Apr 16, 2025
Thieves made off with around 100,000 eggs — valued at $40,000 — after cracking open a distribution trailer in Greencastle, Pennsylvania, according to local authorities.
The eggs were taken from a trailer at Pete & Gerry's Organics on the night of Feb. 1. An investigation has been opened.
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"We take this matter seriously and are committed to resolving it as quickly as possible," the egg producer said in a statement released to media outlets.
The theft has drawn plenty of attention as the nation grapples with sky-high egg prices, which is putting pressure on consumers and business owners alike.
Surging egg costs
A wave of avian flu is largely being blamed for a shortage of eggs, which has caused prices to skyrocket.
Prices can vary depending on what part of the country you live in, however, the consumer price index pegged the value of a dozen large eggs at $6.23 as of February. That's up from $2.99 a year prior and $5.90 in February.
The rising cost of eggs has led many diners and bodegas across America to raise prices — in some cases adding a surcharge per egg — and remind staff to handle inventory with care.
"My cooks, they all know — do not break an egg. Be very gentle," Gizelle Bruggemann, who runs The Pelican Restaurant in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, told WPTV News in a story posted Feb. 4. "They are the most expensive thing on the menu right now."
Some restaurant owners who are reluctant to raise menu prices are seeking different distributors.
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How you can limit the impact
Relief may not come any time soon for businesses and consumers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts, as of March. 25, the price of eggs will rise over 57% in 2025, while the price of food overall is expected to go up a little over 3%.
There are several steps consumers can take to limit the impact of sky-high egg prices. The most obvious is to consume fewer eggs — but that doesn't mean you have to give them up altogether. Instead, look for creative ways to enjoy your favorite foods.
Rather than using three eggs for an omelet, use two and add a splash of milk and extra meat or veggies to round out your meal. Look for egg alternatives to use in the kitchen. Many vegan baking recipes, for example, use applesauce or mashed bananas as a binding agent instead of eggs. Some websites offer allergy-friendly recipes, as many people are allergic to eggs, presenting different options.
Another way to offset rising egg costs is to buy in bulk or through local farmers. Wholesale clubs and local farms sometimes offer better deals than grocery stores, especially when purchasing larger quantities.
Correction, April 16, 2025: A previous version of this story stated the price of eggs in December was $4.95, per the consumer price index. In fact, this was the price in January.
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Danielle is a personal finance writer whose work has appeared in publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love. She’s especially passionate about helping families and kids learn smart money habits early.
