Poultry and dairy, two of the most common purchases for shoppers across the country, are now experiencing significant price hikes as the HPAI strain of avian influenza affects both chickens and, more recently, cows.
Shoppers have recently noticed a sharp rise in prices, especially with items like eggs. While inflation, which has been ongoing since 2023, is certainly a factor, leading the average American shopper to spend more on everyday goods, this surge is also linked to the deadly avian flu strain. For example, eggs that once cost less than $10 are now typically priced between $12-$15 per dozen. Many stores are even limiting purchases to two cartons per customer.
This outbreak has become the largest recorded instance of avian flu in U.S. history. However, the impact isn’t limited to eggs alone. People across the country are also struggling to find chicken in stores, with both the availability and prices of poultry products continuing to rise.
The reach of the avian flu is expanding beyond poultry, potentially altering the way we purchase dairy products. As of March 2024, the flu was found in cows in the U.S., and by 2025, Arizona confirmed the presence of avian flu in its milk supply.
If this trend continues, we could see not only a rise in poultry prices but also in dairy costs, affecting families who rely on these essentials. This could be especially difficult for bakers and lower-income households that are already struggling to afford basic food products.
Cardozo student Justin Nunez shared his worries, saying, “As a baker, I’m feeling a little bit demotivated to bake certain things due to how much eggs cost. A lot of the things I bake contain a lot of eggs, and I don’t want to have to spend copious amounts of money just to bake something.”
“It’s also scary in general, with the bird flu going around. My family could never find chicken breast in the grocery store,” Nunez added. His experience highlights the growing impact of the avian flu outbreak on everyday people, especially those involved in baking.
With stores limiting egg purchases to two cartons per person, this restriction affects daily use, forcing people to reserve eggs for essential meals. As a result, baked goods and pastries that rely on eggs are likely to become less common in households.
Additionally, with the supply of eggs dwindling and prices climbing, we can expect the cost of baked goods and pastries to rise in the coming months. Looking ahead, however, there’s hope that we will see better control of the avian influenza and a potential decrease in poultry and dairy prices.
