U.S. Egg Prices Surge as Bird Flu Devastates Poultry Supplies
Widespread outbreaks have led to significant price hikes and shortages, leaving restaurants and consumers struggling to adapt.
- The nationwide wholesale price for loose eggs has risen by 68% this year, with some regions seeing prices as high as $8.68 per dozen.
- Bird flu outbreaks have wiped out over 23 million chickens in 2025, severely impacting egg supplies, particularly from conventional caged production farms in Pennsylvania and the Midwest.
- Restaurants are facing supply shortages and rising costs, with some adding surcharges or raising menu prices to stay afloat, while others ration egg purchases to manage demand.
- Consumers in cities like New York are experiencing wide price disparities, with eggs selling for as little as $3.49 or as much as $11 per dozen depending on the retailer and sourcing.
- Experts predict that it could take several months for the egg market to stabilize as farms work to rebuild their flocks and restore production levels.