Despite High Prices, Egg Consumption and Spending Strong

Egg prices have become somewhat of a bellwether for U.S. consumers. Over the last 10 years, retail prices have commonly been around $1.50 per dozen, but price spikes weren’t uncommon. In 2015, bird flu challenges pushed prices from $2.00 to $3.00 per dozen.

When economy-wide inflation was heating up in 2022, consumers paid more than $4.75 for a dozen eggs before prices quickly fell to $2.00. That reprieve was short-lived, as prices moved higher throughout 2024. In early 2025, prices hit new highs, registering $5.90 in February.

Prices are always important, but there is another part of the story. Let’s focus on consumer consumption and spending trends.

Per capita consumption

The first consideration is per capita consumption. For 2025, U.S. consumers are expected to consume 271 eggs. On one hand, this is considerably lower than the 292 eggs of per capita consumption that hit back in 2019. However, recent consumption is considerably higher than between 1985 and 2013. During that stretch, consumption was consistently fewer than 260 eggs annually (the low point was in 1995 at 233).

The 2015 price jump pushed per capita consumption lower, from 268 (2014) to 258 (2015), before recovering to 277 (2016). The key idea – easily overlooked in the broader discussions about egg prices – is that consumption is still historically high.

Retail spending

Finally, we must consider how much U.S. consumers spend annually on retail egg purchases. These estimates are adjusted for inflation (2025 dollars). In 2024, per capita spending was $74, up from $50 in 2023 and around $35 before 2022. It isn’t an exaggeration to say that U.S. consumers in 2024 spent twice as much on their eggs.

Another point is that inflation-adjusted spending exceeded $60 in the 1980s, the last time per capita consumption exceeded 270 eggs. Again, strong consumption is part of the current situation.

The last data point is a projection for 2025. To be clear, the estimate is based on January and February retail prices (which are historically high) and an early projection of annual consumption. A lot can – and likely will – change over the next year, but the preliminary estimate is $120 of spending. Certainly, the supply challenge could subside, but high prices (and surge pricing) could ration the quantity demanded.

Wrapping it up

In conclusion, consumer price sensitivity is an important factor in the run-up of high prices. When consumers are extremely price-sensitive, small price increases dramatically curb consumption. Inversely, when consumers are less sensitive, large price hikes are necessary to curb consumption in response to supply shocks (like bird flu).

When adjusting for inflation, per capita spending was sharply higher in 2024. The surprise, though, is that U.S. consumers spent a similar amount back in the 1980s. Again, inflation-adjusted prices and consumption trends were the drivers.

Lastly, prices in early 2025 were surprisingly high. Preliminary estimates will likely be far too high, but consumers could easily face another year of high spending.

Demand and consumption are often difficult to anticipate or forecast. One form of rationing could unfold in the coming weeks. Plastic Easter eggs (a substitute) could have a big year, and kits for dying hard-boiled eggs (a complement) could be a hard sell.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

This article offers a very inclusive explanation of the various factors that impact egg prices. It also puts egg prices into a historical perspective. Yes, egg prices are higher than a year ago, but recently declined dramatically. Why? Likely due to a combination of increased production of eggs and lower consumer demand. Experts familiar with the poultry industry expect both consumption and prices to normalize by year end, if not before. That will be good news for consumers. Always keep poultry producers in your area on your preferred customer list. In addition, be sure you have your truck inventory on AgTruckTrader.com®.