Egg Prices to Soar 20% in 2025 Amid Avian Flu Outbreak

MIAMI, Fla. — Americans will face a 20% spike in egg prices in 2025 due to the ongoing avian flu outbreak and inflation, according to new estimates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The increase far outpaces the projected 2.2% rise in overall food prices, with eggs uniquely impacted by the aggressive strain of avian flu that has devastated poultry populations.

The virus has killed approximately 17.2 million egg-laying hens in November and December alone, nearly half of all birds lost to the disease in 2024. The average price of a dozen large, grade-A eggs reached $4.15 in December, up from $3.65 in November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Year-over-year, egg prices surged more than 36% in December.

“Not to be the bearer of bad news, but we’re in this for a while,” said Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board. “Until we have time without a detection, unfortunately this very, very tight egg supply is going to continue.”

The industry has experienced more than 20 consecutive months of record-high demand, exacerbated by holiday baking and cooking. Some grocers have imposed purchase limits to manage dwindling supplies. “People start to panic buy eggs,” Metz explained, adding that consumers recognize the value of eggs despite rising costs.

Outbreaks have been reported in California, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio, with 8.3 million birds lost in January alone. The virus has also spread to farms raising young birds, further straining the supply of egg-laying hens. Wholesale prices have surged, with large-carton eggs reaching $7.24 per dozen in New York, $6.84 in the Midwest, and $8.35 in California.

Grocers are struggling to maintain prices at record or near-record highs, the USDA said. The ongoing crisis underscores the fragility of the egg supply chain and the challenges of containing avian flu outbreaks.