Egg retail prices hit new record highs in January, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In a report released on Wednesday morning, February 12, the bureau reported that in January 2025 the average retail price for 12 U.S. eggs was $4.953.
This is an increase of 15.2% from the December 2024 price.
➤Inflation jumped in January. Which food costs increased the most?
“This is the biggest increase in the egg index since June 2015, accounting for about two-thirds of all monthly foods at home,” according to the Labor Bureau’s Statistics Bureau.
Between May and June 2015, egg prices rose from $1.962 to $2.570.
Average price for eggs in January 2025 sets a new record
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average retail cost for 12 U.S. eggs in January was $4.953.
That figure rose to a price of $4.146 in December 2024, above the previous record of $4.823 set in January 2023.
Egg prices have steadily risen since May 2024, except for the slight dip in October 2024.
In comparison, in January 2024, the average retail price for eggs was $2.522.
How much will egg prices rise in 2025?
According to the Department of Agriculture price outlook, egg prices are projected to rise by around 20% in 2025, compared to a 2.2% rise in overall food prices.
➤ Compare Florida egg prices with other states and grocery stores
Many grocery stores limiting the purchase of eggs
Many Florida grocery stores have a limit on the number of eggs that customers can buy. Looking at the bare shelves, some customers rely on panic purchases.
Some stores restricting egg purchases:
Why are eggs so expensive?
The USDA put a strain on supply as the rise in egg costs was attributed to the outbreak of avian flu.
Over the past three years, more than 145 million birds have been reported in bird flu in 618 counties and all 50 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Saloni Vastani, Associate Professor of Marketing at Emory University, said: .
“And when the shelves are empty, there’s more panic and I’m rushing to buy more eggs,” Vastani said.
When egg prices rise, consumers search for alternatives
As egg prices continue to rise, some are looking for alternatives, especially when it comes to baking.
Eggs serve a specific purpose when grilling. Sometimes it helps to bond the materials. Otherwise, they help with the rise of baked goods. So, the alternatives you use will vary depending on what you are making, but some of the options are:
Applesaucemashed Bananasflax or Chia Seedstofuvinegar and Baking Sodayogurt or Buttermilkaquafaba (This is a liquid from a can of chickpea) Commercial egg replacement egg material Carbide water
