WASHINGTON — The Agriculture Department predicts the current could soar more than 40% this year, as offered the  this past week about its plan to battle bird flu and ease the cost of eggs.
With an emphasis on tightening up biosecurity on farms, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the USDA will invest another $1 billion on top of the roughly $2 billion it already spent battling bird flu since the outbreak began in 2022.
It's not clear how much more farmers can do to keep out the virus.
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Chickens stand in their cages at a farm in Iowa.
Egg and poultry farmers have worked to protect their birds since the 2015 bird flu outbreak by taking measures such as requiring workers to change clothes and shower before entering barns, using separate sets of tools and sanitizing any vehicles that enter farms.
The challenge is that wild birds spread the virus as they migrate past farms.
The main reason egg prices soared to a is that more than 166 million birds were slaughtered to limit the spread of the virus after cases are found — with most of those being egg-laying chickens. January was the worst month yet for egg farmers, with nearly 19 million egg-laying chickens slaughtered.
A sign is displayed Feb. 14 with egg cartons for sale at a grocery store in Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.
Egg prices will get much worse this year
The USDA now at least 41% this year on top of the already record prices. In January, the increase was predicted to be 20%.
The average prices conceal just how bad the situation is, with consumers paying more than a dollar an egg in some places. The situation hurts consumers and prompted restaurants like Denny's and Waffle House to on egg dishes.
The high egg prices, which more than doubled since before the outbreak began, cost consumers at least $1.4 billion last year, according to an at the University of Arkansas.
Egg prices also normally increase every spring heading into Easter, when demand is high.
Chicken eggs are transported by conveyor belt from the production side to the packaging side at a farm in Cortland, Ind.
Where's the money going?
The plan calls for $500 million investment to help farmers bolster biosecurity measures, $400 million in additional aid for farmers whose flocks were affected by avian flu, $100 million to research and potentially develop vaccines and therapeutics for U.S. chicken flocks and explore rolling back what the administration sees as restrictive animal welfare rules in some states.
It's not clear what the additional aid would be for because USDA already pays farmers for birds they must slaughter because of the virus, and roughly $1.2 billion went to those payments.
The administration is also in talks to import about 70 million to 100 million eggs from other countries in coming months, Rollins said. There were 7.57 billion table eggs produced last month, so those imports don't appear likely to make a significant difference in the market.
Trump administration officials suggested vaccines might help reduce the number of birds that have to be slaughtered when there is an outbreak. However, no vaccines have been approved and the industry said the current prototypes aren't practical because they require individual shots to each bird.
Plus, vaccinated birds could jeopardize exports.
The National Turkey Federation said the plan Rollins outlined should help stabilize the market, but the trade group encouraged the USDA to pay attention to all egg and poultry farmers — not just egg producers.
A customer selects eggs after waiting in line Feb. 19 at a Costco store in the Van Nuys section of Los Angeles.
When will the Trump plan bring down prices?
Rollins acknowledged it will take some time before consumers see an effect at the checkout counter. After all, it takes infected farms months to dispose of the carcasses, sanitize their farms and raise new birds.
Still, she expressed optimism that the Trump plan will help prices.
"It's going to take a while to get through, I think in the next month or two, but hopefully by summer," Rollins said.
Will DOGE layoffs affect the bird flu fight?
Rollins said she believes USDA will have the staff it needs to respond to bird flu even after all the at the direction of billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.
"Will we have the resources needed to address the plan I just laid out? We are convinced that we will," she said, "as we realign and evaluate where USDA has been spending money, where our employees are spending their time."
Funk reported from Omaha, Nebraska. Aamer Madhani contributed from Washington.
Shocked by the price of eggs? Here are 11 inflation-proof groceries for healthy eating in 2025
Shocked by the price of eggs? Here are 11 inflation-proof groceries for healthy eating in 2025
In recent years, more and more Americans are noting groceries as a source of financial stress. , 70% of shoppers say they struggle to pay for their groceries and 62% say they avoid buying snacks in order to save money.Ìý
Americans took those concerns to the ballot box in November 2024, with reporting high grocery and gas prices as a factor in their decision for the presidential election.Ìý
set out to find how much the prices of healthy groceries have gone up in the U.S.—how much did the cost of eggs really increase in the past year?—and which items have been the most resistant to inflation to help support your healthy eating goals and your budget in 2025.
A balanced diet that includes whole, unprocessed foods is a cornerstone of maintaining a healthy weight and overall health and well-being. In fact, research shows that , including , , and , may be prevented with lifestyle changes like better diet and . But eating whole foods can feel more expensive than processed options in the grocery store, especially with so much price volatility in recent years. In 2022, for instance, overall food prices .Ìý
It's possible to add healthier options to your shopping list and still stick to your budget. Hers looked at 23 grocery items, including unprocessed meats, eggs, beans, fruits, and vegetables to uncover the most affordable items to incorporate into your meal planning, flagging the items that have seen dramatic increases—and even a few that have had a decrease in price.Ìý
Here's how inflation has impacted healthy food prices so you can shop the grocery store without breaking the bank.Ìý
Key Findings
- Potatoes, fish and seafood, and canned/frozen vegetables saw the biggest price drops over the last year.
- Eggs had the most expensive price increase ²¹³ÙÌý37.5%.
- Most meat and fresh vegetables became more expensive, with annual increases ranging from 0.7% to up to 5.1%.
11 Groceries With the Least Impact from Inflation
Now here's the full list of healthy foods and how they've fared against inflation.
Healthy Groceries, Ranked from Lowest to Highest Inflation Rates
1. Potatoes (-2%)
2. Shelf stable fish and seafood (-1.9%)
3. Frozen fish and seafood (-1.7%)
4. Canned vegetables (tied) (-1.4%)
4. Frozen vegetables (tied) (-1.4%)
6. Fresh apples (-0.9%)
7. Fresh fish and seafood (-0.8%)
8. Bacon and breakfast sausage (-0.4%)
9. Bananas (-0.2%)
10. Cheese (tied) (+0.2%)
10. Citrus fruits (tied) (+0.2%)
12. Fresh whole chicken (+0.7%)
13. Fresh and frozen chicken parts (+1%)
14. Lettuce (+1.1%)
15. Tomatoes (+1.3%)
16. Ham (+2.3%)
17. Other fresh vegetables (+2.9%)
18. Uncooked beef roasts (+4.2%)
19. Uncooked ground beef (+4.8%)
20. Uncooked beef steaks (+5.0%)
21. Pork chops (+5.1%)
22. Dried beans, peas, and lentils (+7.4%)
23. Eggs (+37.5%)
.
Methodology: How Hers Ranked Grocery Inflation
To identify how grocery prices have changed in the last year, Hers pulled 12-month price data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. The list focuses on whole foods, including unprocessed meats and other (like eggs and dried beans), vegetables, and fruit. Canned fruit was excluded because of the potential for added and each item was ranked based on the change in price over a one-year period, with the lowest price increases ranking best on the list of inflation-proof healthy groceries.
3 Tips For Eating Healthy on a Budget
Incorporating unprocessed, whole foods is an important part of any health journey, whether you're trying to lose weight, manage or prevent a medical condition, or simply want to . Follow these three tips to eat healthy without blowing your food budget.
- Focus on a balanced diet: One of the best you can build is to eat nutritious foods. Be purposeful in your grocery choices to include more vegetables, fruits, and legumes. Focusing on specific unprocessed foods for meals and simplifies your shopping list and helps you avoid food waste.Ìý
- Pay attention to serving sizes: is another important part of balancing nutrition and your grocery budget. Instead of eating less, fill your plate with more nutritious options, like more veggies. Understand your and find out your recommended serving size for different food groups to fill your plate and feel satiated. You may find you have delicious leftovers that provide you with extra nutritious meals from the same shopping trip.ÌýÂ
- Buy in bulk: Research shows that the lowest price points for healthy eating are . Compare prices at multiple grocery stores, including bulk stores, to find the best prices on your favorite ingredients. You can always freeze extra produce or meat to prevent it from going bad while still taking advantage of lower prices.Ìý
Even as grocery prices fluctuate month by month, stay motivated to eat healthy by incorporating more affordable ingredients into your meal plan.Ìý
was produced by and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
How inflation is hurting the diets of low-income Americans
How inflation is hurting the diets of low-income Americans
Rising inflation at the supermarket has changed the way Americans buy food, altering family menus and daily diets as shoppers stretch their dollars to feed their families. Higher food prices hurt those with lower incomes the most, limiting access to healthy food and impacting long-term health.
In particular, the price of healthy foods has surged. One study from the University of Warwick found that Americans for fruits and vegetables due to enormous fixed costs in supplying them to markets, resulting in less consumption of these healthier foods. A 2022 national survey by the Cleveland Clinic found that the perceived high cost of healthy food was the biggest barrier to a healthier diet, saying so.
The result is that Americans are compensating by eating too many sugary and ultra-processed foods—which tend to be cheaper and more durable—and not enough fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich whole foods. Despite government programs encouraging and subsidizing healthy foods, the problem is only growing.
"There's evidence that inflation continues to shape food choices, particularly for low-income Americans who prioritize price over healthfulness," Constance Brown-Riggs, a registered nurse and nutritionist specializing in diabetes care, told Stacker.
According to the International Food Information Council's 2024 Food & Health Survey, at least cited price as a key driver of food purchases; however, just over half (55%) of low-income households ranked healthfulness as a top factor. In contrast, the healthfulness of food purchases only became more important than the price for those households earning $100,000 or more.
"These results highlight the disparity in how income influences food priorities," Brown-Riggs said, adding that higher food prices often increase food insecurity. "These shifts increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity."
The United States Department of Agriculture's reflects this need for better-quality American diets. The most recent index found that Americans (above the age of 2) scored an average of 58 out of 100, which is hardly encouraging.
"It has become increasingly clear that diet-related chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, liver disease, some types of cancer, and dental caries [cavities], pose a major public health problem for Americans," the found. Adults over 60 did a bit better, averaging a score of 61.
partnered with Stacker to examine how rising prices for healthy foods impact low-income families, using data from the USDA's Healthy Eating Index.
Americans aren't eating enough whole foods
While several factors contribute to the quality of American diets, rising prices are a meaningful component. With the cost of goods rising across the economy, consumers must make difficult choices regarding necessities like food.
The USDA estimates that experienced food insecurity in 2023, an increase of 1 million households since 2022. About 3.2 million families with children under 18 had to reduce or skip their meals altogether. With increasing costs at the cash register, everyday healthy foods may be too expensive for millions of Americans. As a result, many are skimping to fill their shopping carts, but more affordable foods can sometimes come at a higher cost to their long-term health.
When cost is a factor, more people opt for these processed foods, which tend to be cheaper, have longer shelf lives, and produce a short-term feeling of being full due to containing higher carbohydrates, Aimee Aristotelous—nutritionist and bestselling author of nutrition books like "Almost Keto" and "The Whole Food Pregnancy Plan"—told Stacker.
"These items are convenient, calorie-dense, widely accessible, and marketed aggressively," Aristotelous said. Cheap and easily available items like this include breakfast cereals, pasta, deli meats, ultra-processed snack foods, sugary beverages, shelf-stable and frozen meals, and packaged desserts.
"The health implications of these processed foods are dire, as most consist of empty calories that offer little nutrition," Aristotelous added. In other words, she said, the average American diet, when cost-conscious, lacks sufficient whole foods.
Local and state governments work to improve food access
Government-funded programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (better known as SNAP and WIC, respectively) are two primary food assistance programs that provide low-income Americans with resources to purchase healthy food. Many use these benefits to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread and cereals, eggs, and baby foods and formulas.
Many local programs also try to alleviate some of the burden of high prices at the cash register. For instance, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation invests in food outlets like groceries, food co-ops, and farmers markets in urban and rural communities nationwide to support healthy food distribution. Another example is New York City's Green Carts program, which works to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables in its neighborhoods.
As much as these advocacy and subsidy programs help, the downward trend in healthy eating is pervasive. Inflation makes shopping for healthy food harder but not impossible. It's about habits as much as price tags.
"An effective way to allocate more money to healthy foods is to eliminate empty-calorie foods and beverages from the grocery list," Aristotelous said. "Soda, packaged desserts, and chips are actually quite expensive in comparison to other nutritious selections."
For example, she said, $5 can buy a six-pack of Coca-Cola or a gallon of milk. It can purchase five pounds of bananas or a large bunch of broccoli, while a bag of chips could be the same price.
"Whole foods that are less expensive than many unhealthy processed foods include sweet potatoes, lettuces, cabbage, carrots, squash, beans, lentils, quinoa, oranges, frozen berries, apples, canned fish, ground beef, and poultry," Aristotelous said. "Not only does it cut significant expenses, but drinking water as one's primary beverage is also the most beneficial beverage option for wellness."
Brown-Riggs offered two main tips for budget-friendly healthy meal planning: Buy in bulk and choose plant-based proteins. Nonperishable items like whole grains, beans, and frozen vegetables can be purchased in large quantities to save money over time. Plant-based protein sources, such as beans and lentils, as well as eggs and canned fish, are also available and are often more affordable than meat.
Beyond the prices on store shelves, healthy eating is a complex issue that requires attention—and not just on an individual level. As the American Heart Association pointed out, in what gets on people's plates. These systemic issues have created "food deserts" and environments that often burden Black and Hispanic communities.
The government defines a food desert as an area with a poverty rate of at least 20% and where at least 33% of the population live more than 1 mile (or 10 miles in rural areas) from a grocery store. In these communities, residents often need access to public transit or a car and gas to reach their nearest supermarket. This makes it even more expensive to find healthy foods as transportation is the second-highest household expense behind housing and has also undergone widespread inflationary increases. Research has found that fast-food restaurants and advertising for processed foods and beverages often proliferate in food deserts, making them an unhealthy but far more convenient and affordable choice.
Apart from individual financial support, efforts can also be made to mount larger initiatives, such as installing gardens at schools, incentivizing grocery stores to be set up in underserved neighborhoods, and education programs that inform people about the benefits of healthy eating.
"We need a huge effort from a lot of fronts," prominent nutrition scholar Penny Kris-Etherton . "It needs to be across the board from multiple domains, and it really has to be intertwined."
Story editing by Carren Jao and Elisa Huang. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.
originally appeared on and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.
