WTF Is Wrong with the Price of Eggs?
What's going on?
Egg prices in the United States have experienced a significant surge recently, prompting consumers to question the underlying causes. This article addresses five key questions to shed light on the situation.
What Were Egg Prices Before, and Where Are They Now?
Historically, egg prices have fluctuated due to various factors. In 2022, wholesale egg prices reached a record high of $5.37 per dozen in December, following significant reductions in egg-laying flocks due to avian influenza. As of February 2025, prices have escalated further, with the New York market reporting $8.47 per dozen for large cartoned shell eggs delivered to retailers. In California, the benchmark price has risen to $9.22 per dozen.
What Happened?
The primary driver behind the soaring egg prices is the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1), commonly known as bird flu. Since January 2022, HPAI A(H5) viruses have been detected in U.S. wild aquatic birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks. The widespread nature of the outbreak has led to significant reductions in the egg-laying flock, as infected birds are culled to prevent further spread of the virus. This decrease in supply, coupled with sustained consumer demand, has resulted in sharp price increases.
What Is Being Done?
In response to the crisis, several measures are being implemented:
Importation of Eggs: To mitigate the domestic shortage, the U.S. has begun importing eggs from international sources. For instance, Turkey has agreed to export approximately 15,000 metric tons of eggs to the U.S. through July 2025.
Vaccination Efforts: There is an ongoing debate within the poultry industry regarding the adoption of vaccination programs for flocks. While some egg producers advocate for vaccination to curb the virus’s spread, others express concerns about costs and potential trade implications. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has conditionally licensed a vaccine but has not yet authorized its use on farms.
Regulatory Adjustments: Certain states are temporarily modifying regulations to address the shortage. For example, Nevada has suspended its cage-free egg standards and allowed the sale of Grade B eggs to increase supply, though the effectiveness of this measure remains uncertain.
Are There Alternatives?
Consumers seeking alternatives to traditional chicken eggs might consider the following options:
Plant-Based Substitutes: Products made from ingredients like mung beans or chickpeas can mimic the texture and taste of eggs and are suitable for various culinary applications.
Other Poultry Eggs: Eggs from ducks, quails, or other poultry may serve as substitutes, though availability and culinary uses may vary.
Egg Replacements in Baking: Ingredients such as applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers can be used in baking to achieve similar results without eggs.
Public Opinion
A recent survey indicates that 68% of consumers are frustrated with the rising egg prices, with many actively seeking alternative protein sources. Additionally, 45% express concerns about the effectiveness of current measures to control the outbreak and stabilize prices.
In conclusion, the surge in egg prices is primarily attributed to the HPAI A(H5N1) outbreak, which has severely impacted poultry populations. Efforts are underway to address the shortage and stabilize the market, but consumers may need to explore alternatives and stay informed as the situation evolves.
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