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Over one-third of Americans have stopped buying eggs due to skyrocketing prices, according to a study by Clarify Capital. The research, which surveyed 1,000 Americans, revealed that many consumers are waiting for prices to drop to at least $5 per dozen before resuming purchases. The average price of a dozen eggs has risen to $5.18, a significant increase from $1.49 in 2018.
The price surge is largely attributed to the ongoing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks, which have devastated the U.S. egg supply. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), egg prices are expected to rise over 40% in 2025. Since the outbreak began in 2022, over 166 million birds have been affected, including 127 million egg layers, leading to an average annual loss of 42.3 million egg layers.
Consumers are exploring alternatives, with about 10% turning to substitutes like plant-based eggs and flaxseed. Meanwhile, the Justice Department is investigating whether egg producers have conspired to inflate prices by restricting supply. Farm Action and Food & Water Watch have alleged that corporations are profiting by keeping supply low.
To address the crisis, the USDA, led by Secretary Brooke Rollins, has announced a $1 billion strategy focusing on biosecurity measures, financial relief for farmers, and vaccine research. However, farmers believe it will take time to see significant impacts on prices.