Anika Markle Egg prices in the U.S. remain high, with a projected increase of about 20% in 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This is much higher than the estimated 2.2% rise in food prices overall. The primary drivers of this spike are the ongoing avian flu outbreak and inflation, which have drastically impacted egg supplies.
Other grocery items, like beef, coffee, and orange juice, are also seeing higher prices, but eggs are hit especially hard due to the aggressive avian flu strain. The disease led to the loss of 17.2 million egg-laying hens in just November and December of 2024, nearly half of all birds lost to the virus last year.
In December 2024, the average price for a dozen large, grade-A eggs jumped to $4.15, up from $3.65 in November. Compared to December 2023, egg prices were more than 36% higher. Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board, explained that the tight supply will persist as long as outbreaks continue.
For over 20 months, record-high demand for eggs has further pushed prices up. Seasonal holidays, when egg demand peaks, only added to the pressure. To manage limited supplies, some grocery stores have placed purchase limits on eggs, hoping to avoid panic buying.
The avian flu remains a significant issue in states like California, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio. In January alone, 8.3 million birds were lost due to the virus. The disease doesn’t just impact current egg-laying hens—it also disrupts the population of young birds, making it harder for farms to recover.
As a result, wholesale egg prices have soared. For example, in New York, large-carton eggs reached $7.24 per dozen, while prices hit $6.84 in the Midwest. Even in California, where prices have recently declined, a dozen large eggs cost $8.35.
Despite the high prices, demand for eggs remains strong. Metz notes that eggs are “indispensable to daily life,” and their value, even at elevated prices, continues to resonate with consumers. However, until avian flu outbreaks subside, egg supplies will stay tight, keeping prices high.
Grocers are struggling to maintain stock without driving prices even higher for consumers. For now, shoppers can expect to pay a premium for this essential item.