Grocery stores across the United States are limiting egg purchases as bird flu ravages poultry farms, causing prices to soar and supplies to dwindle.
At a Glance
- Major retailers like Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Walmart are imposing egg purchase limits
- Avian flu has led to the culling of millions of egg-laying hens, drastically reducing supply
- Egg prices have increased by 37% year-over-year, with further increases predicted
- Over 136 million birds have been affected by avian influenza since 2022
- Restaurants are also feeling the impact, with some adding surcharges for egg-based dishes
Retail Giants Impose Egg Purchase Limits
As the highly contagious H5N1 bird flu continues to decimate poultry flocks across the nation, major grocery chains have been forced to take drastic measures. Trader Joe’s has implemented a nationwide “one carton per customer” policy, while Costco is limiting customers to three packages of eggs per day. Walmart, the country’s largest retailer, has capped purchases of bulk 60-egg cartons to two per customer.
Kroger, another major player in the grocery industry, has imposed two-carton limits in select regional divisions. These restrictions come as retailers struggle to maintain adequate egg supplies in the face of widespread shortages and skyrocketing prices.
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Bird Flu Devastates U.S. Poultry Farms
The root cause of this egg crisis is the devastating impact of avian influenza on American poultry farms. Since fall 2024, millions of egg-laying hens have been culled in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus. States such as Maryland, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Washington, and Arizona have been particularly hard hit by these outbreaks.
The scale of this crisis is staggering, with over 136 million birds affected by avian influenza since 2022. This massive reduction in the egg-laying hen population has led to a sharp decline in egg production, creating a perfect storm of shortages and price hikes that is now being felt by consumers across the country.
Egg Prices Reach Record Highs
The impact of these shortages on egg prices has been severe. In December 2024, the average price of a dozen eggs had already increased by 37% compared to the previous year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts a further 20% price increase by the end of 2025, painting a grim picture for budget-conscious consumers.
“We hope these limits will help to ensure that as many of our customers who need eggs are able to purchase them when they visit Trader Joe’s,” a company spokesperson said.
Wholesale prices have reached an unprecedented $8 per dozen, shattering the previous record of $5.46 set in December 2022. This price surge has led to viral videos of shoppers stockpiling eggs, further exacerbating the shortage as stores struggle to keep their shelves stocked.
Restaurants Feel the Pinch
The egg shortage is not limited to grocery stores. Restaurants across the country are grappling with the rising costs and limited availability of this staple ingredient. Waffle House, a popular breakfast chain, has been forced to add a 50 cent surcharge per egg due to the shortage. Smaller eateries are facing even greater challenges, with some reporting significant increases in their egg costs.
“Consumers and restaurants are being forced to make difficult decisions,” Waffle House stated, highlighting the widespread impact of this crisis on both businesses and individuals.
