The United States Department of Agriculture recently projected that eggs, already priced at an all-time high, may become even more expensive this year.
According to the latest outlook from the USDA, egg prices could increase 41% in 2025 as the bird flu outbreak continues to devastate egg-laying flocks across the country. That prediction is a sharp turn from the 20% the agency predicted a month ago.
The prediction has gotten worse as the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has now affected an estimated 18.8 million commercial egg layers as of January. That number is the highest monthly total since the outbreak began in 2022.
The situation is already bad for Americans, who were forced to shell out an average of $4.95 for a dozen eggs in January, up from $2.52 for the same amount last year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported.
As a result of the “egg-flation,” many have had to change their habits, with some turning to rent-a-chicken options while others are finding protein alternatives.
At breakfast chains like Waffle House and Denny’s, surcharges have been added to the price of eggs to offset the rising costs.
Grocers have also had to step in, placing limits on the number of cartons customers can buy to stop consumers from panic buying all of their supply.
The rising price of eggs is just a sign to many that the fight against inflation isn’t over, as it may be gearing up for another round.
In January, the BLS reported that inflation ticked back up, and now the USDA is expecting grocery prices to rise by 3.3% in 2025, up from 2.2% in last month’s projections.
But there is hope, as the agency said that with egg prices being volatile, the costs of other items could drive costs down.On top of that, the USDA says that poultry prices are expected to remain unchanged in 2025.