Shoppers are reeling from sticker shock as egg prices hit an all-time high at stores like Walmart, with some joking that they might need a loan just to afford breakfast, while other angry Americans have been caught stealing the product.
One frustrated customer took to X to vent about the soaring costs, revealing that in Bakersfield, California, a 60-pack of eggs now costs $43. “$9 – $15 a dozen. It’s ridiculous,” she wrote. “I have to take out a loan just to buy eggs.”
While Walmart’s CEO Doug McMillon has assured customers that the egg shortage will stabilize over time, the retailer has placed purchase limits to control supply as bird flu outbreaks continue to disrupt supply chain.
But the problem isn’t limited to Walmart.
Costco shoppers have reported paying up to $18.69 for five dozen eggs, with some lining up early just to find shelves wiped clean within hours.
According to the latest Consumer Price Index, the national average for a dozen Grade A eggs hit $4.95 in January 2025, surpassing the previous high of $4.82 set two years ago. Prices have more than doubled since August 2023, when eggs averaged just $2.04.