CONSUMER

Expect record-high egg prices for most of the year

Jan 26, 2025, 2:30 PM

Empty shelves are seen in the egg section of a grocery store on January 23 in Miami. (Joe Raedle/Ge...

Empty shelves are seen in the egg section of a grocery store on January 23 in Miami. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)

(Joe Raedle/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)

(CNN) — Americans can continue to expect high prices for eggs this year, new estimates show, due to the ongoing avian flu outbreak and inflation.

Egg prices are estimated to increase about 20% in 2025, compared to about 2.2% for food prices in general, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s price outlook. Beef, coffee and orange juice are among groceries with higher prices, but eggs are uniquely impacted by the aggressive strain of avian flu, which has strained supply.

While some states escaped last year’s outbreaks, many have reported a resurgence of the virus, which killed about 17.2 million egg-laying hens in November and December. That’s nearly half of all birds killed by the virus in 2024, according to the USDA.

The average price of a dozen large, grade-A eggs was $4.15 in December, up from $3.65 in November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Egg prices were also up more than 36% year-over-year in December, according to the Consumer Price Index.

“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 seen more than 20 consecutive months of record-high demand, according to Metz. The demand, which increased due to the holidays, contributes to the rising cost of eggs.

Some grocers have put limits on how many eggs a shopper can buy on one trip. The USDA said in its egg markets overview that it’s an effort to stretch their supply because, as Metz described, “people start to panic buy eggs.”

“People recognize the value in eggs, even with a slightly elevated price, and are also finding that eggs are indispensable to their daily lives,” said Metz.

As long as the avian flu persists, so will high prices. There are outbreaks in California, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio, the USDA said. About 8.3 million birds have died in January because of those outbreaks, according to the USDA.

Manufacturers and egg wholesalers have also drastically increased their prices in recent months. In New York, the wholesale price of large-carton eggs rose to $7.24 per dozen, while in the Midwest it increased to $6.84. In California, large eggs declined to $8.35 per dozen.

That’s costing grocers, who are holding prices at record or near-record highs, the USDA said. Avian flu outbreaks have spread to farms where birds are raised to lay eggs, hurting the population of young birds needed to offset the loss of egg-laying hens.

KSL 5 TV Live

Consumer

KSL’s Matt Gephardt blends cream, milk and sugar to make ice cream. The cost of his homemade ice ...

Matt Gephardt

Gephardt Gets It: We made five often used foods on our own. Here’s where we saved money on our groceries

Groceries have gotten pricey. But by making some of your own food, you can cut costs by over 30%.

9 hours ago

In this photo illustration, pennies are seen on a table on February 10, 2025 in New York City. U.S....

Jill Colvin, Associated Press

Trump says he has directed US Treasury to stop minting new pennies, citing rising cost

President Donald Trump says he has directed the Treasury Department to stop minting new pennies, citing the rising cost of producing the one-cent coin.

22 hours ago

Seth Hiatt said his tabletop game company is being hit with new tariffs on his products that are ma...

Mike Anderson

Tariffs hit Utah businesses that import from China

Seth Hiatt said his tabletop game company is being hit with new tariffs on his products that are manufactured in China – a cost he'll have to pass on to consumers.

5 days ago

RubySnap bakery in downtown Salt Lake City is struggling with the high cost of eggs. Pictured Wedne...

Debbie Worthen

Utah bakery feeling the pain of soaring egg prices

A Utah bakery is feeling the pain of soaring egg prices as they work to bake "joy in a cookie form."

6 days ago

Rehn says despite the her washer’s fifth breakdown, her extended warranty company will not pay ou...

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt helps Washington City woman who says her warranty won’t pay out for her unrepairable washer

When a Washington City woman's extended warranty refused to cover the cost to replace her broken-down washer, she decided to Get Gephardt.

6 days ago

FILE – U.S. agriculture could be impacted heavily during a trade war, as it did in 2018-19. (KSL ...

Mike Anderson

Economist: Effects of 2018-19 trade war still linger, shows what to expect from another trade war with China

An economist at Utah State University says tariffs tend to hurt the consumer, and rarely achieve their objectives without doing significant damage.

8 days ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Expect record-high egg prices for most of the year