March 22, 2013

Egg consumption in the US may be recovering after five years of declination.

During the peak of the low-carb diet trend in 2006, each American consumed an average of 260 eggs annually. However, consumption fell to about 248 eggs per person in 2011, according to USDA livestock analyst, Shayle Shagam.

Following the decline, egg consumption in 2012 has risen slightly, at over 249 eggs per person, she added.

In 2013, Shagam expects the number to increase to about 252 eggs per person.

One reason for the egg rebound may be the record high prices for other protein sources, like beef, Shagam says. "Given the price of meat proteins, eggs may be considered to be a fair alternative for addition to the protein diet."

The USDA projects table egg production in the US to increase by about 1% in 2013 compared to last year.