What is the impact of rising egg prices on the economy?

Rising egg prices impact the economy in several interconnected ways. Restaurants like Waffle House have implemented surcharges (50 cents) because eggs are essential for many menu items, directly affecting consumer costs. At the grocery level, consumers may avoid making dishes requiring eggs, decreasing sales for those ingredients and related products. This shift in consumer behavior also creates a ripple effect on other protein markets. As people seek alternatives to eggs, demand for other proteins increases, driving up those prices as well. This cascading effect demonstrates how inflation in one essential food item can spread throughout the food supply chain, affecting both businesses and household budgets.