The egg crisis in the U.S. is no secret. After a shortage driven by bird flu outbreaks, prices for the breakfast staple soared. A dozen eggs that once cost $8 to $9 jumped to $11 to $13. In some areas, such as New York, it wasn’t uncommon to see people lining up outside just to buy eggs. But now, things are looking up — prices are finally starting to drop.

Takeaways New Hide ▲

Egg prices fell

over 50% since

February’s record highs

Bird flu killed

30 million egg-laying

birds in 2025

Egg shortages led

to rationing policies

in grocery stores

Many switched to

plant-based egg alternatives

during the crisis

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According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the wholesale cost of eggs fell to $3 per dozen last week. For context, that’s a 9% decline from the previous week and more than half — 58.8%, to be exact — of what prices were in February. A report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that wholesale egg prices hit an all-time high that month, peaking at $5.90 per dozen.

The shortage came as a surprise to many Americans. Eggs have long been considered one of the most affordable and accessible grocery staples. But with fewer cartons and higher prices, many consumers began switching to plant-based alternatives for their morning meals. At the same time, grocery stores implemented rationing policies to preserve limited supplies.

With prices dropping, a reprieve may be on the horizon. A statement from the USDA noted that “the supply situation at grocery outlets has greatly improved in recent weeks, and consumers are once again seeing fully stocked shelves and enjoying a range of choices without purchase restrictions.”

The decline in prices also reflects shifts in agricultural efforts. The USDA reports that bird flu has killed 30 million egg-laying birds, including chickens, in 2025 alone. However, the outbreaks have been contained, and a relief plan is underway. For farmers who have suffered over the past several months, the USDA is planning to invest in vaccine research to help prevent future outbreaks.

So, what does this mean for consumers? For starters, it means that making an omelet or breakfast sandwich may no longer break the bank. With demand down and supply replenished, egg prices are stabilizing. As wholesale prices fall, grocery stores can once again offer eggs at more affordable rates.

The decline has left many optimistic for a return to normal — when the hardest part about making eggs for breakfast was choosing how to cook them. Time will tell if prices continue to fall, but for now, we can all breathe a sigh of relief knowing that eggs are no longer your priciest morning item. That title is back where it belongs — with lattes and fancy coffee drinks.