Egg Prices in California Skyrocket to $9 per Dozen

As the holiday season approaches, California residents are facing a harsh reality: the price of eggs has reached an all-time high, with some areas reporting prices as high as $9 per dozen. This significant increase, which has more than doubled the price of eggs in just a few months, is primarily driven by two factors: the persistent bird flu outbreak and the California cage-free egg requirement.

The bird flu outbreak, which has been ongoing since February 2022, has had a devastating impact on the egg industry. As of November 2024, over 105.2 million birds have been affected in the U.S., with California being one of the hardest-hit states. The Kern County egg ranch incident, where 2.15 million egg layers were destroyed, is just one example of the widespread impact of the outbreak. This loss, combined with other outbreaks in Northern California and across the nation, has led to a significant decrease in egg production and supply.

The California cage-free egg requirement, passed in 2018, has also contributed to the increased demand for cage-free eggs and the subsequent price surge. The law required that only cage-free eggs be sold in the state, leading to a surge in demand for cage-free eggs. This increased demand has put pressure on the supply chain, as producers struggle to meet the new requirements. The number of cage-free layers in California has grown rapidly since the law passed, with flocks roughly doubling between November 2018 and January 2022. However, the bird flu outbreak has taken a significant toll on cage-free egg producers, with over 5 million cage-free egg layers lost nationwide since the outbreak began, including over 500,000 in California.

The combination of these factors has led to a significant reduction in egg supply and a surge in demand, driving up prices in California. The average price for a dozen large white cage-free eggs reached $5.11 in 2025, significantly higher than the national average. This price increase is also reflected in the USDA's benchmark price for eggs in California, which rose from $2.81 per dozen in October 2024 to $5.26 in November 2024.

Egg producers in California have had to adapt their operations to comply with the cage-free requirement while dealing with the challenges posed by bird flu outbreaks. They have had to focus on rebuilding their flocks and improving biosecurity measures to prevent further outbreaks of bird flu. Additionally, they have had to adapt their operations to meet the growing demand for cage-free eggs, which has been driven by both consumer preferences and regulatory requirements. This has involved investing in new facilities and equipment, as well as implementing more efficient and sustainable production methods.

As the holiday season approaches, consumers in California and across the nation can expect to see higher prices for eggs and other staples. The combination of seasonal factors, such as holiday baking and increased school demand, along with the ongoing bird flu outbreak and the California cage-free egg requirement, has contributed to the volatility in egg prices. However, as egg producers work to rebuild their flocks and improve biosecurity measures, consumers can hope for a return to more stable and affordable egg prices in the future.

In conclusion, the egg price surge in California is a result of the persistent bird flu outbreak and the California cage-free egg requirement. As consumers face higher prices for eggs and other staples, they can take comfort in knowing that egg producers are working to address these challenges and restore stability to the market. By staying informed and making smart purchasing decisions, consumers can help support the egg industry and ensure a more sustainable future for egg production in California and beyond.