In the realm of social media, a valuable lesson reigns supreme: never let a good crisis go to waste. The current nationwide egg scarcity resulting from the avian flu crisis has given birth to a unique content trend. Individuals are taking to social platforms to share videos ranging from showcasing the dwindling egg supplies in grocery stores to detailing their experiences of hatching chicks at home. Content revolving around the egg shortage has been capturing the attention of millions online in recent weeks, as consumers seek solace in social media to help them navigate the chaos surrounding eggs.
“I’m not particularly surprised, given the constant chatter about egg prices and the general rise in expenses,” remarked TikTok sensation Magda, known for her account magdacious where she sheds light on the fluctuating egg costs since President Donald Trump’s re-election. “I believe it impacts a wide range of people.” Hailing from New Jersey, Magda, who prefers to go by her first name only due to privacy concerns, shared her journey of striving to achieve virality on social media since 2012. However, it was only last month that her content started gaining traction, with followers requesting access to her detailed Google Sheet tracking egg prices at various supermarkets nationwide.
According to federal data, the average price for a dozen large Grade A eggs soared to $4.95 in January, surpassing the previous peak of $4.82 recorded in January 2023. In contrast, prices had dipped significantly, with last January’s average standing at a mere $2.52. Major grocery chains such as Trader Joe’s, Walmart, and Costco have now resorted to restricting the number of eggs each customer can purchase.
Similar to Magda, other creators have also found success with their egg-related content, some of which was not initially conceived in response to the prevailing circumstances. “I never planned on creating a series,” explained Magda. “But given the immense engagement it received and the curiosity of many, I thought, ‘Why not? Someone needs to do it.'”
On TikTok, one video showcases a lengthy queue outside Costco that culminates in a fervor surrounding the egg section, complete with smashed egg cartons amidst the chaos. In another clip, a man humorously captures himself purchasing “something special” for his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day – a carton of eggs from the store.
A particularly popular video by artist and mother Kate Vanden Bosch chronicles her journey of buying fertile eggs from Trader Joe’s and then successfully incubating them. Twenty-one days later, Vanden Bosch welcomed eight adorable chicks into the world, garnering almost 5 million views on TikTok. Although her initial aim was not to raise chickens as a response to the escalating egg prices, Vanden Bosch believes this aspect has intrigued her viewers, with some expressing a desire to replicate her experiment.
“People are starting to realize the flaws in our food system,” she
