Surging egg prices leave shoppers and restaurants scrambling

MILWAUKEE (CBS58) -- Grocery shoppers around the country are experiencing sticker shock with one breakfast staple.

According to the Consumer Price Index, egg prices went up more than 36% last year.

This is happening for two reasons: inflation and the avian flu.

"The evolution of the avian flu is really headed in a direction that is surprising. It's lasting longer, and it's stronger," said Mike Sammann, president and CEO of the Wisconsin Grocers Association.

The avian flu outbreak has been impacting egg suppliers for years.

Sammann says demand is also a more recent issue.

"We are almost at a 50-year high of consumption; eggs are a great protein," said Sammann.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's price outlook, egg prices are estimated to increase about 20% this year.

Just a month ago, the average price of a dozen large, grade-A eggs was $4.15, up from $3.65 in November of last year.

"That's [egg prices] something we keep a very close eye on," said Maria Goumenos, owner of Pegasus restaurant in West Allis.

"There are so many things that go with eggs, that we make with eggs," said Goumenos.

At Pegasus, breakfast is always on the menu.

"We are a traditional ma and pa, so people come at nighttime, seven or eight o'clock, and they like breakfast," said Goumenos.

So, to help with margins, she says they've had to adjust how much they serve their customers.

"All restaurants right now are stressed out. Say you have eggs, potatoes and toast, the potatoes portion might be a little bit less just try to make up for that cost because it's gone up so much," said Goumenos.

Sammann suggests looking for other protein options or egg alternatives like plant-based eggs.