Here's Why Egg Prices Are on the Rise

Have you noticed higher price tags when picking up a carton of eggs at your local grocery store? Unfortunately, egg prices have continued to increase, and you may pay even more for a dozen eggs in the coming weeks. Find out why eggs are getting more expensive and discover what you can do to stay on budget while loading your grocery cart with food essentials.

The price of a dozen eggs continues to rise

Whether buying eggs to bake your favorite sweet treat or a protein-packed breakfast, you can expect to pay more for this grocery item. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average cost of a dozen Grade A large eggs was $2.51 in December. Meanwhile, the average cost of a dozen large Grade A eggs in November 2023 was $2.14. Egg prices likely won't stop rising in the coming weeks and months.

More bird flu outbreaks are causing egg-flation

So, why are eggs more costly? One big reason for these price increases is the continued spread of avian flu, or bird flu. The highly contagious disease can spread among ducks, geese, and other migrating birds. As birds migrate, the illness can reach turkey and chicken farms, impacting U.S. farmers.

Whenever the disease impacts a farm, the flock of chickens is killed to limit the spread of the contagious virus. This impacts the overall egg supply. When fewer eggs are available to sell and consumer demand remains high, shoppers can expect to pay more for a carton of eggs.

An early 2022 bird flu outbreak initially impacted the U.S. egg supply. Bird flu cases have declined at various points since then, resulting in reduced egg prices. However, since November 2023, farmers have been dealing with a resurgence in cases. Prices may remain high or continue to rise in the coming months if the nation's egg supply remains impacted.

Here are a few ways to save money on eggs

You're not alone if you're upset about paying more for a carton of eggs. But you should know there are ways to save money on food expenses. By making strategic choices, you can get the essentials you need without depleting all of the funds in your bank account.

Here are a few tips to help you save money when buying eggs.

• Use your wholesale club membership perks: If you're a Sam's Club or Costco member, buy your eggs at your local club. The prices will likely be more affordable than at other retailers. Be aware that you'll need to pay a yearly membership fee to become a warehouse club member.
• Compare prices across retailers: If you're not a warehouse club member but want to save money on eggs, pay attention to sales fliers. Compare prices across retailers in your area to find out where to shop for the lowest egg prices. Low-cost retailers like Aldi may have better prices.
• Buy eggs from local farms: There may be local farms nearby where you can purchase eggs. The prices may be cheaper than what you'd pay at the grocery store. Even if they're not much cheaper, you can support a local business and be in the know about their egg farming practices.

If you're paying for your groceries using a credit card, don't forget to use a rewards credit card so you earn rewards. You can review our list of the best cash back credit cards to learn more.

Looking for additional tips to keep more money in your wallet? Check out our free personal finance resources for other ways to save money on everyday costs.