Skyrocketing Egg Costs In 2025 Force Restaurants to Adapt
The price of eggs has surged dramatically, forcing restaurants and consumers to adjust. Despite a slight drop in egg prices last week, grocery store prices remain high. Restaurant owners are struggling to keep menu prices steady while navigating supply chain disruptions and inflation.
Key statistics:
- 15 dozen eggs: Previously $38, now as high as $150 per case.
- 30 cases per week: Pegah’s Family Restaurant now spends $12,000 more monthly on eggs.
- Consumer prices: A dozen Grade A jumbo eggs cost $6.79 to $7.99 in Kansas grocery stores.
Some restaurants have implemented market price strategies, similar to seafood or steak, while others, like Waffle House and Denny’s, have introduced egg surcharges. Bakeries, struggling with increased costs, have removed egg-based menu items or sought alternative suppliers.
Kansas Rep. Davids Backs Legislation to Reduce Costs
During a visit to Wooden Spoon in Overland Park, Rep. Sharice Davids discussed the Healthy Poultry and Indemnification Act (HPAI)—a bipartisan bill aimed at stabilizing egg prices. The legislation would support poultry farmers affected by avian flu and ensure fair compensation, helping reduce price volatility.
“Kansas businesses shouldn’t have to make tough choices due to forces beyond their control,” Davids said.
New Bipartisan Bill Aims to Cut Costs for Consumers
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the Lowering Egg Prices Act, aiming to reduce costs for consumers. Rep. Josh Riley (D-NY), along with Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), is leading this effort. By removing outdated federal regulations, the bill could significantly increase the number of eggs available in the market.
For years, egg prices have fluctuated due to supply chain issues, avian flu outbreaks, and inflation, leaving consumers struggling to afford a basic household staple. Lawmakers say that excessive regulations have only worsened the problem. By eliminating wasteful policies, such as the unnecessary refrigeration rule for breaker eggs, the bill would allow millions of perfectly good eggs to enter the supply chain, increasing supply and driving down prices at the grocery store.
Federal Investigation into Egg Prices
With egg producers reporting record profits, the Justice Department has launched an investigation into potential price gouging. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has also warned that egg prices could rise another 40% this year.
What’s Next?
Consumers may see fluctuating egg prices for weeks as market conditions stabilize. While lawmakers push for solutions, restaurants continue to adapt, hoping to avoid passing costs onto customers.
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