Egg prices are increasing again — and the reasons go beyond inflation or supply and demand. Bird flu, industry changes, and shifting grocery store strategies are all in the mix, making it harder to predict what a carton will cost from one week to the next. 

Understanding the various factors behind rising price tags can help shoppers make smarter choices — and maybe even find a few ways to cut costs along the way.

The bird flu effect

One would be forgiven for pinning egg price increases solely on inflation. After all, the Consumer Price Index rose 2.8% year-over-year in February 2025 and is still climbing. 

Believe it or not, inflation may not be the leading reason why a carton of eggs is getting pricier.

One of the biggest reasons eggs are more expensive right now is due in part to a breakout of avian influenza — or bird flu.¹ The highly contagious virus has dramatically reduced the availability of egg-laying hens across the country. When flocks shrink, supply drops and prices jump. This same cycle played out in 2022, causing prices to rise by 135%, and it’s happening again.² Egg prices spiked 10.4% from January to February 2025, now at an average of $5.90 per dozen.³

The role the egg industry

Another factor influencing prices is how the egg industry is structured. A small number of large producers dominate egg production, which means their decisions about supply can have a significant impact on prices.⁴ When supply tightens, prices tend to rise, and during disruptions like bird flu outbreaks, those increases can be even more pronounced.

Some industry analysts point out that record revenues among major egg producers stand in contrast with increased prices, and consider whether supply shortages are the true motivator for higher prices.⁵ Others argue that factors like rising feed costs, transportation expenses, and labor challenges also contribute to pricing shifts.⁶ Either way, egg prices often reflect a mix of production realities and broader economic trends.

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Checking out

Grocery stores are taking different approaches to combat factors that affect prices in their stores. Some are limiting the number of eggs customers can buy per trip. Costco and Trader Joe’s have imposed limits on how many cartons shoppers can put in their cart, limiting them to three dozen per grocery run.⁷ Walmart shoppers can put 60 eggs in their basket at a time, which is more than most other shops allow.⁸

Other retailers are switching suppliers or tweaking pricing to offset costs. That’s why some stores have fully stocked shelves while others look wiped out — it all depends on their supply chain moves.

How to shop smarter for eggs

High prices don’t mean eggs must crack one’s budget. A few simple strategies can help stretch grocery dollars and keep breakfast affordable:

Check multiple stores

Not all retailers price eggs the same way. Some grocery chains have different suppliers or contract pricing that can affect how much a dozen costs. Warehouse clubs may offer bulk savings, while local markets or discount grocers might have unexpected deals. Checking a few stores or browsing online grocery services can make a big difference in finding the best price. Some consumers have also turned to local farms or farmers’ markets for eggs (or even renting hens), which can sometimes offer competitive pricing and a fresher product.⁹

Try alternatives

As egg prices climb, now might be an opportunity to explore other protein-rich options. Plant-based egg substitutes can work well in recipes that call for eggs, and foods like beans, yogurt, cottage cheese, and tofu may provide versatile and affordable alternatives.

Stay in the know

Egg prices fluctuate based on market conditions, supply chain shifts, and even government policies. Following news about bird flu outbreaks, industry trends, and grocery price reports can provide insight into when prices might ease up or when it’s best to stock up. Some stores also offer digital coupons or loyalty discounts, so keeping an eye on weekly promotions can lead to extra savings.

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Looking ahead: when will egg prices settle down?

There’s good news on the horizon. As new flocks replace those lost to bird flu, supply is expected to improve, which could help bring prices down. Investigations into pricing practices may also push for more transparency in the industry. In the meantime, keeping an eye on store prices, staying flexible with breakfast choices, and understanding what’s driving the costs can help keep grocery bills in check.