For generations, eggs have been the unsung hero of the kitchen. Whether it’s a classic boiled egg on toast, a fluffy omelette, or the secret ingredient in your favourite cake, eggs have always been affordable, versatile, and reliable.
But as prices soar and supermarket shelves look increasingly bare, many Australians are left wondering: are the days of cheap eggs over? Could $1 per egg soon be the new normal?
Not so long ago, paying $6 for a takeaway coffee would have seemed outrageous. Now, it’s just part of life. The same could soon be true for eggs.
This issue gained national attention during the last week of the federal election campaign when Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton were questioned about their knowledge of the price of a dozen eggs.
Dutton slightly miscalculated when he mentioned on Seven’s leaders’ debate that he believed they were priced at $4.20. Albanese responded with $7 ‘if you can find them’—closer to the $8.80 carton that Seven News selected.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the price of eggs has jumped by nearly 12 per cent over the past year, one of the steepest increases for any grocery item.
In some shops, a dozen free-range eggs sell for $12 or more, which is $1 an egg, and sometimes even higher.
A quick survey of supermarkets and local grocers reveals how much prices vary. In Melbourne’s north, some free-range eggs are fetching $13.99 a dozen. Even the cheapest caged eggs at major supermarkets now hover around $6.80 to $7.30 per dozen.
Several factors are behind the price hike, and unfortunately, it’s not just a temporary blip. In 2024, Australia was hit by several strains of avian influenza (bird flu), leading to the culling of nearly 1.8 million birds.
All birds must be euthanised when a farm is affected to prevent the spread. This has created a significant shortage of laying hens, and fewer hens mean fewer eggs.
The situation is even worse overseas. In the United States, the H5N1 strain has devastated poultry farms, with over 168 million birds affected. The shortage is so severe that Americans are reportedly smuggling eggs across borders.
It’s not just a disease. Due to inflation, the cost of feeding, housing, and transporting chickens has risen sharply. Grain prices, fuel, and labour costs have all increased, and these increases are being passed on to consumers.
Australia is also preparing to phase out caged egg production by 2036. While this is a win for animal welfare, farmers are investing in new infrastructure and systems, which are increasing production costs.
It’s not just home cooks feeling the pinch. Cafes and restaurants are also struggling. Emilio Rogliano, owner of Bellboy cafe in Melbourne, said the cost of eggs has ‘skyrocketed’—from 35 cents per egg last year to nearly 65 cents now.
While many venues have tried to absorb the cost, some have had no choice but to raise menu prices or charge extra for egg-based dishes.
Australia is one of the world’s biggest egg-loving nations, with the average person eating 250 to 260 eggs yearly (compared to a global average of 173).
But will higher prices change our habits? Experts say it depends. For many, eggs are a staple—packed with protein, affordable (even at higher prices), and endlessly versatile.
Consumer behaviour expert Professor Gary Mortimer explained that regular egg-eaters will keep buying, even if it means cutting back elsewhere.
‘Alternatively, if eggs aren’t a fundamental part of their diet, they may choose just to not purchase eggs. Eggs are astronomical at the moment, aren’t they,’ he said.
According to Michael Whitehead, ANZ’s executive director of agribusiness insights, we’re unlikely to see all eggs hit the $1 mark. However, $8 for a standard dozen (about 66 cents per egg) could become the new normal.
Premium and specialty eggs will likely stay above $1 each, while caged eggs may remain cheaper now.
Have you noticed the price of eggs in your local supermarket? Are you cutting back, switching brands, or just biting the bullet? Have you found any clever ways to save? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below—let’s help each other make the most of every egg!
Also read: Egg shortages lead to a surge in backyard chicken-raising across Australia
I have my own chooks, so eggs are cheap.