Walking down the egg aisle at your local supermarket these days feels a bit like browsing in a jewellery shop.
Those cartons that once seemed like an affordable staple now come with price tags that make you do a double-take, and if you're on a pension, that weekly grocery budget is feeling the pinch more than ever.
The harsh reality? Those predictions about egg prices returning to normal by late 2024 haven't quite panned out. In early 2025, egg prices climbed even higher, sitting about 12 per cent more expensive than they were this time last year. What we thought might be a temporary hiccup has turned into something more permanent.
In this article
Where we stand now
A dozen eggs in Sydney now averages around $9, with free-range eggs typically retailing at around $6 or up to $9 for premium extra-large varieties. That's a far cry from the $4.50 you might have paid for basic cage eggs just a few years back.
Australia's egg prices of $6.47 USD per dozen compare to a global average of just $3.26 USD, confirming we're still paying some of the world's steepest prices for this kitchen staple. To put that in perspective, while we're shelling out nearly $10 for a dozen, shoppers in Pakistan are paying around $2.70 (converted to Australian dollars).
'We may be looking at a new normal for the egg sector—one where price volatility and supply constraints are more common'
Why the slow recovery
The avian flu outbreaks in May 2024 were more devastating than initially realised. The biosecurity response necessitated the slaughter of around 2.6 million birds, most occurring at commercial egg farms. That's not the kind of loss you bounce back from in six months.
But there's more to the story. Australian egg farmers are dealing with uncertain supermarket policies regarding cage-free commitments and changing national welfare legislation, alongside shifting consumer preferences.
Major supermarket chains committed to phasing out caged eggs by 2025, but this deadline now appears to be softening, leaving egg producers unsure of how and when to reinvest.
What this means for your household budget
For those on the Age Pension or fixed incomes, these price increases hit particularly hard. A weekly dozen eggs that once cost $4.50 now represents a $4-5 increase per week—that's potentially $200-250 more per year just for eggs.
Smart egg alternatives for budget-conscious shoppers
Canned salmon or tuna: Protein-rich and often on special
Greek yoghurt: High protein, can substitute in baking
Tofu scramble: Quarter the price per serve of eggs
Legumes and beans: Dried varieties offer excellent value
Cottage cheese: Versatile protein source, often cheaper per gram
The good news is that eggs aren't irreplaceable in most recipes or meals. If you're handy in the kitchen, there are plenty of ways to stretch your protein budget without sacrificing nutrition.
The nutrition factor
For older Australians, eggs have always been valued for good reason. They're complete proteins, rich in vitamin B12 (crucial for brain health), and contain choline, which supports memory function. The convenience factor matters too—they're quick to prepare when mobility or energy levels are concerns.
Budget-friendly protein strategies
- Buy eggs in bulk when on special and use within 3-4 weeks
- Consider alternating between eggs and cheaper protein sources
- Use eggs as ingredients rather than the main event
- Check independent grocers and farmers' markets for better prices
- Consider backyard chickens if you have suitable space and local council permits
Looking ahead
Banking analysts warn that the era of cheap, abundant eggs may be over, with supply expected to improve, though not necessarily returning to previous price levels.
While egg production is forecast to increase, that doesn't necessarily mean supply will return to previous levels, especially given rising costs and structural change across the sector. The investment required to rebuild farms to meet new welfare standards, combined with the unpredictable nature of disease outbreaks, suggests we're in a new reality.
Finding your balance
Rather than abandoning eggs entirely, many savvy shoppers are adapting their habits. Perhaps Sunday pancakes become a monthly treat instead of weekly, or scrambled eggs share the breakfast plate with beans or avocado more often.
The silver lining? This situation has sparked creativity in Australian kitchens. Many people are rediscovering forgotten recipes, trying new ingredients, and finding that variety might indeed be the spice of life—even if it wasn't exactly by choice.
Whether you're a pension recipient feeling the squeeze or simply someone who remembers when eggs were genuinely affordable, you're not alone in feeling frustrated by these changes. The key is adapting while not compromising your health or completely abandoning the foods you enjoy.
What strategies have you found for managing rising food costs? Are there particular protein alternatives that have become staples in your household? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below—chances are, your fellow readers could use the inspiration.
Primary Source
https://honey.nine.com.au/money/egg...xpensive/01831f55-ff97-4221-af55-224e6d845616
Why Are Eggs So Expensive in Australia in 2025?
Cited text: In late 2024, egg prices jumped by around 11 per cent, and by early 2025, they had climbed even higher — sitting about 12 per cent more expensive than they were this ...
Excerpt: In early 2025, egg prices climbed even higher, sitting about 12 per cent more expensive than they were this time last year
https://www.mychickencoop.com.au/blog/where-have-all-the-eggs-gone-why-eggs-are-so-expen/
Australia egg market—high prices, volatility continue | WATTPoultry.com
Cited text: Egg prices are up almost 12 per cent in a year as producers face ongoing uncertainty.
Excerpt: In early 2025, egg prices climbed even higher, sitting about 12 per cent more expensive than they were this time last year
https://www.wattagnet.com/blogs/pou...ia-egg-market-high-prices-volatility-continue
Price of 12 eggs, large in Sydney
Cited text: Average price in Sydney: AU$9.
Excerpt: A dozen eggs in Sydney now averages around $9, with free-range eggs typically retailing at around $6 or up to $9 for premium extra-large varieties
https://www.expatistan.com/price/eggs/sydney
Eggs-istential Questions: Why Supermarket Shelves Are Bare | ANZ
Cited text: The price of eggs has risen significantly in Australia, with a dozen free-range eggs typically retailing at around $6—or up to $9 for premium extra-...
Excerpt: A dozen eggs in Sydney now averages around $9, with free-range eggs typically retailing at around $6 or up to $9 for premium extra-large varieties
https://www.anz.com.au/newsroom/med...-questions--why-supermarket-shelves-are-bare/
Australia—Eggs—price, January 2025 | GlobalProductPrices.com
Cited text: The price of eggs in Australia is 6.47 USD, compared to an average price of 3.26 USD across all 80 countries in our database.
Excerpt: Australia's egg prices of $6.47 USD per dozen compare to a global average of just $3.26 USD
https://www.globalproductprices.com/Australia/egg_prices/
Domestic price of eggs—Business Environment Profile Report | IBISWorld
Cited text: This biosecurity concern necessitated the slaughter of around 2.6 million birds, most of which occurred at commercial egg farms.
Excerpt: The biosecurity response necessitated the slaughter of around 2.6 million birds, most occurring at commercial egg farms
https://www.ibisworld.com/australia/bed/domestic-price-of-eggs/1995/
Australia egg market—high prices, volatility continue | WATTPoultry.com
Cited text: It argues that, given the investment required to rebuild and transition farms to meet the country’s new welfare standards, and the unpredictable natur...
Excerpt: Australian egg farmers are dealing with uncertain supermarket policies regarding cage-free commitments and changing national welfare legislation, alongside shifting consumer preferences
https://www.wattagnet.com/blogs/pou...ia-egg-market-high-prices-volatility-continue
Australia egg market—high prices, volatility continue | WATTPoultry.com
Cited text: Avian influenza, it goes without saying, has caused issues in numerous countries around the world, but Australia’s egg farmers are also having to deal...
Excerpt: Australian egg farmers are dealing with uncertain supermarket policies regarding cage-free commitments and changing national welfare legislation, alongside shifting consumer preferences
https://www.wattagnet.com/blogs/pou...ia-egg-market-high-prices-volatility-continue
Eggs-istential Questions: Why Supermarket Shelves Are Bare | ANZ
Cited text: “Most major supermarket chains committed to phasing out caged eggs by 2025, but this deadline now appears to be softening or potentially shifting—wh...
Excerpt: Major supermarket chains committed to phasing out caged eggs by 2025, but this deadline now appears to be softening, leaving egg producers unsure of how and when to reinvest
https://www.anz.com.au/newsroom/med...-questions--why-supermarket-shelves-are-bare/
Australia egg market—high prices, volatility continue | WATTPoultry.com
Cited text: It warns that the era of cheap, abundant eggs may be over.
Excerpt: Banking analysts warn that the era of cheap, abundant eggs may be over
https://www.wattagnet.com/blogs/pou...ia-egg-market-high-prices-volatility-continue
Why Are Eggs So Expensive in Australia in 2025?
Cited text: Egg farmers have been working hard to rebuild their flocks, and the national supply is expected to improve by mid to late 2025.
Excerpt: supply expected to improve by mid to late 2025, though not necessarily returning to previous price levels
https://www.mychickencoop.com.au/blog/where-have-all-the-eggs-gone-why-eggs-are-so-expen/
Eggs-istential Questions: Why Supermarket Shelves Are Bare | ANZ
Cited text: “While Australia’s egg producers have shown remarkable resilience—and egg production is forecast to increase in 2025—that doesn’t necessarily mean...
Excerpt: While egg production is forecast to increase in 2025, that doesn't necessarily mean supply will return to previous levels, especially given rising costs and structural change across the sector
https://www.anz.com.au/newsroom/med...-questions--why-supermarket-shelves-are-bare/
Eggs-istential Questions: Why Supermarket Shelves Are Bare | ANZ
Cited text: “Given the investment required to rebuild and transition farms to meet new welfare standards, and the unpredictable nature of avian disease outbreaks,...
Excerpt: While egg production is forecast to increase in 2025, that doesn't necessarily mean supply will return to previous levels, especially given rising costs and structural change across the sector
https://www.anz.com.au/newsroom/med...-questions--why-supermarket-shelves-are-bare/
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