Chicken wings are an iconic American food, beloved for their crispy exterior juicy meat and ability to soak up tangy sauces. However, in recent years, rising prices have made wings an increasingly expensive menu item. So what’s behind the high cost of chicken wings? As it turns out, there are several complex factors at play.
Supply and Demand Imbalances Drive Up Prices
One of the main reasons chicken wings command premium pricing is basic economics – supply and demand.
On the demand side, chicken wings have become more popular over time. Sports bars feature wings as a classic game day appetizer. Takeout wing joints thrive off wing lovers wanting their weekly fix. Grocery stores stock frozen wings for home cooking. And major events like the Super Bowl and March Madness translate into massive wing orders.
Demand clearly outstrips supply. Only two wings come from each chicken, limiting how many can be produced. And wings were previously considered waste products, with minimal processing. Now, processors struggle to keep up with demand. When supply tightens, prices rise.
Seasonal Fluctuations Impact Costs
Chicken wing prices also fluctuate seasonally. Prices tend to peak in the first quarter, especially February for the Super Bowl. Limited supplies struggle to fulfill huge wing orders, driving up costs.
After wing demand plummets post-Super Bowl, prices stabilize over summer before climbing again in fall with the return of football season. Come December, wing prices drop as demand falls.
For restaurants and bars, these price swings make it hard to keep menu costs stable. Some choose variable wing pricing so they can raise prices when supply costs spike.
External Events Can Disrupt Supply Chains
Occasional events severely disrupt wing supply, leading to dramatic price hikes.
In 2020, COVID-related slowdowns and closures at meat processing plants created a major wing shortage. With on-premise restaurant closures, demand also shifted to takeout and grocery wings. Limited supply and still-strong demand caused wing prices to skyrocket.
Weather events like droughts or bird flu outbreaks can reduce the chicken population and further constrain wing supplies. Geopolitical issues and higher fuel costs also drive up processor and distributor expenses, increasing end costs.
The Anatomy of a Chicken Wing Affects Pricing
Believe it not, the different types of chicken wings also impact pricing fluctuations. There are three main sections:
- Drumettes – The meatiest “drumstick” portion
- Flats – The longer middle section with two bones
- Tips – The wing tip with minimal meat
In the U.S., drumettes are the most popular and expensive portion. Flats were previously the least desirable, but have gained popularity for holding sauce or being “extra crispy.”
Since each chicken only has two drumettes, supplies are limited As demand rises, drumettes become costlier. More flats and almost unlimited tips are available, keeping their prices steadier
Why High Prices Persist Despite Expensive Wings
With such high costs, why do restaurants keep wings on the menu? Simply put, wings are hugely popular and profitable. Customers accept the premium pricing. While expensive to buy, wings have minimal prep time and waste versus other proteins. Higher menu prices result in wider profit margins.
And when prices eventually decline, operators can choose to keep prices steady and enjoy extra profits, at least for a while. As long as demand stays strong, high wing prices are likely here to stay.
Navigating the Challenges of Expensive Wings
For restaurants dealing with sky-high wing costs, a few strategies can help minimize the impact on the bottom line:
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Consider bone-in chicken chunks – They offer similar value, meat and coating surface.
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Explore chicken tenderloins – All white meat provides a milder flavor profile.
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Promote boneless wings – They allow more pieces from each chicken.
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Run limited-time wing specials – Offer wings as a special when prices dip.
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Partner with suppliers – Develop contracts to lock in pricing when possible.
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Rethink portions – Adjust wing counts per order to contain costs.
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Highlight flavors – Push flavored rubs and innovative sauces to enhance value.
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Add versatile sides – Give guests more shareable options beyond just wings.
The Outlook for Chicken Wing Prices
Given America’s undying appetite for chicken wings, prices are likely to remain on the higher side as demand outpaces supply. Periodic shortages and events may continue to trigger price spikes as well. But with creativity and smart menu strategies, restaurants can keep wings flying out of the kitchen despite fluctuating economics. One thing is certain – America’s wing obsession won’t be cooling off anytime soon.
The Price Journey: A Historical Exploration of Chicken Wing Prices
In 2019 and early 2020, wing prices were around $2.50 to $3.00 per pound. Typically, wings are a relatively cheap part of the chicken, meaning they’re easy to find and have a decent market value. Then, during the pandemic, chicken wing prices fluctuated wildly, going up to about $3.90 per pound in the spring of 2022.
In some areas, wing prices inflated, and supplies were so limited that foodservice establishments had to list their wings at “market price.” Fortunately, those days didn’t last too long, and the numbers came tumbling back down in the latter half of 2022. By early 2023, things had leveled out, and wings were back to around $2.70 per pound. This allowed operators to take advantage of Super Bowl demand, as Americans regularly eat over 1.4 billion wings during the game.
Behind the Numbers: Unraveling the Factors Influencing Wing Price Movements
Seeing wing prices fluctuate so wildly is one thing, but it’s imperative to understand what drives such tumultuous economics. Here are the factors that affected this last bout of wingflation, so operators can anticipate when another “perfect storm” may arrive again.
First, chicken wing prices reflect a matter of supply and demand. Demand for wings is always high, with about one billion servings of wings being ordered throughout any given year. Even at home, people love to cook wings because they’re cheap, hard to ruin, and delicious.
So, during the COVID-19 pandemic, supply levels dried up almost overnight. Because meat packing and processing plants had to close for health reasons, wings weren’t being produced like before. Although some processing plants reopened relatively quickly, the interruption caused a domino effect. Those interruptions took about three years to get smoothed out, allowing prices to fall back to pre-pandemic levels.
Finally, demand for wings can fluctuate throughout the year. Super Bowl season is typically in peak demand but can also fluctuate for other reasons. For example, if wings are unavailable for a time, customers are more likely to order them when they come back on the menu. This creates higher demand and lower supplies, so the cycle continues anew.
Why Are Chicken Wings So Expensive? – Nightlife Experiences
FAQ
Why are chicken wings expensive now?
Chicken wing supply chain considerations
The chicken wing industry has faced several challenges that have led to shortages and price spikes. Increased demand has impacted chicken wings, as they’re a highly popular food item, particularly during major sporting events such as the Super Bowl.
Why is there a shortage of chicken wings?
High Demand: Boneless chicken wings are a popular menu item, especially in bars and restaurants. This high demand can sometimes outpace supply, leading to shortages.
What is the average price of chicken wings?
Figure 1 shows a four-week rolling average of U.S. retail price for chicken wings. Throughout 2019 and 2020, wing prices were between $2.50 and $3.00 per pound. However, in 2021 prices increased and regularly exceeded $3.50 per pound. In spring 2022, the rolling average price hit a high of $3.90 per pound.
How much is 1 lb of wings?