How Bird Flu Upended the U.S. Egg Market — and Why Prices Are Finally Beginning to Stabilize

Few grocery items frustrated American consumers over the past two years quite like eggs. Once an inexpensive staple, egg prices surged to historic highs following a prolonged outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. Today, however, prices appear to be stabilizing. Here’s how the crisis unfolded — and why relief is finally showing up at the checkout line.

The Bird Flu Crisis and Its Impact on Egg Supply

Beginning in 2022, the United States experienced one of the most severe bird flu outbreaks in modern history. The virus spread rapidly through poultry farms, forcing producers to cull millions of birds to prevent further transmission. Egg-laying hens were hit especially hard, leading to a sharp drop in egg production nationwide. By 2024 and into early 2025, the cumulative losses totaled well over one hundred million birds. With fewer hens producing eggs, supply tightened dramatically, and prices soared. At the peak of the crisis, consumers in some regions saw egg prices climb above six dollars per dozen.

Why Egg Prices Stayed High for So Long

Unlike other agricultural products, egg production cannot rebound quickly after a disruption. When laying hens are lost, they must be replaced with young birds known as pullets. These pullets require approximately four to six months to mature before they begin producing eggs. Even after farms were cleared to restock, producers faced additional challenges. Strict biosecurity measures, concerns about reinfection, and the logistical complexity of rebuilding flocks slowed the recovery process. As a result, egg supplies remained tight long after the initial outbreaks subsided.

Laying Hen Inventory Recovery Takes Shape

By mid to late 2025, signs of recovery became more apparent. Producers gradually increased pullet placements, and national laying hen inventories began to grow. While the total number of hens had not yet returned to pre-outbreak levels, the upward trend marked an important turning point. This steady rebuilding of flocks meant more eggs entering the supply chain. Wholesale markets responded first, with prices easing as inventories improved. Retail prices soon followed, signaling that the worst of the supply shock was beginning to fade.

Egg Prices Begin to Stabilize

As laying hen inventories recovered, egg prices moved away from their record highs. By late 2025 and into early 2026, prices at many grocery stores had fallen noticeably compared to peak levels. While costs remain somewhat higher than pre-pandemic norms, the extreme volatility seen during the height of the bird flu crisis has largely subsided. Additional factors also helped stabilize the market. Federal and state efforts to strengthen biosecurity, limited egg imports to supplement domestic supply, and improved disease monitoring all contributed to a more balanced egg market.

What This Means for Consumers

For consumers, the stabilization of egg prices offers a welcome sense of normalcy. Shoppers are less likely to encounter sudden price spikes, and eggs are once again becoming a predictable part of grocery budgets. While prices may not return to the ultra-low levels seen years ago, the recovery of laying hen inventories suggests that the egg market is on firmer footing. Continued vigilance against future outbreaks will be critical, but for now, the outlook is far more stable than it was during the height of the bird flu crisis.

Looking Ahead

The bird flu outbreak served as a reminder of how vulnerable food systems can be to disease disruptions. Thanks to gradual flock rebuilding and improved supply conditions, egg prices are stabilizing — a sign that recovery, while slow, is real. If current trends continue, consumers and producers alike may finally be moving past one of the most turbulent chapters in the modern egg market.

Further Reading & Sources

• USDA – Avian Influenza Updates and Poultry Industry Impact
• USDA Economic Research Service – Egg Prices and Food Inflation Data
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Consumer Price Index (Egg Prices)
• Associated Press – Coverage of the U.S. Bird Flu Outbreak
• USDA Agricultural Marketing Service – Egg Market and Wholesale Reports
• CDC – Avian Influenza Information and Monitorin

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Save Time, Tackle Dinner with Quick, Convenient Recipes

(Family Features) If hectic weeknights leave you feeling like time is constantly slipping away, saving a few extra minutes in the kitchen can begin with alternative cooking methods and easy recipes without all the fuss. Rather than waiting for the oven to preheat, you can tackle family dinners by stir-frying and air-frying your way to delicious meals. For a fast and flavorful dinner, this Simple Chicken Stir-Fry is packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies and savory soy sauce to hit the spot without calling for takeout. It delivers on both taste and ease with the addition of Minute Sticky Rice Cups. Ready in 1 minute, they provide a perfect sticky texture to complement bold flavors. In just 15 minutes, you’ll plate a delicious recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight staple. Endless customization is another benefit of stir-frying, allowing you to swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu while mixing and matching your loved ones’ favorite veggies. Drizzle it with sauces like teriyaki or sriracha for an added flavor boost, serve with spring rolls or wontons for extra crunch or pair with a fresh cucumber salad or steamed edamame for light, refreshing contrast. Delivering the same set-it-and-forget-it convenience of baking but typically with a shorter preheating wait, air-frying is another solution for creating tasty family meals while taking back precious time. Loaded with rice, vegetables and melted cheese, these Air Fryer Veggie Rice Bites make for an easy, cheesy snack or light meatless meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, they’re ready in less than 10 minutes with Minute Butter & Sea Salt Jasmine Rice Cups serving as a rich and savory base that complements the mixed veggies and ooey-gooey cheddar. Don’t forget, you can take them to the next level with flavorful dipping sauces like:

• Ranch dressing: A classic choice that adds a creamy, herby flavor.
• Barbecue sauce: Adds a sweet and smoky touch.
• Sriracha mayo: This spicy, tangy dip is a great match for those who like a bit of heat.
• Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy combination that’s complementary to the mix of flavors.
• Garlic aioli: Rich and garlicky to enhance overall taste.

To find more fast, family-friendly meal ideas, visit MinuteRice.com.  

 

Simple Chicken Stir-Fry

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 2-4

• 2          Minute Sticky Rice Cups
• 2          tablespoons sesame oil
• 1          pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips
• 1          cup mixed vegetables
• 3          tablespoons soy sauce
• 2          green onions, chopped
• 1          tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

1. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, heat sesame oil. Add chicken and saute 6 minutes until chicken is evenly browned and cooked through.
3. Add mixed vegetables to skillet and stir-fry 4 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
4. Add cooked sticky rice to skillet. Pour in soy sauce and mix thoroughly, ensuring rice is evenly coated and heated through.
5. Remove from heat, stir in chopped green onions; garnish with sesame seeds, if desired; and serve hot.
6. Tips: Chicken can be substituted for shrimp or tofu. Frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh; cook 5 minutes, or until cooked through.

 

 

Air Fryer Veggie Rice Bites

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 9 minutes Servings: 1-2

• 1          Minute Butter & Sea Salt Jasmine Rice Cup
• 1/4       cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 1          egg
• 1/4       cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2       teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8       teaspoon salt
•             barbecue sauce or ranch dressing (optional)

1. Preheat air fryer to 390 F. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In blender, roughly chop vegetables.
3. In bowl, combine vegetables, egg, cheddar cheese, garlic powder and salt. Freeze 5 minutes to slightly firm up.
4. Divide rice mixture into four portions and hand form into mounds.
5. Air-fry 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve with barbecue sauce or ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.

SOURCE: Minute Rice

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With Loco Rewards and a Refreshed Menu

Ojos Locos Sports Cantina is starting 2026 with a clear message for fans of big games and bold flavors: come hungry, come often, and get rewarded for it. The culturally-rooted sports cantina just announced a new loyalty program—Loco Rewards—plus a round of menu and beverage upgrades aimed at delivering more authentic Latin flavor, stronger value, and a better overall guest experience across its Southwest footprint.

Loco Rewards: A loyalty program built for regulars

At the center of the update is Loco Rewards, Ojos Locos’ new points-based program designed to recognize frequent guests. Here’s how it works:

• 250 bonus points when you join
• 5 points for every $1 spent
• Rewards with no minimum purchase required
• Ability to redeem multiple rewards at once
• Access to members-only offers and early alerts on specials and menu updates

Destinee Rollins, CMO of Ojos Locos Sports Cantina, says the program is an extension of what the brand has always been about—community, food, and sports—while giving loyal guests “real value” and a deeper connection to the culture and hospitality behind the concept.

January perk: A shot at 2026 World Cup tickets

To celebrate the launch, Ojos Locos is tying its loyalty push directly to its sports DNA. Guests who sign up for Loco Rewards in January will be entered to win two free tickets to the 2026 World Cup—a timely hook as soccer fans begin looking ahead to the biggest tournament on the planet.

Menu upgrades: More Latin technique, more scratch-made detail

Alongside the loyalty rollout, Ojos Locos is refining core menu items with upgraded ingredients and preparation methods that lean further into classic Latin cooking techniques. A few highlights from the refreshed lineup include:

• Elote Loco: roasted and charred, finished with crema, queso fresco, Valentina, and chile en polvo
• Birria de Res: reimagined with slow-cooked brisket
• Fresh churros: made daily by a Dallas-based Mexican bakery
• Hand-pressed tortillas: now pressed daily in the cantinas

Alex Sadowsky, Director of Culinary and Beverage, says the updates focus on preparation, presentation, and ingredient pairings—keeping the menu approachable while letting the ingredients “stand on their own” in a lively game-day environment.

Built for groups: New platters and $10-and-under Especiales

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon (and group dining likely to spike), Ojos Locos is also leaning into shareable options. Starting in January, the brand is introducing:

• A larger taco platter designed for sharing
• Expanded late-night food offerings
• A broader rollout of daily Especiales, many priced at $10 or less

One standout value play: a Late-Night Taco Platter featuring 10 tacos for $10.

Behind the bar: Updated cocktails and an expanded tequila program

The refresh isn’t just happening in the kitchen. Ojos Locos is also rolling out a revamped 2026 beverage lineup featuring:

• Reworked cocktail recipes
• An expanded high-end tequila program
• Trend-forward flavors built for game-day energy

New and featured drinks include:

• Milagro Mexican Martini
• Cadillac Margarita
• Horchata Sin Dolor

Plus a mixed-shot lineup with returning favorites like Paleta and new options like Mexican Candy and Spicy Mango.

A growing brand across the Southwest

Ojos Locos currently operates 35 locations across Texas, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, and says these January updates reflect continued investment in quality, hospitality, and the communities it serves. For guests ready to join, Loco Rewards is available through the Ojos Locos app on the App Store or Google Play.

• Learn more about Loco Rewards: https://ojoslocos.com/rewards
• Explore the brand: www.ojoslocos.com

At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.

Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/