Why Are Eggs So Expensive? What The New CPI Inflation Report Says

Eggs have long been a budget-friendly staple, a breakfast essential, and a cultural constant. But thanks to inflation, supply chain issues, and shifting consumer habits, 2025 might be the year that changes.

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report confirms what grocery shoppers already feel: eggs are more expensive than ever, with prices up 53% year-over-year. But what’s more interesting than the price spike itself is the cultural shift it’s creating.

Faced with sticker shock at the egg case, shoppers aren’t just grumbling and paying more—they’re making lifestyle changes. Some are trading down to store brands or buying in bulk. Others are skipping eggs entirely, replacing them with oatmeal, dairy, or even plant-based egg substitutes. And some are going the opposite route, trading up to premium brands, treating eggs less like a kitchen staple and more like an investment in quality.

Egg Shortages Change How We Shop and Cook

According to new data from Numerator, eggs aren’t just expensive—they’re also hard to find. In the last month:

• 55% of egg buyers said their local grocery stores were out of stock.
• 40% of shoppers skipped eggs altogether when prices were too high.
• 7% opted for egg substitutes like liquid eggs, tofu scrambles, or plant-based alternatives.

When eggs aren’t available, people are making different food choices. Instead of the classic American eggs-and-bacon breakfast, some are turning to yogurt, grains, or alternative proteins. Others are relying more on takeout breakfasts, shifting spending patterns across the food industry.

And for those who do buy eggs? It’s not just about cost—it’s about priorities.

Why Some Consumers Are Trading Down—And Others Are Trading Up

Egg prices have turned into a litmus test for how different consumers respond to inflation. While some shoppers are cutting back, others are leaning in—buying organic, free-range, and local eggs at higher prices.

• Store-brand eggs now dominate sales, with Walmart, Aldi, and Costco leading the category.
• Younger shoppers (Gen Z & Millennials) are more likely to pay higher prices for eggs, treating them as an essential purchase.
• Hispanic and urban shoppers show the highest willingness to spend over $5 per dozen.
• Aldi shoppers have a price ceiling of $3.83, while Albertsons shoppers will pay up to $5.21.

Some of this is about access and affordability—but it’s also about values. Just like with coffee, meat, and dairy, many consumers are making intentional choices about where their eggs come from. And when standard eggs aren’t available, some choose to upgrade rather than go without.

Are Eggs Becoming a Luxury?

Eggs used to be an affordable, reliable staple—but if prices stay high and shortages continue, could they start to feel more like a luxury item?

This isn’t the first time a kitchen staple has gone from everyday essential to premium product. We’ve seen it with beef, butter, and even bread—as prices rise and mass-market options shrink, consumers start to view these foods differently.

If egg inflation continues, we might see:

• More shoppers buying in bulk or turning to alternative proteins.
• A continued rise in premium eggs (free-range, organic, pasture-raised).
• A shift in home cooking habits as people adapt to egg-free recipes.

Egg Prices Are Breaking Records, What’s Next?

Eggs have always been a kitchen staple, a cultural icon, and a food we take for granted. But in 2025, that’s changing. Inflation, shortages, and shifting food values are rewriting the role of eggs in American kitchens.

Some consumers will pay whatever it takes. Others will cut back. And some may decide eggs aren’t worth the hassle anymore. Either way, how we buy, cook, and think about eggs may never be the same.