Average egg prices hit record $4.95 a dozen as bird flu causes supply crisis

The price of eggs has soared to a staggering average of $4.95 per dozen, setting a record that many consumers are finding hard to swallow. Some regions are seeing prices even higher than this average, and it’s all due to a significant drop in the supply chain caused by the ongoing bird flu crisis that has led to the loss of over 160 million hens across the nation.

.@SecRollins breaks down egg prices over the past 40 years — and what the Trump Administration is doing to lower them: "Avian flu has a lot to do with it, but it's also the high costs of inputs, the unbelievable amount of regulation, the shutting down of our export markets…" pic.twitter.com/DwYRY6iPZt

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 6, 2025

Shoppers are feeling the pinch, with many opting to cut back on their egg consumption. Jon Florey, while making his grocery rounds, mentioned his plans for a beloved quiche that calls for six eggs. Instead, he’s been forced to switch things up. He remarked, “I like to have just scrambled eggs sometimes, and I’m not doing that so much.”

Despite these rising costs, some grocery stores appear to manage the situation better than others. Kristine Carey shared her experience, noting, “There used to be a sign that said, ‘Limit Two.’ I see that it’s not there, but there’s never been no eggs,” indicating that her store has consistently stocked their shelves.

Restaurants are also feeling the effects of these inflated prices. Mac’s Deli and Cafe’s manager, Tatum Soltani, revealed a stark increase in their monthly expenses for eggs — jumping from $1,200 to $4,000. To help cope, they have implemented a two-dollar surcharge on all egg-related dishes. Customers, while frustrated, seem to understand the situation. One diner, Mike Mullins, put it plainly: “It’s a supply and demand issue. There’s a bird flu and a bunch of birds died. So you have to kind of adapt to the situation.”

In response to the escalating crisis, the Trump administration has stepped in to prioritize initiatives aimed at reducing the spread of the bird flu and tackling sky-high egg prices. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins outlined a comprehensive five-point strategy to address the pressing issues.

The plan kicks off with measures designed to safeguard poultry from bird flu infection, mainly by providing audits and support to egg farmers. “Mostly, it comes from wild fowl that fly over or get into the barns,” Rollins explained. Furthermore, efforts are underway to swiftly provide replacement birds for those lost to the disease.

In a bid to ease the burden on consumers, the administration is also considering the temporary importation of eggs from several countries. “We’re talking to 3 or 4 countries right now about getting between 70 and 100 million eggs into the country in the next month or two,” Rollins said, which could help replenish supply levels.

Another avenue being explored involves relaxing some costly regulations facing egg producers. Additionally, there are discussions around potential vaccinations for poultry, although Rollins noted that a reliable vaccine is still a work in progress. “A lot of the industry believes on the egg-laying side that we should,” she mentioned.