chicken gets bird flu, they’ve got to cull the entire flock. That’s the problem,” said Phil Lempert, a grocery industry analyst.
This has led to a drop in egg production and egg-laying birds. The USDA found that total egg production in July fell 2.6% year-over-year and the number of egg-laying birds dropped for the second month in a row. The USDA said bird flu “contributed to elevated egg prices” this summer by “reducing the US egg-layer flock.”
Egg prices hit a record high of $4.82 per dozen in late 2022 and early 2023.
While prices have come down since then, the current average of $3.20 per dozen remains nearly twice as high as before the pandemic. In some states, prices have more than doubled since October 2019. Brian Moscogiuri, vice president at Eggs Unlimited, noted that wholesale prices have begun to fall sharply, which should eventually reach consumers.
However, he cautioned that prices could rise again if bird flu infections continue into the fall and holiday season. Another factor may be industry consolidation. The five biggest egg companies now control 36-40% of all egg-laying hens in the US.
Some accuse them of taking advantage of supply shocks to keep prices high. However, the egg industry pushes back on these claims, citing the thousands of egg farms and brands that exist. The egg price spikes are hitting lower-income families the hardest, as eggs are often used as an affordable protein source.
Flu impacts egg supply and prices
“Going from $2 per dozen eggs to $4 or $5 is a big jump on a tight budget,” Lempert said. “When prices are high, I worry this population may not be getting enough protein.”
Despite the higher costs, nutrition experts say eggs remain a valuable source of high-quality, versatile protein.
A dozen eggs provides 3-4 servings of protein per person. To get the most out of eggs, proper storage is key. Eggs last 3-5 weeks in the fridge at a consistent 40°F temperature.
Storing them in the original carton at the back of the fridge, away from temperature changes, helps them stay fresh longer. Eggs can also be frozen to extend their shelf life up to a year. Remove the shell, scramble them, and freeze in labeled containers.
Egg whites can be frozen separately. Defrost in the fridge overnight before using. Other preservation methods include pickling, dehydrating into a powder, curing in salt and sugar, and storing hard-boiled eggs in oil to prevent oxidation.
Using the whole egg, including the vitamin and mineral-rich yolk, provides the most nutritional benefits. For those concerned about cholesterol, experts say an egg a day or a couple every other day is generally fine for healthy individuals. Eggs can actually increase good HDL cholesterol.
However, those with a family history of high cholesterol may want to limit consumption. In summary, while egg prices have increased significantly, they remain a nutritious, protein-rich staple. Employing smart storage and usage strategies can help make the most of egg purchases during this time of higher costs.
The egg industry and government continue to monitor the impacts of bird flu and other factors on prices going forward.
- CNN.”Here we go again: Egg prices are spiking. Here’s why”.
- WDSU.”Here we go again: Egg prices are spiking. Here’s why”.
- Yahoo.”Egg prices are up. Here’s why you should still eat them — and how to make them last longer.”.