Egg prices are likely to shoot up even more in 2025. Here’s what to know.

Eggs on the Rise: Why Your Breakfast Might Cost More

At grocery stores across the U.S., egg prices are cracking records, and some shoppers are even facing purchase limits. A deadly strain of avian flu, H5N1, is wiping out millions of hens, leading to shortages and soaring costs. In Massachusetts, families are restricted to just two cartons per trip, while Las Vegas shoppers are staring at empty shelves. A dozen eggs that used to cost around $2 now easily surpasses $4, and experts predict prices will keep climbing in 2025.

Restaurants that rely on eggs, like the Montague Diner in Brooklyn, are feeling the pinch. With eggs making up nearly half their menu, finding ways to avoid passing the cost onto customers is a juggling act. But when eggs are in everything from pancakes to French toast, there’s only so much cutting back they can do. Instead, diners and other businesses are adjusting costs elsewhere to keep breakfast favorites affordable.

So why are eggs hitting sky-high prices? The bird flu outbreaks are the biggest culprit. More than 13 million hens were lost in December alone, and nearly 139 million birds have been affected nationwide since 2022. When an outbreak hits a farm, every single chicken must be culled to prevent further spread, leading to major supply chain disruptions. And replacing those hens isn’t a quick fix—it takes around 20 weeks for new birds to start laying eggs, with the entire recovery process stretching up to a year.

But avian flu isn’t the only reason for expensive eggs. A nationwide truck driver shortage is making transportation pricier, adding another layer of cost. In states like Colorado, new cage-free egg laws are also driving prices up. Meanwhile, some stores strategically lower egg prices to lure in shoppers, selling them at a loss in hopes you’ll fill your cart with other, more profitable groceries.

As shoppers hunt for deals and businesses scramble to adjust, the big question remains: how long will this egg crisis last? The USDA says prices could climb another 20% in 2025, leaving consumers wondering just how much they’re willing to shell out for their morning omelet………[read more]

Rising Dough

When businesses face rising costs—whether from supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, or regulations—how do they decide whether to absorb the costs, pass them on to consumers, or find creative ways to cut expenses elsewhere? How might these decisions impact consumer behavior, shareholder confidence, or investor interest?