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
Per‑capita egg consumption in the United States for 2025 was estimated at roughly 37.5 pounds per person, reflecting sustained consumer reliance on eggs as an affordable, high‑protein staple. Despite inflationary pressures, demand remained resilient, aided by strong consumer preference for both conventional and cage‑free varieties. The shift toward specialty eggs, including cage‑free and organic options, also influenced holiday purchasing patterns. By early 2025, 42.1% of U.S. table egg layers were producing cage‑free or organic eggs, a trend that shaped retail promotions in December.
Christmas retail activity and promotions
- In the week leading up to Christmas 2025, retail featuring of shell eggs reached its most active pace of the year.
- Promotions heavily emphasized specialty options, particularly pastured and cage‑free eggs, which accounted for 63% of all feature activity.
- Conventional eggs saw modest promotional increases, though fewer advertisements overall.
- Inventory levels of large shell eggs rose slightly nationwide as producers moved stock toward retailers to support the holiday surge.
Conclusion
Egg consumption during Christmas 2025 reflected the intersection of strong seasonal demand, lingering supply challenges from earlier HPAI outbreaks, and shifting consumer preferences toward specialty eggs. Although prices had eased from their annual peaks, the holiday season continued to underscore the essential role eggs play in American festive traditions.
Sources: Available upon request