Illinois Affected By Egg Shortage Ahead Of Thanksgiving

If you love deviled eggs, there may be an issue.

We use eggs in so many dishes over Thanksgiving, both sweet and savory. And who can forget everyone's favorite Thanksgiving appetizer?

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I will eat that whole plate. But it might be tricky thanks to the nationwide egg shortage.

NBC Chicago reports that eggs are in short supply in some grocery stores in the Chicagoland area. The shortage extends to other states too and stems from H5N1 bird flu outbreaks, most recently in Utah, Washington, and Oregon.

What It Means For You

This shortage won't mean every single grocery store is out of eggs, like the great Toilet Paper Run of 2020. But it could mean that you have to go to a few different grocery stores to find some.

Agricultural economist Bernt Nelson told NBC News that there's still a "very strong supply of eggs in the supply chain" but the shortage is creating "isolated pockets" where eggs may not be readily available.

Marc Dresner, communications director for the American Egg Board, told NBC Chicago:

America’s egg farmers understand that eggs are essential to holiday entertaining and baking. We are aware some shoppers may be experiencing shortages of their favorite eggs at the grocery store, and we share their frustration.

And when you do find eggs, they will be pricier than holiday season 2023. It's still not the most expensive that eggs have been in recent years if that's any comfort.

Dresner said that an estimated 24 million hens have been lost due to bird flu in the U.S. in 2024, which includes 5 million since October.

U.S. Government's Level 4 Do Not Travel List

Many people travel at the end of the year for the holidays or to use up vacation days that may expire. These countries have a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory issued on them by the U.S. Government and should be avoided.

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