This Is Why Eggs Are so Expensive Now
You’ve heard of inflation – get ready for egg inflation. You’ve probably noticed those astronomical prices on grocery store shelves, or maybe you haven’t noticed any eggs on the shelves at all. According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) , the price of eggs has risen 36.8% from where it was a year ago. Compare this to the trajectory of overall food prices of just 2.5%, and egg inflation is obvious. Here’s what’s behind the current state of this staple in the kitchen and what you can do to make eggs more accessible right now.
Why are eggs so expensive now?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the rise in egg costs is due to both increased demand and widespread outbreaks of avian influenza. Since October, persistent large-scale outbreaks of the virus in many states have taken a huge toll on the US laying hen population. Coupled with low supply is high demand these days, as the USDA explains a trend in which many Americans are choosing proteins like eggs and poultry over red meat in recent years.
These prices will remain unstable until producers are able to rebuild their herds, which does not appear to be happening anytime soon. The largest egg producers in the United States continue to report new cases of avian influenza across the country.
Tips on how to save during eggflation
Since prices likely won’t drop anytime soon, here are some tips to help reduce those high prices.
Go to larger volumes
Whenever possible, the easiest way to save money on groceries is to buy them in bulk. If you’re buying five dozen eggs at a time, it’s important to plan how you’ll make sure those eggs don’t go to waste. According to the USDA, whole raw eggs in their shells last three to five weeks in the refrigerator. They will keep for four to five weeks after the packaging date and about three weeks after you bring them home.
Another tip: When prices drop, buy more eggs and freeze them for up to one year. To freeze whole eggs , beat the yolks and whites. You can also freeze eggs using this method .
Select store brand
Cage-free, free-range, and name-brand brands will be more expensive than the most common store-brand options on the shelves.
Choose Egg Alternatives
If you really want to reduce egg prices, the easiest solution is to stop buying eggs. The true bakers among us have long known a variety of egg substitutes , such as ground flax, mashed bananas, and even chickpea liquid . With a little forethought, you won’t have to completely succumb to those inflated egg prices. You didn’t expect there to be any eggless puns in this article, did you? Get real.