Egg prices in Chicago are reaching new heights, leaving many residents scrambling to find affordable options.

With soaring costs and empty shelves, the hunt for eggs has become a challenging endeavor for shoppers like Emily Easterling, who recently visited a Trader Joe’s in Lake View. Finding nothing but barren shelves and a sign declaring, "Sorry, we’re out of eggs! Please check back tomorrow," she was left considering frozen egg sandwiches as her only alternative.

What’s Fueling the Price Surge?

Industry experts attribute these steep prices primarily to a significant outbreak of bird flu, which has devastated poultry populations. According to a January 5 report from the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, the relentless spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza has wiped out millions of laying hens, contributing to record prices in retail markets nationwide.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that egg prices have increased by a staggering 39.6% compared to last year, turning the average price from $2.14 in November 2023 to $3.65 in November 2024.

Moreover, price fluctuations can be seen depending on the type of eggs purchased. Organic and pasture-raised eggs generally come at a premium, while demand for eggs typically surges around the holidays, adding yet another layer of pressure on an already tight supply chain.

Is There an Egg Shortage?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that over 133 million poultry birds have been affected by bird flu, which includes more than 40 million egg-laying hens. Experts underscore the need for healthy birds to produce eggs again, stating it takes approximately 18 to 20 weeks from egg to egg-laying hen.

Without enough birds in the cycle, many consumers will continue to see empty shelves.

Visits to stores like Whole Foods and Target also showed minimal stock on hand, with some retailers like Aldi limiting customers to just two dozen eggs. This scarcity is forcing Chicagoans to consider other options, such as buying in bulk, as Kathy Gunn discovered while purchasing 60 eggs for $26.99 at Mariano’s.

Will Other Food Prices Rise?

As egg prices climb, other food items containing eggs—such as mayonnaise and baked goods—are also likely to see an increase in prices. In fact, experts hint that dining out has already become more expensive as restaurants pass on higher ingredient costs to consumers.

Shockingly, eggs have seen price hikes much steeper than most other grocery items, with chicken prices barely budging at a mere 0.5% increase over the same period.

What Lies Ahead for Egg Prices?

The future remains uncertain; whether prices will stabilize or fall depends largely on how quickly farms can replenish their flock of laying hens.

The ongoing bird flu situation is being closely monitored, with hopes that cases will decline in the coming spring, allowing a resurgence in egg production.

Tips for Savvy Shoppers

For consumers seeking to offset these outrageous prices, buying in bulk can often reduce costs, though it may not suit those living alone or with smaller families, as eggs typically last about two weeks outside refrigeration.

Understanding the difference in egg grades can also help consumers make better choices.

It's crucial to note that while free-range eggs are often marketed as healthier options, the definition of "free-range" can be misleading. True free-range eggs come from hens with access to pasture, while others might just have a small outdoor area, raising questions about their nutritional value and ethical production.

With egg prices soaring, savvy consumers are left to navigate a challenging market. Will more accessible options emerge, or are Chicagoans stuck with high prices for the foreseeable future? Only time will tell!