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It’s obvious to anyone who’s been in a supermarket over the past year that prices are going up across the board — but the cost of a dozen eggs has skyrocketed more than just about anything else on grocery store shelves.
Several factors have led to this trend, from increased cases of bird flu to supply chain interruptions that have fueled inflation elsewhere.
If you’re tired of paying a premium for this protein-packed staple, there are a few compelling options to consider.
Competing brands
You might have noticed a few plant-based egg alternatives sitting beside traditional cartons on the shelf. Companies including Zero Egg and Just Egg have been duking it out to increase their share of the market.
The advertising has largely written itself recently as stores struggle to keep eggs in stock and the price per dozen keeps on going up.
Just Egg’s mung bean alternative has invested heavily in marketing slogans like “Plants don’t get the flu” and “Just Egg is in stock” to get the word out about its products.
It’s been paying off, with the company noting that sales are steadily increasing and many stores are ordering larger shipments.
Zero Egg’s strategy is a bit different, opting to sell only to restaurants before venturing into supermarkets. It has also seen a recent increase in demand as eateries use the alternative — made from chickpeas, potatoes, peas, and soy — to make salad dressings and other food products.
Will it last?
These egg alternatives are clearly having a moment with the egg market in turmoil, but it remains to be seen what will happen with things return to normal. And some recent evidence suggests that egg prices are about to come back down to earth.
Wholesale prices have dropped more than 50% from their heights late last year.
