When it comes to measuring economic pain, the cost of a humble breakfast sandwich might not be top of mind. But Bloomberg has an index that tracks the rising cost of a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich, plus a cup of coffee. And this year, it’s reached record highs. 

On today’s Big Take podcast, we hear from people up and down the BEC supply chain — from a wheat farmer to a coffee roaster to a guy who turned his life-long love of eggs into a career. What does the most important meal of the day tell us about inflation, supply and demand, and the complexities of financial markets? More importantly: how did this sandwich get so expensive?

Follow the BEC Index on the Bloomberg Terminal: {ECAN US BEC<Go>}

Read more: A Classic New York Cheap Breakfast Hits $8 on Steep Eggs Prices

Further listening: Why Eggs Are So Expensive Right Now