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Record Egg and Chocolate Prices Reshape U.S. Easter Traditions

Historic costs driven by avian flu, inflation, and tariffs lead Americans to alternative crafts and increased candy spending.

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At its peak in 2019, the Soleil Farm in Oglethorpe, Georgia, raised about 150,000 chickens, half for eggs and half for the poultry. But Jeff Le's family farm came under threat in 2022 from the worst avian flu in U.S. history. Three years later, America is still struggling with another bird flu strain that has infected humans and caused egg prices to hit record highs.

Overview

  • Egg prices in the U.S. hit a record $6.23 per dozen in March 2025, an 84% increase since early 2024, driven by avian flu and rising production costs.
  • Nearly half of Americans (47%) are skipping traditional egg-dyeing activities, with alternatives like painted potatoes and marshmallows gaining popularity.
  • Easter candy sales are projected to reach $3.3 billion in 2025, with 92% of holiday shoppers planning to buy candy, making it the top Easter purchase.
  • Global cocoa prices remain elevated at $8,400 per ton, quadrupling since 2023 due to weather-related shortages, with potential U.S. tariffs threatening further increases.
  • President Trump has falsely claimed egg prices have dropped significantly, contradicting official data showing record-high costs and fueling public confusion.