Egg prices near $9 a dozen – bird flu outbreak, increased demand over meat as protein source

Egg prices across the U.S. have soared in recent weeks, nearing $9 a dozen, largely the result of a large outbreak of avian influenza among birds.

The virus has affected over 57 million birds, mostly egg-laying chickens, since last year, according to Agriculture Department data.

Additionally, more families are increasingly relying on eggs as an important protein source while reducing their consumption of red meat, the agency also says. 

The price of large eggs in New York is now as much as $8.79 a dozen, similar to those in Los Angeles, where chilled display cases are grocery stores are frequently empty. The problem is especially acute in California because of state laws protecting animals.

The average U.S. price for a dozen large, grade A eggs is just under $5.40.

The most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index report shows that from November 2021 through November 2022, prices for household food items rose 12% while eggs rose 49.1% during that time period, putting large, grade A eggs at just under $3.59 per dozen.