Egg prices are expected to surge by 41.1% this year as the bird flu epidemic continues to ravage the U.S. agricultural sector, according to a new report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This projection more than doubles the 20% increase predicted in January, reflecting the worsening impact of the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak.
Why Egg Prices Are Skyrocketing
The bird flu outbreak, which began in 2022, has intensified significantly. In January 2025, the virus affected 18.8 million egg-laying hens, marking the highest monthly total since the crisis started. As a result, egg shortages have grown more severe, prompting many stores to limit egg purchases per shopper.
According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, egg prices could rise anywhere from 15% to as high as 74.9% this year. Prices have already increased by 13.8% in January, following an 8.4% rise in December. Compared to 12 months ago, egg prices are currently 53% higher.
Impact on Restaurants and Retailers
The escalating cost of eggs is affecting restaurants across the country. Popular chains like Waffle House and Denny’s have implemented temporary egg surcharges to offset rising costs. However, McDonald’s is taking a different approach, refusing to pass on the cost to consumers.
Michael Gonda, McDonald’s North America chief impact officer, stated on LinkedIn, “Unlike others making news recently, you definitely WON’T see McDonald’s USA issuing surcharges on eggs, which are 100% cage-free and sourced in the U.S.” Instead, McDonald’s is expanding its breakfast menu and promoting special deals on Egg McMuffins to attract more customers.
Government Response: Trump Administration’s Plan
In response to the soaring prices, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a $1 billion investment plan aimed at curbing the bird flu crisis and making eggs more affordable. Writing in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Rollins stated, “We will repurpose some of those dollars by investing in long-term solutions to avian flu, which has resulted in about 166 million laying hens being culled since 2022.”
The Trump administration’s strategy involves collaborating with the Department of Government Efficiency to cut wasteful spending and redirect funds toward combating avian influenza. Rollins expressed optimism about price relief, saying, “Prices should start coming down maybe this spring, this summer as we work to implement some of these bigger picture solutions.”
Rollins also hinted that a significant price drop could occur after the Easter holiday, stating, “Once we’re past Easter, then we’ll hopefully have some really good solutions for the American people.”
Creative Solutions Amid High Egg Prices
With Easter approaching and egg prices expected to remain high, some families are considering creative alternatives. The trend of painting and hiding potatoes, which started in 2023 due to high egg prices, is expected to make a comeback this year.
The idea of using potatoes instead of eggs for Easter egg hunts gained popularity on social media as a fun and cost-effective alternative. It remains to be seen if this creative trend will take off again as families adapt to the ongoing egg shortage.
Conclusion: Navigating the Egg Price Crisis
The bird flu outbreak continues to impact the U.S. egg supply chain, leading to soaring prices and widespread shortages. As consumers, retailers, and restaurants grapple with the financial strain, the Trump administration’s $1 billion investment plan aims to bring relief by addressing the root causes of the crisis.
Until long-term solutions are implemented, consumers may need to adapt to higher prices and consider creative alternatives for traditional egg-related activities, particularly during the Easter season. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether egg prices stabilize or continue to escalate.
