Just when consumers were hoping for some relief, U.S. egg prices have soared to a new record-high of $6.23 per dozen, leaving many wondering why prices continue to rise despite predictions of a drop. With Easter fast approaching, the price of eggs remains a major concern for families and businesses alike.
Despite wholesale egg prices seeing a significant decrease in March, retail prices have not followed suit, catching industry experts off guard. The Consumer Price Index, released Thursday, reported the unsettling news that egg prices are still climbing, dashing any hopes for cheaper eggs in time for the holiday.
In early 2025, there were high hopes that egg prices would finally stabilize after the chaos caused by bird flu outbreaks earlier in the year. However, although wholesale egg prices fell drastically in March and no major outbreaks have occurred on egg farms, the increase in retail prices still caught many off guard. Experts believe the wholesale price drop didn’t come soon enough to reflect a price reduction at the consumer level.
“Demand for eggs tends to rise as we approach Easter,” said University of Arkansas agricultural economist Jada Thompson. “But there just wasn’t enough time for lower wholesale prices to trickle down to consumers in the form of cheaper eggs.”
Egg price hikes have been tied to the devastating bird flu outbreaks that decimated millions of egg-laying chickens earlier this year. While the situation has improved and only 2.1 million birds were culled in March (none from egg farms), the lingering effects of the flu still haunt the egg market.
In February, egg prices had already reached a staggering $5.90 per dozen—up from a previous record of $4.95 just one month earlier. With Easter around the corner, this latest price increase has left many questioning whether they will be able to afford their traditional holiday breakfast.
