The cost of breakfast just got pricier. Fresh data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows inflation climbing 3% in January, with breakfast staples like eggs, bacon, orange juice, and coffee leading the charge.¹ Eggs have soared 15.2% compared to December, the largest increase since June 2015, and 53% year-over-year, reaching $4.95 a dozen on average.²

The rising cost of breakfast staples is part of a larger trend in food inflation. While the price for food at home increased by 0.5% in January compared to the previous month, essentials like eggs, juice, and coffee have seen more dramatic spikes.³ With supply chain disruptions, climate concerns, and disease outbreaks continuing to affect production, grocery bills are reflecting these pressures.

Egg prices crack new highs

Overall, grocery inflation is up 1.9% compared to a year ago, but eggs are one of the biggest drivers of rising food costs, accounting for about two-thirds of the total monthly food at home increase.⁴ A severe bird flu outbreak has hit poultry farms hard, reducing the supply and sending prices higher.⁵ With fewer eggs reaching store shelves, staples like omelets and scrambled eggs have become a pricier part of the breakfast routine. The USDA forecasts egg prices will increase an additional 20.3% this year.⁶

Some stores are even limiting how many eggs a customer can buy. The demand is leading to unusual crimes, with 100,000 organic eggs stolen in Pennsylvania, followed by thieves nabbing $780 of eggs at a Seattle restaurant.⁷

Read more: The cost of a cup of Joe is up 14%

Bring home the bacon?

It’s not just eggs increasing the cost of breakfast. Bacon prices rose 6% in January, compared to a year earlier. Breakfast sausage is a more affordable choice, up 2.7% for the 12-month period ending in January.⁸

Americans spent an average of $587 on groceries in January, according to Empower Personal Dashboard^TM data.

Orange juice gets the squeeze

The price of noncarbonated juices, which includes OJ, increased 1.9% in January compared to a year ago as unfavorable weather conditions and tree-killing diseases in citrus-growing regions have led to a poor harvest and shrinking supply.^9,10 As a result, orange juice has become another household staple affected by rising costs, and fresh oranges are also seeing a price increase, up 1.8% year-over-year.

Read more: Big gulps: Cold drinks capture both mind share and market share

Coffee costs perk up

Coffee prices have climbed, with roasted coffee up 2.5% compared to a year earlier, and instant coffee up 7.1%.¹¹ The increase is driven in part by extreme weather and increased demand in major coffee-producing countries.¹²

Empower research shows that Millennials in particular refuse to part with their morning cup of java, with 62% willing to spend $7 on a daily coffee because of the joy it provides. The average monthly spend at Starbucks in November was $48.05, according to Empower Personal Dashboard data.