Here's Why Eggs Are so Expensive Right Now
What’s behind this eggflation?
AbJimroe
What’s behind this eggflation?
Credit: MIA Studio / Shutterstock
You've heard of inflation—get ready for eggflation. You’ve probably noticed these astronomical prices on grocery store shelves, or noticed no eggs on the shelves at all. According to the latest consumer price index, or CPI, the price of eggs is up 36.8% from where it was a year ago. Compare that to the trajectory of overall food prices at just 2.5%, and the eggflation is clear. Here's what's behind the current state of this kitchen staple, and what you can do to make eggs more affordable right now.
Why eggs are so expensive right now
Soaring egg costs are due to both increased demand and pervasive avian flu outbreaks, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Since October, continual large-scale outbreaks of the virus across multiple states have taken a massive toll on the U.S. flock of egg-laying hens. Combined with low supply is high demand these days, as the USDA explains the trend of many Americans opting for proteins like eggs and poultry over red meat in recent years.
These prices will remain volatile until producers can rebuild their flocks, which doesn't look to be anytime soon. Major U.S. egg producers continue to report new bird flu cases around the country.
Tips to save during eggflation
With prices likely not not dropping any time soon, here are some hacks to beat those steep prices.
Go for bulk
Whenever possible, the easiest way to save on groceries is by buying in bulk. If you’re buying five dozen eggs at a time, it’s important to plan how you’re going to make sure those eggs don’t go to waste. According to the USDA, whole raw eggs in the shell will last three to five weeks in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for four to five weeks beyond the pack date and about three weeks beyond when you brought them home.
Another tip: When prices dip, buy extra eggs and freeze them for up to one year. To freeze whole eggs, beat yolks and whites together. You can also freeze eggs using this method.
Choose store brand
Cage-free, free-range, and name brands are going to be more expensive than the most generic, store brand option on the shelves.
Get into egg alternatives
If you really want to beat egg prices, the easiest solution is to stop buying eggs. The true bakers among us have long known plenty of egg substitutes, like ground flax, a mashed banana, and even chickpea liquid. With a little forethought, you don’t have to give in completely to these egg-ceptional prices. You didn’t expect zero egg puns in this article, did you? Get real.
Meredith Dietz
Senior Finance Writer
Meredith Dietz is Lifehacker’s Senior Finance Writer. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Communications from Northeastern University, where she graduated as valedictorian of her college. She grew up waitressing in her family restaurant in Wilmington, DE and worked at Hasbro Games, where she wrote rules for new games. Previously, she worked in the non-profit space as a Leadership Resident with the Harpswell Foundation in Phnom Penh, Cambodia; later, she was a travel coordinator for a study abroad program that traced the rise of fascist propaganda across Western Europe.
Since then, Meredith has been driven to make personal finance accessible and address taboos of talking openly about money, including debt, investing, and saving for retirement. Outside of finance writing, Meredith is a marathon runner and stand-up comedian who has been a regular contributor to The Onion and Reductress. Meredith lives in Brooklyn, NY.
