Egg Pricing Crisis: The Rising and Falling Cost of Breakfast Staples

In the early months of 2025, diners at America’s beloved Denny’s and Waffle House were greeted with an unfamiliar sight on their menus: a surcharge for eggs. As restaurant patrons tried to savor their scrambled eggs and pancakes, they were thrust into the fraught world of fluctuating agricultural markets. With average egg prices spiking to record highs, diners were forced to reckon with the realities of a volatile food supply chain.

The Ripple Effects of Avian Flu

Earlier this year, outbreaks of avian flu wreaked havoc on poultry farms across the United States, drastically reducing egg production. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average price of a dozen Grade A eggs soared to an unprecedented $6.23 in March 2025 as avian flu decimated poultry populations. With more than 174.8 million birds lost since January 2022, the impact of this health crisis transcended farm gates and reached the breakfast tables of millions.

A Surge in Demand Meets a Compromised Supply

Professor Linda Cartwright, a food economics expert at the University of Cleveland, explains the situation: “The confluence of high consumer demand and a significantly reduced supply creates an environment ripe for price hikes. The evisceration of flocks to manage the disease has been unprecedented, and that directly translates to the aisles of grocery stores and, indeed, the menus of restaurants.”

In response to soaring costs, Waffle House introduced a 50-cent surcharge per egg. Denny’s, adapting to location-based economic conditions, implemented a similar measure but with varying amounts. Nonetheless, as the summer approached and prices began their gradual decline, both chains met the public’s relief by canceling these surcharges—Denny’s on May 21 and Waffle House on June 2.

Quantifying the Price Journey

As egg prices edged down to $4.55 per dozen in May, many wondered if this represented a trend reversal or merely a brief respite. Recent data suggest a significant decrease, active through an influx of imports that came as a boon for consumers. “We witnessed nearly 26 million dozen shell eggs imported from countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Turkey,” noted Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This influx was critical in pressuring prices downward.”

• March 2025: Average egg price peaks at $6.23.
• Around 174.8 million birds culled due to avian flu since January 2022.
• May 2025: Average retail price drops to $4.55.
• More than 26 million dozen shell eggs imported since January 2025.

The Challenges Ahead

While prices have stabilized, experts caution that the crisis may not be over. The continued migration of wild birds poses a persistent risk for eggs and poultry. With avian flu resiliently circulating, producers face the near-certain threat of future outbreaks. “As migratory patterns shift with climate change, the risk presented by the environment cannot be understated,” Cartwright emphasizes.

This uncertain future leaves both farmers and consumers on fragile ground. Surging production costs, aggravated by limited availability and public hesitance—are critical factors that threaten the stability of supply chains. Many farmers are in a precarious position, balancing production levels in an unpredictable market influenced by consumer sentiment, government policies, and ecological challenges.

Shifts in Consumer Behavior

The surcharges implemented by Waffle House and Denny’s became a talking point for many Americans, highlighting an increasing awareness of food costs. A recent study conducted by the National Food Policy Institute found that 60% of consumers are now more reluctant to eat out when they perceive that menu prices do not reflect fair agricultural practices. “This shift in consumer behavior cannot go ignored,” remarks Dr. Sarah Kim, a sociologist specializing in food and consumer culture. “People are more informed and sensitive to issues surrounding food sources and pricing.”

With challenges still ahead, both chains have acknowledged that transparency in pricing may play a pivotal role in retaining consumer loyalty. “As the cost of ingredients goes up, we must ensure that our customers understand the reasons behind any changes in our pricing,” said a spokesperson for Denny’s, highlighting their efforts to adapt to the new normal.

As the sun rises each day over America’s diner landscape, the once-simple act of ordering breakfast now signifies a shifting paradigm, one where food price inflation drives changes in consumer behavior and food sourcing policies alike. For many, the egg remains a staple of comfort and tradition—a lesson in humility amid economic uncertainty. The question for consumers, farmers, and restaurants alike is this: How will they navigate the delicate balance between fair pricing and sustainable sourcing in an ever-evolving food landscape?