Egg Prices Reach Record Price Per Dozen

As consumers continue to stock up on eggs, supplies at the store level will remain tight, and with Easter right around the corner, that could prolong the tighter supplies.

CoBank analyst Brian Earnest as the bird flu continues to impact supply and drive up prices.

Why It Matters: New data shows the average cost for a dozen Grade A eggs hit $4.95, surpassing the previous record of $4.82 set in 2023. The change in egg prices from month-to-month marks the highest spike since 2015, when the nation last experienced a widespread bird flu outbreak.

• Important context: When bird flu pops up on a poultry farm, the entire flock must be killed to mitigate the spread of the virus, causing increased costs for farms and a halt in egg production.
• The jump in egg prices accounted for about two-thirds of the total increase in food costs last month reflected in the CPI report.
• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) warned last month that egg prices will likely increase 20% this year, with prices typically spiking around Easter.
• On Friday, animal health company Zoetis announced a conditional license from the USDA for a bird flu vaccine used in chickens. While it remains to be seen if any vaccination plan will go into place here in the U.S., other countries have vaccinated birds against bird flu.

Read More: US egg prices hit a record high of $4.95 and are likely to keep climbing (The Associated Press)

Company says it received conditional approval for bird flu vaccine from US Department of Agriculture (CNN)

Wanting to spend less on eggs but still get morning protein? “15 Foods that Have More Protein Than an Egg” (SELF)

Image Credit: Levi Meir Clancy / Adobe Stock