US govt forecasts over 41 per cent rise in retail egg prices this year as bird flu continues to disrupt supply

Egg prices in the US are expected to rise by 41.1 per cent in 2025, according to a report by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The report, released on Tuesday, highlights a severe nationwide egg shortage, largely caused by the ongoing bird flu outbreak.

In January, the USDA had predicted a 20 per cent increase in egg prices this year, ABC News reported.

US bird flu: Retail egg prices rise

As per the USDA report, retail egg prices surged by 13.8 per cent in January 2025. This follows an 8.4 per cent increase in December. The report also noted a 53 per cent year-on-year rise in retail egg prices compared to the same period last year.

An earlier report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that the national average retail price for eggs reached $4.95 per dozen in January.

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US egg shortage: Wholesale prices surge

In a report published on February 14, the USDA stated that wholesale egg prices had risen by $0.40 within 30 days. According to ABC News, the report added that supple remained tight, with little chance of improvement in the near future as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) continues to affect productive flocks.

US egg crisis: Restaurants adjust prices

Popular restaurant chains Denny’s and Waffle House have introduced temporary surcharges on menu items that contain eggs. However, Denny’s has clarified that this surcharge will not apply across all its outlets but will be implemented at select locations.

The restaurant chain said that some of its restaurants will temporarily add a surcharge to meals containing eggs. This pricing decision is made on a market-by-market and restaurant-by-restaurant basis due to regional egg shortages, added the company in a statement.

Despite the price adjustment, Denny’s emphasised its commitment to maintaining its $2, $4, $6, and $8 menu deals.

Earlier, Waffle House had implemented a 50 per cent temporary surcharge per egg for items on its menu. While announcing this decision, Waffle House stated that it would adjust or remove the surcharge based on market conditions. The restaurant chain also highlighted the unpredictability of egg price fluctuations, stating that it was uncertain how long the supply crisis would persist.

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FAQs

1. How has the ongoing US bird flu outbreak affected egg prices?
The retail price of eggs increased by 13.8 per cent in January 2025, according to the USDA. On a year-on-year basis, egg prices surged by 53 per cent in January.


2. How has the US bird flu outbreak affected menu prices at popular restaurant chains?
Due to supply shortages, Denny’s and Waffle House have introduced temporary surcharges on menu items containing eggs to adjust for rising costs.