The Brilliant Way Trader Joe’s Is Keeping Egg Prices Down

Amid surging egg prices, Trader Joe’s has found a brilliant way to keep egg prices down.

Cracking the Secret to Trader Joe’s Low Egg Prices

According to CNBC Make It, Trader Joe’s has consistently had the lowest egg prices of the national supermarket chains. Kristin McGrath, a Krazy Coupon Lady shopping expert, told the news outlet that a dozen eggs sell for $3.49 at the chain.

Trader Joe’s likely keeps egg prices down because it buys directly from suppliers. This results in smaller product selection and the reliance on private-label goods to “avoid brand markups and control costs.”

However, there are other ways that consumers can try to beat egg markups. McGrath suggested several ways.

The first is to download store apps to access digital coupons and discounts. Some retailers have offered digital coupons on eggs, and coupling that with other discounts could reduce costs at the register.

Some grocery chains also have loyalty programs, which offer a cash refund at the register for purchases already made. Another way to beat rising egg costs is to compare prices between supermarkets, which may mean shopping at a particular store just for their eggs.

“At Trader Joe’s we work hard every day to provide our customers outstanding value in the form of the best quality products at the best everyday prices,” Trader Joe’s spokesperson Nakia Rohde told TODAY. “We only change our prices when our costs change.”

Why Are Egg Prices So High?

Egg prices have surged to record highs in the United States, reaching an average of $4 per dozen in January 2025, up from $2.67 in May 2023. This significant increase is primarily due to a severe outbreak of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, which has led to the culling of millions of egg-laying hens to prevent the spread of the virus.

The reduction in the number of hens has drastically decreased egg production, leading to shortages and subsequent price hikes. The current bird flu outbreak, identified as H5N1, is highly transmissible and has affected over 157 million birds in the U.S. since early 2022, making it the largest avian influenza outbreak in the nation’s history.

Per Nerd Wallet, this outbreak has not only impacted egg prices but has also led retailers to implement purchase limits to manage the scarce supply. Prices will likely remain volatile until producers can rebuild their flocks and recover egg production levels.

Restaurants are also feeling the pressure of high egg prices. Earlier this month, Waffle House announced it would add a 50-cent surcharge on every egg it sells.