LOS ANGELES (KTLA) — The cost of a dozen eggs has soared, with prices varying significantly depending on the supermarket.
Even though Gen Z “doesn’t know how to make an egg,” according to some, there’s still a shortage. Whether it’s bird flu, inflation or the fact that the official meal of Los Angeles is the breakfast burrito, high prices aren’t going over easy with customers.
What’s even crazier? The price can be more than double depending on where you shop.
A quick search of top markets in Los Angeles reveals the following prices for store-brand Grade A cage-free eggs in the Valley:
- Ralphs – $8.99
- Vons (Lucerne brand) – $7.99
- Whole Foods – $3.79
- Sprouts (AA) – $3.99
- Trader Joe’s – $3.99
The price difference is particularly interesting at Whole Foods and Sprouts, grocery stores considered to be on the high-end of prices. And in the case of Sprouts, you’re getting Grade AA eggs, which are supposedly better.
People on Reddit have posted pictures of Ralphs eggs on sale for $9. Some commenters have accused the store of price gouging.
When asked about the price differences, Kroger, the parent company of Ralphs, did not respond.
So what gives? It’s likely due to each store’s specific supplier, how hard they were hit by the shortage and how costs are passed on to customers.
Some have speculated that the prices at Trader Joe’s, another grocery chain that has experienced its own issues with egg supplies, were fixed with their vendor and could go up if and when contracts were renewed.
KTLA 5 consumer reporter David Lazarus agreed that a contractually locked-in price could explain the discrepancy at this and other “boujee” supermarkets.
Trader Joe’s has also not responded to a request for comment. In a previous report, the company told The Associated Press it did not want to comment on the egg shortage.
