U.S. egg consumption during Christmas 2025

As the 2025 holiday season approached, egg remained a central ingredient in many American Christmas traditions—ranging from festive baking to breakfast casseroles and homemade nogs. Seasonal demand for eggs is historically strong during the winter holidays, and this pattern persisted in late 2025.

David Corredor

As the 2025 holiday season approached, egg remained a central ingredient in many American Christmas traditions—ranging from festive baking to breakfast casseroles and homemade nogs. Seasonal demand for eggs is historically strong during the winter holidays, and this pattern persisted in late 2025.

• According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, egg demand typically increases toward the end of the year, especially around major holidays, contributing to price pressures when combined with supply constraints.
• The 2024–2025 outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) significantly reduced the laying hen population, with 50.7 million hens depopulated between mid‑October 2024 and early March 2025, tightening supplies heading into Christmas.

Price trends throughout the 2025 season

Egg prices peaked earlier in the year due to the avian flu crisis and associated supply disruptions. By February 2025, both wholesale and retail prices had surged to record levels, driven by strong seasonal demand and the major reduction in available hens.

• Retail prices reached an average of $5.12 per dozen in April after retreating from February highs, though they remained elevated through the year.
• By September 2025, prices dropped dramatically—down 70% from their March highs—as supply recovery efforts and reduced seasonal demand began stabilizing the market.
• However, experts warned that the fall migration season could bring a resurgence of avian flu, leaving uncertainty as Christmas approached.

Consumption patterns in 2025