Food: Is there an egg crisis in Germany?

Red, yellow or green – colorful eggs not only encounter enthusiasm for Easter. Hundreds of million are sold or colored every year. For some time now, however, there have been reports that the eggs in Germany are scarce. There is also occasionally talking about rationing. How is the situation? The most important questions and answers at a glance:

Is there an egg crisis in Germany?

In fact, it is the case that supply and demand have not fit together in the past few weeks. This was reported by the Federal Association of EI, which represents egg economy in Germany. There were fewer chicken eggs than needed on the market. As a result, wholesale prices rapidly raised. According to Association President Hans-Peter Goldnick, the situation has now improved: “We will have enough eggs at Easter.”

What were the reasons for this?

Egg producers face several problems. One of them is bird flu. Because of the plague, laying hen stocks had to be culled again and again, including in northern Germany. It takes a few months before new hens have grown up, which can fill this gap. This is reinforced by cases all over the world. Because Germany cannot completely supply itself with eggs. The demand could only be covered with domestic production last year. Therefore, eggs from abroad must be imported

After Christmas, according to the Baden-Württemberg State Farmers’ Association, it is also common for production to be shut down. During this time, herds are exchanged – that is, older hens are equipped and young animals are bought. “In the months of January and February, an incredible number of Legenhenens’ stables were empty,” said Goldnick. At the end of March, production will run again in full.

The situation in the USA is more sensitive. Do the Americans buy the eggs away?

The situation is much more tense in the United States. The trigger is also the bird flu here. Millions of laying hens were culled: as a result, eggs became scarcer and more expensive. US authorities have therefore asked for more egg exports in Europe, including in Germany.

The Federal Association EI has reached a corresponding request through the Ministry of Economic Affairs. This is now passed on to the large dealers and producers, said Goldnick. However, he considers that many eggs are exported to the USA is unrealistic. “I think that these large quantities in a market that is just balanced is very, very difficult.”

Could eggs become scarce again in the shops?

Customers recently found only a reduced range of eggs in grocery stores. According to the Federal Association of German Food Trade (BVLH), the situation has improved significantly for two weeks. “The supply of goods is more stable,” says Managing Director Philipp Hennerkes. He, too, does not expect the United States to have an egg exports noticeably and lead to bottlenecks for customers in Germany. “We have partnership collaborations with producers and the contractual agreements ensure the care.”

Will the prices rise before Easter?

For customers of discounters and supermarkets, eggs should not become more expensive so quickly. “The egg prices are stable,” said Goldnick. There are usually one-year contracts between the dealers and egg producers that are concluded in August or September. In most cases, price increases are possible at the earliest in autumn.

As with other foods, consumers in Germany had to accept significantly higher prices for eggs in the past: In February, eggs were 40.7 percent more expensive than on average in 2020, as data from the Federal Statistical Office show.

How many eggs are used in Germany?

The fact that eggs were recently scarce has to do with the great demand. In 2024, egg consumption rose by more than four percent to 20.8 billion eggs. In this country, an average of 249 eggs were consumed in this country – 10 more than in the previous year. There had already been an increase back then. Processed eggs are included in egg products in the preliminary figures of the Federal Information Center Agriculture (BZL).

Why are more eggs eaten?

Experts see several reasons. In times of persistent inflation, the egg is a comparatively inexpensive food, says the head of the BZL, Josef Goos. “When spreading the flexitarian diet, eggs are also an inexpensive source for high -quality protein.” Eggs are increasingly regarded as a vegetarian sausage protein replacement, such as avocado bread with egg, says YouGov-Consum expert Werner Lauss. “Our analyzes show that eggs from other categories win primarily from sausage.” The increased consumption fits well with the current high protein trend.

How many eggs are healthy?

The German Nutrition Society only recommends one egg a week, for example as a breakfast egg or fried egg. The number is not due to health reasons, it is said. It is a lot that is sufficient for nutrient intake and health, the environment does not load more than necessary and corresponds to the average consumption habits. Foods that process processed eggs, such as pasta, pastries or cakes, are not included here and are also added.

Are there alternatives to the chicken egg?

If you want to do without eggs when baking and cooking and look for a replacement, you can use foods such as bananas, apple sauce or flax seeds. This advises the consumer advice center. For pastries, an egg can therefore also be replaced by strength, soybean or chickpea flour mixed with two to three tablespoons of water. An alternative are plant-based egg alternatives that are available in the supermarket.