Are Egg Prices Ruining Your Breakfast? You Should Be Eating Oatmeal Instead Anyway

Egg prices have been on the rise for a while now. At the end of 2024, on average, a dozen chicken eggs had exceeded $4, which is almost double the price of 2022, when they were just over $2 a pack. And it’s getting worse. Research suggests that 2025 is going to see another egg price increase of 20 percent.

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RELATED: Fuel Your Veganuary with These 31 Delicious Plant-Based Breakfasts

“Not to be the bearer of bad news, but we’re in this for a while,” Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board, told CNN recently. But why are costs rising so much? It turns out, the answer might put you off eggs for life. Here’s more about how an infectious disease is interfering with egg prices, plus a few ideas for nutritious, tasty plant-based foods you might want to eat for breakfast instead. 

Why are egg prices so high right now?

There are a few reasons why egg prices are soaring. Generally, across the food industry, inflation is causing prices to rise. Per the US Department of Agriculture, food costs are expected to increase by 2.2 percent over the course of 2025. The worst increases will be seen in restaurants, where menu prices are expected to soar by 2.6 percent. But the egg industry isn’t just battling inflation, it’s also dealing with disease.

Bird flu has been spreading in the food industry since 2021, and it is showing no signs of letting up anytime soon. In just the last quarter, more than 20 million egg-laying hens have died from the disease in the US alone. It is this mass culling of infected birds that has led to decreased egg output, which has contributed significantly to skyrocketing prices. 

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Bird flu has also spread to cats and cattle, and some experts are concerned it could spread between humans in the future. But right now, that hasn’t happened (although some humans have contracted it from animals). But animal agriculture in general is a real disease risk; according to the World Health Organization, around 60 percent of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic, which means they originated in animals. As well as bird flu, swine flu is an example of a disease that has been spreading through farmed animals (in this case pigs).

What to eat for breakfast instead of eggs: 5 healthy foods to try

There is no evidence to suggest that anyone can contract bird flu from eating eggs. But if you don’t want to spend the extra dollars, there are many other nutritious plant-based foods you can enjoy for breakfast instead. Check out some of our favorites below.

1 Oatmeal

Per serving, oatmeal tends to be cheaper than eggs. Plus, it also packs plenty of nutrients. Unlike eggs, oatmeal is a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. It also contains around five grams of protein, and you can boost up this content by pairing it with seeds and nuts.
Try it in a recipe: Vegan Baked Berry Oatmeal With Walnuts

2 Tofu scramble

If you love the flavor of eggs, then tofu scramble is a great alternative. This dish is light and fluffy, and when made with kala namak, it has that distinctly sulfurous eggy taste. Tofu is also generally more affordable than eggs and it’s a great source of protein. A standard serving size of tofu is about 3 ounces, which provides roughly seven grams of protein. One egg has around six grams of protein.
Try it in a recipe: Simple Vegan Breakfast Scramble Sandwiches

Desiree Nielsen

3 Leafy greens

Incorporating some leafy greens into your morning meal is a great way to start the day with a boost of nutrition. It not only adds essential vitamins and minerals but also provides fiber to support digestion and keep you energized throughout the day. Blend greens into smoothies, enjoy them with omelets, or add them to a breakfast bowl.
Try it in a recipe: Vegan Chickpea Omelet With Curried Sweet Potato and Spinach

4 Chia pudding

If bought in bulk, chia seeds—which can be sprinkled on açai bowls or used to make chia pudding—can be a cost-effective breakfast option. Plus, they’re rich in fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, and (unlike eggs) they’re cholesterol-free. In fact, all of the options on this list are cholesterol-free.
Try it in a recipe: Banana Tahini Chia Pudding With Peanut Butter Chocolate Sauce 

Julie Morris

5 Berries

Starting your day with berries is always a good idea—after all, they are nutrient powerhouses packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Frozen berries are generally more affordable per serving than eggs, particularly when you purchase them in bulk.
Try it in a recipe: Vegan Berry and Almond Amaranth Porridge