A severe egg scarcity in California has disrupted consumer markets and agriculture. Californians are having trouble getting eggs, a mainstay in many households and businesses, due to the avian influenza outbreak.
Causes of the California Egg Shortage
The chronic HPAI outbreak in California is the main cause of the egg scarcity. The last quarter of 2024 saw the killing of nearly 20 million egg-laying chickens due to this pandemic. Since 2022, infection waves have returned, exacerbated by Ohio and Pennsylvania outbreaks. Egg production has been adversely hampered by poultry sector health challenges.
| Year | Number of Hens Culled |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Not specified |
| 2023 | Not specified |
| 2024 | Over 20 million |
Impact on Egg Prices
The egg shortage has driven up egg costs, which show no sign of abating. Cage-free large white eggs cost $8.65 a dozen, while organic brown eggs cost $9.39. Egg prices in California have doubled since 2024, with expectations of a 20% increase in 2025.
| Egg Type | Price per Dozen (2025) |
|---|---|
| Cage-free large white | $8.65 |
| Organic brown | $9.39 |
Consumer Experiences
Californians are experiencing the egg scarcity. Residents like “Beth” from the Bay Area have trouble getting affordable eggs, with grocery store shelves, even Costco, typically empty. Families already struggling with inflation are being strained by this scarcity.
Impact on Small Businesses
Small businesses, especially food companies, are grappling with egg shortages and rising prices. For instance, the Victoria Pastry Company in San Francisco struggles to get enough eggs. Merie Belluomini worries about the sustainability of high prices and unpredictable supply chains.
Response from Restaurants
To stay open without sacrificing quality, restaurants are adjusting to the egg shortage. Waffle House charges 50 cents per egg, while Breakfast Republic adjusts portion sizes. Zareen’s is trying to use tofu instead of eggs.
Regulatory Context
California’s new cage-free egg law complicates matters. About 40% of U.S. table egg layers are raised cage-free, thus this restriction is part of a larger trend. Well-intentioned, this rule strains an already scarce egg supply.
Supply Chain Issues
Grocers are rationing eggs to curb demand, causing supply chain problems. To manage supply issues, numerous supermarket retailers have stopped egg sales campaigns.
USDA Insights
Rebuilding poultry flocks takes time, says the USDA. Newly hatched chicks need weeks to start producing eggs, delaying egg supply recovery. This hen population replenishment delay worsens the scarcity.
Economic Insights
Avian flu is widespread and affects egg supply year-round, according to CoBank economist Brian Earnest. These outbreaks are cyclical, suggesting the egg business may face long-term issues.
Future Predictions
Experts expect the egg shortage to influence consumer and industrial behaviour. These disruptions may lead Californians to switch to alternative food sources and production methods. The agriculture sector must also prepare for supply chain concerns that continue to hurt California’s economy.
FAQ
What causes California’s egg shortage?
The scarcity is mostly caused by an avian influenza outbreak that killed millions of hens and limited egg production.
How much have California egg prices risen?
Egg costs have more than doubled since 2024, with cage-free large white eggs costing $8.65 and organic brown eggs $9.39.
How does the egg scarcity effect consumers?
Many grocery store shelves are empty owing to egg shortages.
How does the scarcity affect small businesses?
High egg costs and limited supply hurt small enterprises’ operations and profitability.
How are eateries handling the egg shortage?
The shortage is forcing restaurants to add surcharges, tweak serving sizes, and try egg replacements like tofu.
