Uncovering the True Cost of Eggs: What You Should Expect to Pay

Can you believe that a carton of eggs might cost more than a pound of salmon or a whole rotisserie chicken? Crazy, right? Prices have more than doubled lately. In some cities, a dozen eggs can go up to $15. Many restaurants and grocery stores are adding extra charges for breakfast items. Big-box stores have empty shelves, and shoppers are limited to buying only a few dozen at a time. Searches for “backyard chickens” have skyrocketed recently.

People are frustrated. Eggs are one of the most popular grocery items in the U.S., even more than milk or cereal. On average, Americans consume an egg every 1.3 days, which adds up to about 277 eggs a year. They make up about 4% of the protein intake in the country and are usually an affordable source of high-quality protein.

But the sudden spike in prices is tied to a severe bird flu outbreak that hit U.S. flocks hard in 2022. The Department of Agriculture is tracking multiple outbreaks in several states. Sadly, around 27 million laying hens have perished or been culled recently, which accounts for nearly 10% of the nation’s commercial egg-laying flock.

This sharp decline in supply has made it tough for businesses and consumers alike. President Trump’s promise to lower consumer prices included eggs, but reports show that there’s little hope for supply improvements anytime soon, and many people are feeling the pinch as they pay more for their favorite breakfast dishes.

It’s important to recognize that eggs have not always been this expensive. For years, they were a common and cheap food staple in America, thanks to significant investments in farming technology and infrastructure. Yet, the very advancements that made them affordable in the past are part of the reason prices are skyrocketing now.

Interestingly, today’s laying hens can trace their lineage back to dinosaurs. Humans started domesticating them thousands of years ago, and they arrived in North America with Columbus in 1493. Now, U.S. hens produce about 90 billion eggs annually. Eggs are fantastic sources of nutrition, packed with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. They also serve as a versatile ingredient in cooking and baking.

Eggs are surprisingly strong too. Their shells are made of calcium carbonate, which makes them tough. They can withstand a surprising amount of pressure—one egg can resist the weight of 10 lead bricks! But they are vulnerable to sharp strikes; a small chick can peck its way out, meaning eggs must balance strength with fragility.

Transporting eggs can be a tricky business. Fresh eggs can last weeks at room temperature, but washing them—a requirement by the government—reduces their safety quickly. Freezing whole eggs isn’t practical either, as the shells crack due to expanding water. While egg whites freeze well, the yolks require special treatment to remain usable after thawing.

For many years, families didn’t buy eggs, as chickens were common on farms and easy to raise. Egg production changed dramatically in the 20th century, with selective breeding leading to specialized chickens for meat and eggs. Farmers moved flocks indoors, reduced mortality rates, and created year-round egg-laying systems by using artificial lighting.

A variety of innovations supported this shift, from the invention of the egg carton to conveyor belts and grading machines that streamlined distribution. However, consumers continued to prefer local, fresh eggs for a long time. It wasn’t until agricultural techniques improved that commercial eggs gained popularity in American homes.

While mass production made eggs cheap, it did come at a cost, particularly for the chickens. Male chicks, for example, are often discarded since they don’t lay eggs. Female chicks face harsh treatments, including beak trimming without pain relief, and many live in overcrowded battery cages that restrict their movement and comfort. Even though some states have banned battery cages, a significant portion of hens still endure these conditions.

As the industry consolidated, today, just a handful of companies dominate, producing the vast majority of eggs. Unfortunately, this centralization can lead to practices that harm animals and affect supply chain resilience. Outbreaks of disease spread rapidly in large flocks, and government policies often lead to mass culling, rather than encouraging smaller, more humane operations that could limit such risks.

With prices on a sharp rise—tripling in just a year—many producers have managed to maintain profits amid the chaos. The market dynamics have drawn attention to allegations of price fixing and antitrust practices, complicating the landscape for consumers looking for fair prices.

The cost of eggs has been a topic in American politics for decades. From Kennedy and Nixon debating prices to Trump’s criticism of the Biden administration, eggs seem to be a consistent focal point. Recently, the Trump administration proposed various measures aimed at reducing egg prices, including increasing imports and changing policies around bird flu management.

While these measures may help eventually, the complexities of the egg production system mean it will take time before prices stabilize. Until they do, unfortunately, it’s the chickens who will really bear the burden. For people who love their omelets, perhaps it’s time to consider beans as a nutritious alternative!

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