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A viral TikTok video is putting the spotlight on America’s soaring egg prices, with one Walmart shopper left stunned by just how expensive a carton has become.
Tiktok user Tommy C (@radio_tommyc) shared a clip from his local Walmart, showing egg prices that had him — and hundreds of thousands of viewers — shaking their heads.
“Just for the record, we don’t have a shortage of eggs at our Walmart because of the bird flu,” Tommy says in the video, acknowledging that while some regions are seeing empty shelves, his store is fully stocked.
But that doesn’t mean customers are getting a break on prices. He zooms in on an 18-count carton with a jaw-dropping price tag.
“This is an 18 count of eggs for 12 freaking dollars. Damn, bruh,” he said. Then, panning over to a larger pack, he adds, “60 eggs, 36 bucks. Yeah. So we got plenty of eggs, just bring your credit card.”
The video has clearly struck a nerve. As of this writing, it has racked up 475,000 views, 13,000 likes and over 3,000 comments.
But what caused the spike?
Why are eggs so expensive?
Egg prices fluctuate by store and location, but they have been climbing steadily. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price of a dozen Grade A large eggs in the U.S. was $4.146 in December 2024, up from $2.507 in December 2023 — a staggering 65% increase in just a year.
A Jan. 17 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report highlighted that a bird flu outbreak has impacted supply: “Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial table egg layer flocks that resulted in the depopulation of 13.2 million birds in December 2024 continue into the opening weeks of 2025.”
With fewer hens producing eggs — and demand peaking during the holiday season — prices spiked. The USDA report explained, “Losses during the final month of 2024 during the peak shell egg demand period resulted in record-high wholesale and retail prices as producers struggled to provide a consistent supply to consumers.”
Beyond supply and demand, inflation has also played a role in rising egg costs. USA Today reported that higher prices for gas, labor and animal feed have increased the cost of getting eggs onto store shelves.
Policy changes may also be a factor. In California, for example, Proposition 12 imposes restrictions on how egg-laying hens, breeding pigs and veal calves can be housed, potentially affecting supply and pricing.
Inflation is still biting — but you can fight back
While some economists have declared victory in America’s battle against inflation, the viral TikTok video serves as a stark reminder that consumers are still feeling the pinch on everyday essentials.
And eggs aren’t the only item straining household budgets. Although the inflation rate has eased from the peaks of 2022, the cost of necessities remains stubbornly high.
For example, the food index from the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has jumped 28% since the beginning of 2020, while the shelter index has climbed 26% over the same period.
Inflation eats away at the purchasing power of money. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis’s inflation calculator, $100 in 2024 had the same purchasing power as $82.31 in 2020 — a stark illustration of how much more consumers are paying for the same goods and services.
Fortunately, history has shown that savvy investors and consumers can take steps to protect themselves from inflation’s impact.
Real estate
When inflation rises, property values often increase as well, reflecting the higher costs of materials, labor and land. At the same time, rental income tends to go up, providing landlords with a revenue stream that adjusts for inflation.
This combination makes real estate an attractive option for preserving and growing wealth when the U.S. dollar is losing its value.
Over the last five years, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index has surged by more than 50%.
One way to invest in real estate is by purchasing rental properties and becoming a landlord. But for the average American who wants to avoid a hefty down payment or the burden of property management, crowdfunding platforms like Arrived make it easier to slice yourself up a piece of that pie.
With Arrived, you can invest in shares of rental homes with as little as $100 without worrying about mowing lawns, fixing leaky faucets or handling difficult tenants.
The process is simple: browse a curated selection of homes that have been vetted for their appreciation and income potential. Once you find a property you like, select the number of shares you’d like to purchase, and then sit back as you start receiving rental income deposits from your investment.
Gold
When it comes to preserving wealth and fighting inflation, few assets have stood the test of time like gold.
The appeal of gold is straightforward: the yellow metal can’t be printed in unlimited quantities by central banks like fiat money. And because its value isn’t tied to any one currency or economy, gold could provide protection during periods of economic uncertainty.
As inflation erodes the purchasing power of paper currencies, gold’s appeal as a stable store of value often grows, driving up demand. In 2024, gold prices surged by 26%, surpassing $2,600 per ounce.
One way to invest in gold that also provides significant tax advantages is with a gold IRA through American Hartford Gold.
Gold IRAs allow investors to hold physical gold or gold-related assets within a retirement account, thereby combining the tax advantages of an IRA with the protective benefits of investing in gold. This makes them an attractive option for those seeking to ensure their retirement funds are well-shielded against economic uncertainties.
When you sign up with American Hartford Gold, you’ll be eligible for an offer to receive up to $15,000 in free silver, along with the assurance of the best pricing through their price match guarantee.
Maximizing your spending power with the right credit card
When faced with high egg prices, Tommy quipped, “Just bring your credit card.” While it was meant as a joke, the reality is that the right credit card that rewards your everyday spending can help you manage the weight of inflation.
For example, if you’re paying more for groceries, a cash-back credit card that offers rewards on supermarket purchases can help offset those higher costs. Similarly, if travel expenses are climbing, a travel rewards card can help you earn points or miles to reduce future expenses.
With so many credit card options out there, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. But with CardRatings, it’s quick, easy and personalized. Whether you’re after cash back, travel rewards, a low APR or zero annual fees, CardFinder matches you with the best offers from leading providers.
Take the guesswork out of credit card shopping — let CardRatings find your perfect match and recommend a card that maximizes your rewards, savings and benefits — all tailored to you.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
