Egg Prices, Greenwashing, and Smarter Ways to Invest
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Why are egg prices rising so dramatically?
Ouch. That hurts almost as bad as these exasperating puns, Sean. And yes, I'm egging you and these puns on because that's what a supportive co-host does.
Thank you so much. Here's another wild stat. The cost of a dozen increased 15% from December to January. It's up for the year, too. In January 2024, eggs were $2.52 on average, which means the price of a dozen has nearly doubled since then.
I know all too well, eggs are a staple in my refrigerator, so I've been experiencing the hike in real time. For those wondering the why of it all, there are a few factors at play, but the key driver is the ongoing H5N1 or avian flu crisis. Now, in the last three months of 2024, more than 20 million egg-laying chickens in the U.S. died due to bird flu, including cold birds. To find out how we got here and what's being done to battle the avian flu and the prices you pay at the store, we have our news colleague, Anna Helhosky, here to talk us through it. Hey, Anna.
Glad to be here, although I don't have great news to share. Because if you think eggs are spendy now, just wait. The Department of Agriculture expects prices to increase another 20% in 2025.
No, that's not the news any of us is hoping to hear.
Yeah, I heard that Waffle House added a 50 cents per egg surcharge to customers' bills.
Right. Prices aren't just high at the grocery store. Restaurants who buy their eggs at wholesale rates are seeing their costs skyrocket too.
It's not just the scramble you order at brunch. It's anything that needs to be made with eggs, like baked goods, pasta, my protein shakes.
Exactly. And meanwhile, consumers are already seeing more than price increases on the shelves. Grocers like Costco, Trader Joe's, and Kroger are even limiting how many cartons of eggs can be purchased at one time. I have a feeling we'll see other purveyors limiting egg sales. And here in New York City, there is one corner store that's selling Lucy eggs. That is a trio of eggs rather than a dozen.
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Chapters
7 chapters
1
Why are egg prices rising so dramatically?
2:13–4:18
2
How is the avian flu impacting the egg industry?
4:18–6:59
3
Are cage-free eggs cheaper than conventional ones?
6:59–10:34
4
What measures are being taken to control the avian flu?
10:34–13:36
5
How can ethical investing align with personal values?
13:36–15:01
6
Should you invest or pay off student loans first?
15:01–16:44
7
What are the best strategies for saving for college?
16:44–32:15
Speakers
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