In December 2024, the average cost of a dozen Grade A eggs surged to $4.15, marking a significant 65% increase from the previous year when the price was $2.51. This dramatic rise in prices comes as the United States faces a nationwide egg shortage, prompting retailers like Costco and Trader Joe's to implement purchase restrictions to manage dwindling supplies. The shortage stems from a widespread bird virus that has severely impacted poultry populations across the country.
The bird virus has taken a heavy toll on the U.S. poultry industry, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture reporting that around 7 million birds were affected in November, followed by approximately 18 million in December, and an additional 23 million in January. This crisis has led to a significant reduction in egg availability, pushing retailers to take action to ensure fair distribution to customers.
Costco has responded to the shortage by instituting a purchase limit of three cartons of eggs per person at select locations. However, the company has not issued a formal, company-wide mandate for this restriction. In some areas where no limits are enforced, customers can purchase eggs in bulk, sometimes emptying store shelves in mere minutes. Reports indicate that eggs sold out in approximately 10 minutes at one Costco location.
Trader Joe's, on the other hand, has adopted a more consistent approach by limiting egg purchases across all its stores nationwide.
“Due to ongoing issues with the supply of eggs, we are currently limiting egg purchases to one dozen per customer, per day, in all Trader Joe’s stores across the country,” said a spokesperson for Trader Joe's.
The ongoing crisis underscores the impact of the bird virus on egg supplies and highlights the need for alternative solutions. As consumers face limited access to eggs, vegan egg substitutes such as JUST Egg, as well as ingredients like applesauce, silken tofu, and aquafaba, offer viable alternatives. These substitutes can replace eggs on a 1:1 basis in various recipes, providing consumers with options amid the shortage.
As retailers navigate these challenges, the egg shortage has placed a renewed focus on supply chain vulnerabilities and the need for contingency strategies in times of crisis. The spike in egg prices has also prompted consumers to explore new dietary habits and experiment with alternative products.
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