Here’s Why Egg Prices Are Rising + Where to Still Find Cheap Eggs!
Shocked at the recent rising egg prices? You aren’t alone!
Ever think you’d pay more for a carton of eggs than a gallon of gas? 🍳
If you’ve visited the grocery store recently, you may have noticed that egg prices are up – way up. The new average cost of a dozen eggs is around $4.25 according to this chart from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, though anecdotal data from readers sure makes it seem much higher.
(Image taken from this Hip2Save Facebook post from a reader in Georgia)
According to a recent article, egg prices in Houston have more than doubled and according to some readers and team members, the doubling has happened overnight in some cases. In California, consumers are paying around $7.37 a dozen. 😱 And experts predict consumers will have to wait at least 3 to 6 months before prices reverse.
What is causing the increase in egg prices?
So if last November the average price for a dozen eggs was $1.72, why are prices just a year later more than double, triple, or even quadruple that amount?
The price of eggs is being driven up due to a lack of supply, which is unfortunately due to the deadliest outbreak ever of avian flu. 💔 Over 50 million birds died as a result of the outbreak, most of them were egg-producing hens.
On top of the tragedy, prices continue to be impacted by inflation. Energy, transportation, and feed continue to be impacted by higher prices and that gets passed on to you – the customer.
Are there any ways to save on eggs?
So far, it seems that Sam’s and Costco have good prices but their supply may vary. Other readers have mentioned Kroger, Winco, and Trader Joe’s as having the lowest prices near them.
If you do see a good deal on eggs and want to stock up you can hard boil your eggs to make them last up to an extra week, or you can freeze eggs to make them last up to a year (though they won’t be as fresh after 4 months).
Here are a few prices we’ve seen at our local stores (Walmart & Costco are winning in our area)…
Walmart Great Value Eggs 6-Count – $3.13
Walmart Great Value Eggs 18-Count – $7.87
Walmart Great Value Eggs 36-Count – $16.02 or $5.34 per dozen
Walmart Great Value Eggs 60-Count – $19.98 or $4 per dozen
Target Good & Gather Dozen Eggs – $5.29
Target Good & Gather Eggs 18-Count – $7.69
Sam’s Club Sun Up Farms Eggs 180-Count – $67.06 or $4.48 per dozen
Sam’s Club Sunny Meadow Eggs 36-Count – $13.56 or $4.52 per dozen
Costco Kirkland Eggs 24-Count – $8.29 or $4.15 per dozen
Here’s what Hip2Save readers had to say about egg prices near them:
“$4.99 for 2 dozen at our Costco in Tallahassee, Florida. They were fully stocked.” – Allisa, Hip2Save reader
“Just left Costco in Los Angeles. $5.99 for 2 dozen.” – Deanne, Hip2Save reader
“Lowest I’ve seen is Kroger for $3.55. I’m in Ohio.” – Sarah, Hip2save reader
“$2.99 at Trader Joe’s is the lowest I’ve seen.” – Brittany, Hip2Save reader
“Winco in my neighborhood had them for 75¢ a dozen. I stocked up.” – Jacob-Kiki, Hip2Save reader
Another option for saving on the price of eggs is to buy from a local farm near you which may be able to offer you a good deal. Also, if you have friends or family that are homesteaders, they may be willing to sell you some eggs.
Some Hip2Save readers even have chicken coops of their own. You can find a chicken coop for under $200 on Wayfair. The good news is if you’re able to free-range your chickens, you can save on high-priced feed made from corn. Owning chickens is not a decision to make lightly though as you’ll be responsible for caring for your pets.
If you’re intrigued and wondering whether this avenue may be right for your family, you can try renting a coop and chickens. onlinepanies like Rent The Chicken provide these services. This may not save you money but the experience may be worth it.
Here’s what HIp2Save readers had to say about their chicken coops:
“We get eggs from our chickens. We sell them for $2-3 a dozen. Check with your local homesteaders! We often have 5-6 dozen in the fridge, and our girls haven’t slowed laying, despite the bitter cold!” – Andrea, Hip2Save reader
“Feeling grateful for my chickens these days, the price of groceries, in general, is crazy!” – Jennifer, Hip2Save reader
“We’re a family of 7, soon to be 8, so I can’t imagine a life without our chickens.” – Catherine, Hip2Save reader
If you know of a good way to save on eggs, share them with your fellow Hip readers in the onlinements below.
Don’t miss our tips for how to save on groceries!
