It’s not just eggs getting more expensive—though they’ve become the poster child for inflation. Regarding financial stress, it’s hard to tell what came first: the chicken or the economic egg chaos. Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, U.S. consumers are projected to spend $23.6 billion on Easter this year—a 5% increase from 2024—according to the National Retail Federation. Food tops the list at $7.4 billion, followed by gifts and candy, as Americans lean into meaningful traditions despite rising costs.

But there’s a twist. Prices on key staples like eggs and coffee have quietly surged, shifting the tone of seasonal celebrations and reshaping what value looks like on the shelves. From supply chain disruptions to climate impacts and tariffs, the ripple effects are real—and familiar to retailers and consumers alike. Today’s price surges are hitting more than just our wallets, infringing upon meaningful traditions and threatening livelihoods. 

Economic resilience isn’t just about big-ticket items like real estate—it’s also visible in the small decisions people make at the grocery store. As history has proven, when buyers spend more on basics, it can signal a recalibration of how (and where) they allocate discretionary spending elsewhere.

An eggs-istential crisis?

Eggs in the U.S. are facing a major egg shortage driven primarily by a widespread bird flu outbreak that’s wiped-out millions of egg-laying hens. This supply shock has caused egg prices to spike sharply, with inflation and rising production costs adding further pressure.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, egg prices have jumped from $1.21 per dozen in 2005 to an average of $5 (and as high as $8-$10)—a staggering 310% increase. Last month, beauty and skincare brand The Ordinary sold eggs from its New York store, pricing them at $3.37 per dozen amid frustrations from everyday consumers seeking affordable alternatives.

With egg prices expected to remain high through at least the end of 2025, plant-based egg alternatives are poised to be a mainstream choice for American consumers. JUST Egg sales grew five times faster in January 2025 than the previous year, with rising demand driven by lower prices and limited egg availability. The shortage has also prompted U.K. brand Crackd to enter the U.S. market in 2025, aiming to provide more options for consumers seeking plant-based alternatives.

In an existential plot twist, Cal-Maine Foods, the largest egg producer in the U.S., is under federal investigation for potential price-fixing. The Department of Justice recently issued a civil investigative demand for egg pricing and possible collusion among producers. While Cal-Maine says the scope and outcome of the inquiry remains unclear, the timing is hard to ignore. Economists suggest that if bird flu remains contained, consumers might see lower egg prices in stores within a few weeks. Additionally, the USDA has announced a $1 billion plan to address the egg crisis, aiming to stabilize the market and prevent future disruptions.

The Easter basket just got bougie

With $7 eggs and single-origin coffee price hikes, even the bunny’s feeling inflation fatigue. The Easter egg is not the only commodity at risk in the basket. Coffee also just got a whole ‘latte’ more expensive. Supply chain challenges, weather events, and other disruptions have impeded shipments from Brazil, Colombia and Vietnam, increasing bean prices. The increase puts pressure on coffee shops and cafes, many of which have raised their prices or are exploring menu adjustments to manage rising costs. Boutique brands like Klatch Coffee and Royal Coffee adjusted prices before tariffs took hold, and others are getting creative—tweaking recipes, slimming down portions, or eating costs themselves to preserve the consumer experience.

This Easter season, the hidden cost behind your celebration isn’t just about hunting for colorful eggs but navigating a complex economic landscape of rising prices.