After months of record-breaking prices, egg costs across the U.S. have finally cracked under pressure — and in a good way for consumers.
As of early June, the national average price for a dozen large white eggs has dropped to around $2.52, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s a dramatic slide from January, when prices reached as high as $6.49 per dozen — and even spiked above $8 in some regions by early March.
So, what caused this sudden turnaround?
Industry experts point to a few key reasons:
Bird Flu Stabilization
A significant slowdown in the spread of avian flu has helped producers recover. The outbreak, which began in 2022, led to the death of millions of hens and caused major supply disruptions. With fewer new cases being reported and commercial flocks rebuilding, the egg supply is starting to bounce back.
Reduced Demand
Many consumers changed their buying habits during the price surge. A nationwide survey earlier this spring showed over 30% of Americans either reduced their egg consumption or cut eggs out of their grocery lists altogether. That shift in behavior led to lower demand — and with it, falling prices.
Global Sourcing
To help fill gaps in domestic supply, the U.S. quietly ramped up egg imports from countries like Brazil, Turkey, and South Korea. This short-term solution helped cushion the domestic market and ease inflationary pressure.
Despite the recent drop in cost, officials say the egg market remains sensitive to sudden changes — whether it’s from disease outbreaks, supply chain issues, or shifts in consumer behavior.
States still dealing with outbreaks include California, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, among others, but the overall situation appears to be improving. According to the USDA, over 40 commercial egg operations have reported infections in 2025, but the rate is declining compared to previous years.
What This Means for Shoppers
If you’ve been avoiding the egg aisle, now might be the time to return. With prices down significantly, many grocery chains are reporting higher availability and more frequent promotions.
Still, analysts warn the market isn’t fully out of the woods yet. Future pricing could be affected by disease resurgence, feed costs, or government policy decisions. For now, though, consumers are finally catching a break on one of the most basic grocery staples.
