The price of eggs in the United States continues to rise, and this trend has caused thousands of consumers to change their shopping habits. In this scenario, supermarkets are adopting unusual measures to address the shortage.
The lack of this basic food item has caused growing concern among American citizens. Empty shelves have become a recurring image in many stores across the country. Therefore, some chains, like Walmart, have decided to impose restrictions on the quantity each customer can purchase.
Walmart joins egg sale restrictions
Walmart, considered one of the most important retailers in the United States, has recently confirmed its decision to limit egg purchases. According to Business Insider, from now on each buyer can only take two packs of 60 units.
The measure aims to prevent hoarding and ensure that all customers can access the product. The company seeks to distribute the available eggs in its stores more equitably, preventing a few from depleting the stock on each visit.
The origin of this crisis dates back to an avian flu outbreak that affected numerous farms in the United States. As a result, millions of laying hens had to be culled to contain the spread of the virus. This drastic measure significantly reduced the egg supply across the country.
The decrease in supply caused a significant increase in the prices of this basic food item. According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), in December 2024 the price of a dozen eggs reached $4.15 in some regions. Additionally, it is estimated that throughout 2025 prices could increase by up to 20% more, further aggravating the situation.
Costco, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's already applied limits
Before Walmart, other chains had already imposed similar restrictions to control the situation. Costco and Whole Foods, for example, only allow the purchase of three packs of eggs per day per person. Trader Joe's has been even more strict, limiting the purchase to just one dozen per customer.
These measures respond to a common goal: to prevent excessive purchases and ensure that more customers can access the product. The chains seek to maintain a stable supply and avoid shortages in their stores.
Given that the egg supply has fallen while demand has remained high, prices have experienced a notable increase in the United States. This market dynamic has affected both households and the restaurant sector, which has already begun to make difficult decisions.
A clear example is Waffle House, which has decided to apply a 50-cent surcharge for each egg on its menu. The chain acknowledges that it is not an easy measure, but considers it essential to adjust to the current market conditions. They have also assured that they will remove the surcharge as soon as product availability improves.
Meanwhile, Walmart has stated that it will adjust its policies as supply evolves. But for now, maintaining control is its priority. With this context, consumers must prepare for high prices.