The surprising state where egg prices have hit $10 – will your state be next?
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Egg prices have been climbing across the country, leaving many consumers wondering how much longer they can keep up with the rising costs. Recently, one state has made headlines for an astronomical price surge, with a dozen eggs now costing more than ever before.
While we usually think of high food prices as a rare inconvenience, this unexpected spike is hitting hard for locals and businesses alike.
As the nation continues to grapple with inflation, could your wallet be next in line for a similar blow?
Let's take a closer look at what's behind this surge—and why it might be just the beginning.
The Egg Price Crisis in Hawaii
Hawaii, home to beautiful beaches and friendly locals, is now making headlines for a much less pleasant reason—the highest average egg prices in the nation, sitting at $9.73 per dozen.
Locals like Honolulu resident Will Munar are feeling the squeeze. "Eggs are very important, but if the price goes up, what can you do? Just ride it out and hope for the best," Munar shared with KITV4.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) attributes this price hike to a sharp decline in egg supply caused by the bird flu outbreak, which has ravaged poultry populations since 2022.
This has led to higher prices and caused restaurants to reevaluate their menu offerings in an effort to stay afloat.
The Impact on Local Businesses
Restaurants like Moke’s Bread & Breakfast, which serves Honolulu and Kailua, used to go through about 5,000 eggs a week.
In response to rising costs, owner Keola Warren has considered adjusting the menu to focus on ingredients that aren't as affected by price surges.
Similarly, Shawn Thomas, Assistant Manager of Aloha Kitchen, noted the far-reaching effects on local businesses: "We use a lot of eggs, 300 to 500 a day. So that small increase impacts a lot of our local business."
The Local vs. Mainland Egg Dilemma
Hawaii’s grocery stores offer both local and mainland eggs, with mainland eggs generally priced lower due to mass production and less expensive shipping.
However, as egg prices rise, some stores have begun charging the same for both local and mainland eggs, easing the financial burden on consumers.
The Broader Impact on the Mainland
Hawaii is not alone in its struggle. California businesses are also feeling the pinch. Cara Haltiwanger, who opened a breakfast sandwich restaurant in November 2024, is finding it difficult to keep her business afloat.
"It’s f***ing killing me. I’m an egg restaurant, I have to buy eggs no matter what, you know?" Haltiwanger expressed to SFGATE.
With egg prices skyrocketing, restaurant owners like Hoyul Steven Choi, who operates 20 restaurants in California, are facing unprecedented challenges.
"Egg prices have always fluctuated, but this is crazy," said Choi, who now faces a dramatic rise in egg costs—from $20 to $40 per case to $139 per case.
Faced with these costs, many business owners have been forced to increase prices or cut back on services, making it harder to serve their customers affordably.
How to Manage the Rising Cost of Eggs
1. Explore Alternatives: Consider egg substitutes or reducing egg consumption where possible.
2. Buy in Bulk: If you have the storage space, buying in larger quantities can sometimes save you money.
3. Shop Around: Compare egg prices at various stores and consider opting for generic brands, which may be cheaper.
4. Support Local: If local eggs are priced similarly to mainland eggs, buying locally can help support community businesses during tough times.
As the egg price surge continues to affect both consumers and businesses, it's clear that the ripple effects are far-reaching. With the bird flu outbreak and supply chain issues contributing to rising costs, it’s more important than ever to stay aware of price changes and budget accordingly.
While the situation in some states may seem extreme, it’s a reminder of the unpredictability of our food supply and the importance of adapting to changing circumstances.
As egg prices continue to rise, many are left wondering: How is this affecting your daily life and budget? Have you had to make any changes in your shopping habits or meal planning? Are local businesses feeling the strain in your area as well? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
While we usually think of high food prices as a rare inconvenience, this unexpected spike is hitting hard for locals and businesses alike.
As the nation continues to grapple with inflation, could your wallet be next in line for a similar blow?
Let's take a closer look at what's behind this surge—and why it might be just the beginning.
How can an egg be this expensive? The price surge is leaving many in shock. Image Source: Pexels / Pixabay.
The Egg Price Crisis in Hawaii
Hawaii, home to beautiful beaches and friendly locals, is now making headlines for a much less pleasant reason—the highest average egg prices in the nation, sitting at $9.73 per dozen.
Locals like Honolulu resident Will Munar are feeling the squeeze. "Eggs are very important, but if the price goes up, what can you do? Just ride it out and hope for the best," Munar shared with KITV4.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) attributes this price hike to a sharp decline in egg supply caused by the bird flu outbreak, which has ravaged poultry populations since 2022.
This has led to higher prices and caused restaurants to reevaluate their menu offerings in an effort to stay afloat.
Hawaii's beautiful landscapes now overshadowed by soaring egg prices. Image Source: Pexels / Troy Squillaci.
The Impact on Local Businesses
Restaurants like Moke’s Bread & Breakfast, which serves Honolulu and Kailua, used to go through about 5,000 eggs a week.
In response to rising costs, owner Keola Warren has considered adjusting the menu to focus on ingredients that aren't as affected by price surges.
Similarly, Shawn Thomas, Assistant Manager of Aloha Kitchen, noted the far-reaching effects on local businesses: "We use a lot of eggs, 300 to 500 a day. So that small increase impacts a lot of our local business."
The Local vs. Mainland Egg Dilemma
Hawaii’s grocery stores offer both local and mainland eggs, with mainland eggs generally priced lower due to mass production and less expensive shipping.
However, as egg prices rise, some stores have begun charging the same for both local and mainland eggs, easing the financial burden on consumers.
The Broader Impact on the Mainland
Hawaii is not alone in its struggle. California businesses are also feeling the pinch. Cara Haltiwanger, who opened a breakfast sandwich restaurant in November 2024, is finding it difficult to keep her business afloat.
"It’s f***ing killing me. I’m an egg restaurant, I have to buy eggs no matter what, you know?" Haltiwanger expressed to SFGATE.
With egg prices skyrocketing, restaurant owners like Hoyul Steven Choi, who operates 20 restaurants in California, are facing unprecedented challenges.
"Egg prices have always fluctuated, but this is crazy," said Choi, who now faces a dramatic rise in egg costs—from $20 to $40 per case to $139 per case.
Faced with these costs, many business owners have been forced to increase prices or cut back on services, making it harder to serve their customers affordably.
How to Manage the Rising Cost of Eggs
1. Explore Alternatives: Consider egg substitutes or reducing egg consumption where possible.
2. Buy in Bulk: If you have the storage space, buying in larger quantities can sometimes save you money.
3. Shop Around: Compare egg prices at various stores and consider opting for generic brands, which may be cheaper.
4. Support Local: If local eggs are priced similarly to mainland eggs, buying locally can help support community businesses during tough times.
As the egg price surge continues to affect both consumers and businesses, it's clear that the ripple effects are far-reaching. With the bird flu outbreak and supply chain issues contributing to rising costs, it’s more important than ever to stay aware of price changes and budget accordingly.
While the situation in some states may seem extreme, it’s a reminder of the unpredictability of our food supply and the importance of adapting to changing circumstances.
As egg prices continue to rise, many are left wondering: How is this affecting your daily life and budget? Have you had to make any changes in your shopping habits or meal planning? Are local businesses feeling the strain in your area as well? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
