In January 2025, U.S. egg prices experienced a significant surge, increasing by more than 15% from the previous month—the most essential monthly rise since 2015—and marking a 55% increase compared to last year.

According to Bloomberg, This sharp escalation has been primarily attributed to a severe outbreak of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. To contain the virus’s spread, millions of egg-laying hens have been culls.

The reduction in the egg-laying hen population has resulted in noticeable shortages across the country. Grocery stores in major cities, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, have reported empty shelves in their egg sections.

In response, retailers such as Trader Joe’s and Costco have implemented purchase limits, restricting customers to one, two, or three cartons per visit to manage the limited supply.

The impact of these shortages extends beyond individual consumers. Restaurants that rely heavily on eggs are also feeling the strain.

For instance, Waffle House has introduced a temporary surcharge of 50 cents per egg to cope with the increased costs.

As of February 7, 2025, the average cost of a dozen eggs nationwide reached $7.34, representing a 10% increase from the previous week and setting a new record high.

Overall inflation rose by 0.5% in January, with the spike in egg prices being a significant contributing factor.

The ongoing bird flu outbreak, which began in 2022, has led to the loss of over 100 million egg-laying hens, according to the United Egg Producers.

This substantial decrease in the hen population continues to disrupt the egg supply chain, leading to higher prices and scarcity in stores nationwide.

Consumers are advised to remain patient as the industry works to replenish flocks and stabilize the supply chain.

In the meantime, exploring alternative protein sources and being flexible with meal planning may help mitigate the impact of the current egg shortage.