Why Egg Prices Are Likely to Reach Record-High in 2025

Egg prices are climbing fast, and shoppers should brace for even steeper costs in 2025. The latest estimates from the USDA predict a massive 20% increase, far outpacing the average food price hike of just 2.2%. Avian flu and inflation are fueling this crisis, and experts say there is no relief in sight.

Grocery bills have already taken a hit, with eggs reaching $4.15 per dozen in December. That is a 36% increase compared to the previous year, and the upward trend is not slowing.

Unlike other expensive items like beef and coffee, eggs are dealing with a unique challenge: A deadly strain of avian flu wiping out millions of hens.

Avian Flu Is Destroying Egg Supply

Egg prices are skyrocketing, largely because of an aggressive avian flu outbreak. The virus returned with force in late 2024, killing 17.2 million egg-laying hens in just two months. That is nearly half of all virus-related bird deaths that year and the trend continued into 2025.

Julian / Pexels / According to reports, the ongoing avian flu killed almost 17.2 million egg-laying hens in 2024 – wreaking havoc with egg supply throughout the country.

States like California, Indiana, and Ohio are seeing fresh outbreaks, with another 8.3 million birds lost in January alone. The virus spreads fast, wiping out entire flocks. Fewer hens mean fewer eggs, and when supply drops, prices soar.

The Holiday Surge Made It Even Worse

Demand for eggs has been climbing for 20 straight months, and the holiday season sent it through the roof. Shoppers were willing to pay high prices, keeping demand strong despite inflation. With Easter around the corner, another wave of price increases is likely.

Some grocery stores have started limiting how many eggs customers can buy. It is an effort to keep shelves stocked, but it also triggers panic buying. The moment people think eggs might disappear, they rush to grab more, pushing prices even higher.

Egg Prices Vary By Region, But Costs Are Up Everywhere

It is essential to note here that egg prices are not just rising. They are breaking records across the country. In New York, the wholesale cost of a dozen eggs has hit $7.24.

Duy / Pexels / In the Midwest, the wholesale cost of a dozen eggs is up to $6.84. California has seen some of the highest spikes, with prices reaching $8.35 per dozen before slightly dipping.

Supermarkets are struggling to absorb these costs, leading to record-high prices at checkout. Even discount grocery chains have been forced to raise prices, leaving shoppers with fewer budget-friendly options.

Egg Prices Likely to Go Up for Most of the Year

According to reports, egg shortages will not improve until the avian flu outbreak slows. And right now, that is not happening. Farms are losing millions of birds, and new hens take months to reach egg-laying age. Even when the virus subsides, supply will take time to recover.

For now, consumers can expect high egg prices for most of 2025. As long as the avian flu lingers and demand stays strong, eggs will remain one of the priciest staples in the grocery aisle.

What should consumers do? Well, experts want Americans to avoid ‘panic egg buying,’ meaning you should not rush to the market to buy eggs in bulk. Take it easy, instead. Wait for the egg market to slow down. When there is no high demand, egg prices will automatically go down.