The once-simple act of buying eggs has become a chaotic and costly experience across the country, as a bird flu outbreak has triggered shortages and skyrocketing prices at major retailers. In a scene reminiscent of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, customers are now flocking to supermarkets like Trader Joe’s and Costco, hoarding eggs in bulk, and emptying shelves within minutes of restocking.
Videos circulating on social media show frantic shoppers grabbing as many cartons as they can, sometimes leaving entire egg aisles barren. One video from Trader Joe’s shows a completely empty egg shelf, save for a few half-dozen cartons, with the caption, “Eggs are the new bitcoin.” The shortage is not only an inconvenience for consumers but also a sign of the significant strain placed on the food supply chain by the bird flu outbreak, which has decimated flocks and left egg prices soaring.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price of a dozen Grade A large eggs jumped from $2.51 in December 2023 to $4.15 by December 2024. In some areas, the price of eggs has hit up to $12 per dozen, leaving families scrambling to afford this essential item. The high cost is compounded by the frantic hoarding behavior, which has only exacerbated the situation.
Videos of egg aisles from coast to coast show customers frantically filling their shopping carts with eggs. At Costco, customers were filmed using giant shopping carts to load up on bulk egg cartons, often leaving little to no supply for others. Some even posted videos showing the shelves emptied in less than 10 minutes. As one Costco shopper observed, “This is why your Costco doesn’t have any more eggs.”
In response to the panic buying, several grocery stores have implemented purchase limits to ensure a fair distribution of eggs among their customers. Trader Joe’s has placed a nationwide limit of one dozen eggs per customer per day. A spokesperson for the company explained, “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.”
Costco, facing similar issues, has limited customers to three cartons per visit at some locations. Shoppers have shared their frustration on platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and X, expressing anger at the hoarding, but some users have pointed out that bakeries and restaurants often shop at Costco for their supplies, which may be contributing to the shortages.
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The egg shortage is not only affecting home kitchens but also businesses that rely on eggs for their products. Waffle House, a popular diner chain, has already implemented a 50-cent surcharge per egg, a move that is likely to ripple across the restaurant industry as prices continue to climb.
As the bird flu continues to wreak havoc on egg production, and prices remain unpredictable, one thing is clear: eggs are quickly becoming one of the most sought-after items in the grocery store. With the ongoing shortage and the surge in demand, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for families and businesses alike to secure this basic staple. As the saying goes, “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone”—and right now, it seems that eggs are a luxury few can afford without a fight.
