Egg prices have soared in recent years, leaving consumers wondering: Why are egg prices so high? While media reports blame bird flu and supply chain disruptions, the reality is much deeper. This post breaks down the real reasons behind egg inflation, using data-driven insights and visual proof to expose corporate price manipulation.

The Numbers Don’t Add Up

To understand why egg prices are so high, we need to look at the actual data. The 2022 bird flu outbreak caused only 14% more bird losses compared to 2015, yet egg prices skyrocketed nearly four times as much.

Egg Prices Over Time

As the chart above shows, egg prices remained stable for years, until 2022, when they suddenly spiked. If bird flu were the main issue, prices should have followed the same pattern as in 2015, but instead, they exploded far beyond normal inflation rates.

Bird Flu vs. Corporate Greed: What’s Really Driving Prices?

A small drop in supply shouldn’t have caused such extreme price hikes. So, what’s really behind the surge?

Bird Deaths vs. Egg Price Increase (2015 vs. 2022)

This chart shows that while bird deaths only increased slightly, egg prices inflated at an extreme rate. The primary reason? Corporate price manipulation.

• Bird flu was used as an excuse to reduce supply and drive up prices.
• Major egg producers like Cal-Maine reported a 40% profit margin in 2022—far higher than their usual 10-15%.
• Government trade barriers prevent cheaper eggs from entering the U.S., keeping prices artificially high.

Egg Prices in the U.S. vs. Mexico: A Shocking Comparison

If bird flu were really causing shortages, egg prices would be high everywhere—but that’s not the case.

Egg Prices: U.S. vs. Mexico

While eggs in the U.S. cost $5.50 to $7.00 per dozen, eggs in Mexico remain as low as $2.50 per dozen. This price gap exposes the real issue: corporate-controlled inflation.

How Price Manipulation Works

To fully answer this question, we need to understand how companies inflate prices artificially.

Corporate Profit Margins: Cal-Maine (2015-2022)

Here’s the step-by-step process of how big egg producers manipulate the market:

1. Blame Bird Flu – The media spreads panic about supply chain disruptions.
2. Limit Supply – Farmers are forced to cull entire flocks due to one or two positive tests.
3. Raise Prices Excessively – Even after supply stabilizes, prices keep climbing.
4. Report Record Profits – Companies like Cal-Maine Foods hit all-time high earnings while consumers struggle to afford eggs.

Breaking Down the Real Causes of Egg Prices

So, what’s actually causing these price increases?

According to economic data and farm reports:

• 10-15% comes from bird losses due to flu outbreaks.
• 5-10% comes from higher feed costs and inflation.
• 40-50% is pure corporate price manipulation—companies inflating costs for profit.
• Government regulations & trade barriers prevent cheaper eggs from entering the market, keeping prices artificially high.

How Consumers Can Fight Back

If these egg prices are due to corporate greed, what can we do about it?

• Support Local Farmers – Buy eggs from small, independent farms instead of major grocery chains.
• Raise Your Own Chickens – If possible, producing your own eggs keeps you independent of price hikes.
• Stop Accepting Excuses – Recognize corporate price manipulation and demand fair pricing policies.
• Push for Policy Changes – Advocate for breaking up monopolies and allowing fair trade of eggs from other countries.

Conclusion: Why Are Egg Prices So High?

Prices didn’t skyrocket because of bird flu—they rose because of corporate manipulation, government barriers, and artificial supply restrictions.

Until consumers recognize the truth and push back, big agriculture will continue using crises as an excuse to inflate prices. By supporting local farms, demanding transparency, and questioning media narratives, we can break the cycle of food inflation.

Now you know the answer—and what to do about it.