Egg prices are falling, and shoppers are finally catching a break at the checkout.
The average price for a dozen Grade A large eggs dropped to $3.05 in September, down from $3.20 in August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That's the lowest national average since January, when prices hovered around $2.50 before climbing through the spring.
The drop matters because eggs became an unlikely symbol of grocery inflation over the past two years.
A dozen eggs spiked above $4.80 in early 2023 after a devastating avian flu outbreak wiped out millions of hens.
Prices cooled through much of last year, then jumped again in early 2025 as a fresh wave of bird flu hit egg-laying flocks in several states.
Shoppers in some cities reported paying $6 or more per dozen at the peak.
Several forces are now working in buyers' favor.
Department of Agriculture reports that commercial egg-laying flocks have largely recovered, with inventory rebuilding faster than expected this fall.
Wholesale prices in the Midwest — a key benchmark for grocery shelves — have fallen for several consecutive weeks.
Retailers typically pass those savings along within a few weeks, which is why shoppers are seeing relief now.
A dozen eggs in California can run $4.50 or more, thanks to state rules requiring cage-free production.
In parts of the Midwest and South, shoppers are finding cartons for under $2.50.
Warehouse clubs and discount grocers like Aldi and Lidl are often the cheapest option, sometimes a full dollar below traditional supermarkets.
It's also worth knowing that eggs remain one of the most affordable sources of protein per dollar.
Even at $3.05 a dozen, you're paying about 25 cents per egg — roughly 13 cents per gram of protein, far less than beef, chicken breast, or most protein powders.
For households stretching food budgets, eggs are still a bargain.
Egg prices are seasonal, and demand typically climbs during the winter holiday baking season.
Another bird flu outbreak could reverse the trend quickly, as it did in 2022 and again this year.
And grocery prices overall remain about 25 percent higher than they were four years ago, so one cheaper item doesn't undo the broader squeeze.
For shoppers, the practical takeaway is simple: this is a good moment to stock up if you have freezer space.
Raw eggs can be frozen out of the shell, and hard-boiled eggs keep for about a week in the fridge.
Buying larger cartons when they're on sale also lowers your per-egg cost. **Our take:** The egg price drop is real relief, but it's a reminder of how fragile food inflation has become.
One outbreak or one bad quarter can erase months of progress.
Final Thoughts
Shoppers should enjoy the savings now, but keep an eye on the weekly grocery circulars — the next spike could arrive before the holidays do.