Why is there an egg shortage?

At Eggs Unlimited, we’ve spent decades helping businesses navigate the egg market. Here’s a clear look at the real reasons behind the egg shortage, what’s being done about it, and how suppliers and buyers can adapt.

1. Avian Influenza Outbreaks Devastated Flock Numbers

• The most immediate and severe driver of recent egg shortages has been highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Since early 2022, the U.S. has lost over 58 million birds, including tens of millions of egg-laying hens.
  • Implement strict biosecurity measures—limit farm access, disinfect facilities, and monitor flock health regularly.
  • Invest in AI-driven early detection systems to spot signs of disease before it spreads.
  • Diversify flock locations to minimize risks of large-scale outbreaks.
• How it affects supply:
• When HPAI is detected, farms must cull entire flocks to contain the virus.
  
• It takes 4–6 months to rebuild a commercial laying flock, meaning production can’t rebound quickly.
  
• According to the USDA, table egg production dropped by over 5% during peak outbreaks.
  
  • Develop alternative sourcing strategies by partnering with multiple producers in different regions.
  • Maintain higher inventory buffers to mitigate supply shortages.
  • Implement risk management contracts to secure egg availability even during market fluctuations.

2.  2. Feed, Fuel, and Farm Input Costs Are Up

4. Shifting Consumer Demand and Retail Pressures

Demand for cage-free, organic, and specialty eggs has grown steadily — driven by both consumer preference and retailer pledges (e.g., Walmart, Target, McDonald’s). This shift puts added pressure on producers who must:

• Transition housing systems (often at great cost)
  
• Adapt to specialty feed and certification requirements
  

Producers can’t always switch production types overnight, creating temporary mismatches in supply and demand.

5. Export and Import Complications

While the U.S. is a major egg producer, international factors still affect availability:

• Certain countries restrict imports from HPAI-affected states.
  
• Global demand surges — especially in Mexico and Asia — have pulled U.S. inventory abroad.
  
• Regulatory delays or limits on imports reduce the ability to fill local gaps.
  

6. Market Volatility and Lack of Forward Planning

Because many buyers rely on short-term or spot purchases, price spikes and shortages hit harder during disruptions. Without long-term contracts or diversified suppliers, companies often scramble for product — driving up prices further and adding strain to the market.

So, What’s the Solution?

Solving the egg shortage requires coordinated effort from all sides of the industry. Key strategies include:

• Rebuilding and protecting flocks with stronger biosecurity protocols.
  
• Expanding supply partnerships beyond local or regional limits.
  
• Using processed egg alternatives (liquid, frozen, powdered) where possible.
  
• Locking in long-term contracts to protect against price swings.
  
• Partnering with expert brokers like Eggs Unlimited to access diverse, reliable supply options.
  

How Eggs Unlimited Helps Solve the Egg Shortage

At Eggs Unlimited, we bridge the gap between egg producers and buyers with:

• Nationwide and global supply access
  
• Contract pricing and market insights
  
• Freight and logistics coordination
  
• Off-grade and by-product placement to reduce waste
  
• Solutions for shell eggs, liquid eggs, powdered eggs, and specialty types
  

Whether you’re a retail buyer, food manufacturer, institution, or distributor, we help you navigate tight markets with confidence.

FAQs

Why are there no eggs in the grocery stores?

Grocery stores are experiencing egg shortages primarily due to the ripple effects of avian influenza outbreaks, which have led to the culling of tens of millions of laying hens across the U.S. Combined with high feed and transportation costs, labor shortages, and growing demand for specialty eggs (like cage-free and organic), the supply chain is under strain — making it difficult for retailers to keep shelves fully stocked.

Why are supermarkets not selling eggs?

Some supermarkets may temporarily stop selling eggs or limit supply due to inconsistent deliveries from suppliers, high wholesale prices, or contractual shortfalls. When supply is tight or unpredictable, retailers may choose to halt sales to avoid customer frustration or to reallocate limited inventory to high-volume stores where demand is most concentrated.

Is the US getting eggs from Turkey?

While the U.S. is primarily self-sufficient in egg production, in rare circumstances, it may explore importing eggs or egg products from approved international sources, including Turkey, to fill temporary gaps. However, strict USDA and FDA import regulations mean these imports are limited and not common practice unless severe shortages require it. As of now, imports from Turkey are not a mainstream solution to the egg shortage.

Why is Costco running out of eggs?

Costco is running out of eggs due to high national demand, coupled with tight supply from producers dealing with bird flu-related flock losses and increased input costs. Wholesale clubs like Costco often offer competitive pricing, which drives faster inventory turnover — and when supply is tight, even large retailers struggle to keep eggs in stock consistently.

Why are eggs so hard to find right now?

Eggs are hard to find because of a perfect storm of production challenges: reduced laying hen numbers from avian flu, rising feed and fuel costs, and logistics delays impacting how quickly eggs can move through the supply chain. On top of that, increased demand from foodservice recovery and consumer preference for premium eggs has further tightened availability.

Why is Trader Joe’s out of eggs?

Trader Joe’s, like many retailers, relies on contracted suppliers — and when those producers face shortages or logistical issues, store deliveries can be delayed or skipped. With limited shelf space and high customer traffic, any supply interruption can quickly leave locations out of stock, especially if the store emphasizes specialty or organic eggs that are harder to replenish.

Why is everyone sold out of eggs?

The widespread egg shortage is largely due to the avian influenza outbreak, which has decimated laying flocks nationwide, coupled with rising production and transportation costs, and seasonal demand peaks. Retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice buyers are all competing for a limited supply, making it common to see empty shelves across multiple store formats and regions.

Why is Sam’s Club limiting eggs?

Sam’s Club is placing purchase limits on eggs to manage inventory fairly across its member base during times of constrained supply. With higher-than-usual demand and limited egg availability from producers, purchase limits help prevent stockpiling and ensure that more customers have access to at least some product.

How long is the egg shortage supposed to last?

While the egg market is stabilizing, the shortage could persist into late 2024 depending on how quickly flocks are rebuilt, how successfully avian flu is contained, and whether input costs level out. Most analysts expect gradual improvement over the next 6–12 months, though pricing and availability will likely remain volatile through the short term.

Final Thoughts

Egg producers and suppliers must work together to navigate rising costs, regulatory shifts, and supply chain disruptions. By investing in biosecurity, technology, supply diversification, and automation, businesses can stay competitive and resilient in an unpredictable market.

Need a Trusted Egg Supplier?

At Eggs Unlimited, we help producers and suppliers secure consistent egg sourcing, navigate market fluctuations, and optimize supply chains.📩 Contact Us Today to discuss how we can support your business with reliable egg solutions!

Why Eggs Unlimited?

As one of the largest egg producers in the U.S., Eggs Unlimited is well equipped to face any challenge. That includes increasing demand for eggs, issues with a specific farm, and challenges across the supply chain. As customers explore their egg options, our knowledge, resources, and experience can help them make smart, cost-effective choices. 

At Eggs Unlimited, we partner with farmers and suppliers that care about their animals and the environment. We’re proud to work with farmers who follow robust environmental and ethical practices. Plus, with our global reach, we can take on any challenge for customers all around the world. We always have a way to meet – and exceed – our customers’ expectations. 

Connect With Top Egg Producers

Connect with the Eggs Unlimited Sales team to learn more about your egg options. eusales@eggsunlimited.com