The USDA released its most recent egg market news report on Jan 7, 2025, and it shows that the increased prices of shelled eggs, which began skyrocketing in December of 2024, have yet to come down in the new year.

The average price of a dozen large eggs starkly increased in California in December to $8.97, up from $5.68 in late November, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report.

It’s unclear when the price of eggs will stabilize in the near future as avian flu continues to spread. The USDA has adjusted its production forecasts downward for 2025, indicating that recovery from this year’s supply losses could take longer than expected​, reported Forbes.

The key is the loss of egg makers. Moscogiuri says the industry is down 20 million hens to flu in the past three months out of the nation’s typical 312 million flock. California farmers culled 9 million egg layers in 2024’s last two months alone.

Egg prices are rising across the U.S. as producers recover from the flock losses suffered in the past two years amid bird flu.

If you've been to the grocery store lately, you've probably noticed the skyrocketing price of eggs - and now the price tag is also hurting local restaurants.