The cost of breakfast staples like eggs, orange juice, and coffee is rising sharply, impacting consumers' wallets. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, egg prices have increased by over 50% year over year as of January, with a 7% rise from the previous month. Orange juice prices have climbed 7.7% over the past year, while coffee has seen a 3% increase.
The surge in egg prices is largely attributed to the H5N1 bird flu, which has disrupted egg production. USA Today reports that egg prices jumped 15.2% last month alone. Other breakfast items, such as bacon and frozen juices, have also seen significant price hikes.
Food economics professor David Ortega from Michigan State University noted that breakfast items are particularly affected by inflationary pressures. Despite a moderation in the rate of food price increases since 2022, prices remain significantly higher than four years ago.
The broader economic context includes inflationary pressures and policy decisions. President Donald Trump's recent tariff policies, including a temporary pause on 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, are being closely watched for their potential impact on food prices. Ortega emphasized the need for stability in policy to avoid further inflationary periods in food prices.