Why are eggs so expensive now in 2025? A comprehensive breakdown
Have you noticed a dent in your wallet from your breakfast omelet lately? You're not imagining things. Egg prices have been on a rollercoaster. In January 2025, the national average retail price for a dozen Grade A eggs reached $4.95, according to the latest Consumer Price Index data. Experts warn that prices are likely to continue climbing due to ongoing supply challenges.
And it's not just your regular eggs we're talking about. The price difference between organic, free-range, and conventional eggs widens, adding another layer to this story.
Why are your eggs getting more expensive?
Egg prices have seen some pretty extreme highs and lows in the early 20s. But why? And will this trend continue? Let's crack this egg of a mystery open.
Bird flu outbreaks
First up, our farmers are dealing with a pesky problem: avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. Since November 2023, bird flu outbreaks in major egg-producing states like Iowa and Ohio have forced farmers to cull millions of hens in an effort to stop the spread, and the trend continued through 2024 and is still going on in 2025.
Falling prices and sudden hikes
Back in early 2022, egg prices more than doubled, hitting their highest point in January 2023 before gradually dropping through the year. But they never returned to pre-pandemic levels, and now, they’re climbing again.
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The main culprit: H5N1
You might be thinking, "It's gotta be the pandemic or inflation causing all this, right?" Well, not quite. The main troublemaker is H5N1, a highly contagious and deadly strain of bird flu. This nearly decade-long pandemic reduces the egg supply when an outsize number of hens must be removed from circulation due to bird flu. Yet when human demand for eggs stays the same, voila: You get higher prices.
The scale of the outbreak
Since the U.S. bird flu outbreak began in 2022, around 163 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have either died from the virus or have been culled to prevent its spread, according to the USDA. And, the virus is not slowing down. January 2025 saw the worst losses yet for egg-laying hens, with 19.5 million birds culled, the highest number in a single month since March 2022. So, there you have it — that's why we're facing an egg shortage and why your breakfast might cost a bit more sometimes.
Not all eggs are created (and sold) equally
Some eggs are priced differently, depending on factors such as their production methods. Free-range or organic eggs, for instance, tend to be more expensive compared to conventionally produced eggs. The higher price reflects the additional care and resources required to produce these eggs in a more sustainable and ethical manner. While they may cost more, many consumers opt for these eggs for their perceived higher quality and environmental benefits.
How to save on eggs when prices are high
If eggs are a must-have staple in your diet, here are some ways you may be able to save some money and have your eggs, too:
Buy local. Farmer’s markets often sell eggs at very competitive prices, and building a “frequent buyer” relationship with local farmers can result in better deals.
Shop wholesale. Stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and Trader Joe’s tend to have lower prices compared to major grocery chains, although they may limit how many eggs you can buy.
Consider fresh egg alternatives. Liquid eggs or egg whites (from a carton) can stretch regular eggs in meals and recipes. Another alternative, powdered eggs, may cost more upfront but last longer due to their shelf stability.
Raise your own chickens. If you have the time and space to do this, raising backyard chickens can keep you in control of your own egg production. But keep in mind this may require significant upfront expenses.
FAQs about the egg price hike
Q: How does the cost of chicken feed impact egg prices?
A: Chicken feed, primarily made up of corn and soybeans, directly impacts the cost of producing eggs. If the cost of these crops increases, the cost of feeding hens goes up, which in turn raises egg prices. But chicken feed prices have not been linked to any recent egg price hikes related to bird flu.
Q: What happens to egg prices during an outbreak of disease among hens?
A: Disease outbreaks can significantly reduce the number of laying hens, leading to a drop in egg supply and a corresponding increase in egg prices.
Q: Why do egg prices fluctuate throughout the year?
A: Egg prices can fluctuate due to seasonal changes in demand, weather events that affect production, and feed costs.
Q: How does the demand for eggs affect their price?
A: When demand for eggs increases, and supply remains constant, prices tend to rise. Conversely, prices tend to fall if demand decreases and supply remains constant.
Q: Are organic eggs more expensive than regular ones?
A: Generally, yes. Organic eggs are usually more expensive because they cost more to produce.
Q: How does the cost of transportation factor into egg prices?
A: Transportation costs are a part of the total cost of getting eggs from the farm to the store.
Q: Are eggs from free-range hens more expensive?
A: Free-range eggs can cost more to produce because of the additional space and care required for free-range hens.
Q: Can egg prices vary by region?
A: Factors like local demand, production costs, and transportation costs can all cause egg prices to vary from one region to another.
Q: Are brown eggs more expensive than white ones?
A: Sometimes, but not always. The breed of the hen determines the color of an egg and doesn't affect its nutritional value. However, according to Consumer Reports, brown eggs can cost more than white eggs because the type of hen laying them is often larger and presumably more expensive to feed and house.
Q: What is the average price of a dozen eggs?
A: The average price of a dozen eggs can vary widely depending on the region, the type of egg (e.g., organic, free-range), and other factors.
Several complex factors influence the price of eggs. While the 2022 through 2025 egg price fluctuations are primarily due to avian flu, many other economic and environmental shifts can affect consumer goods, including eggs.
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