Egg prices surge to ‘record high,’ USDA says. Consider these substitutes at home
Egg prices are way up, leaving some shoppers scrambling for substitutes.
Experts say you won’t have to look much further than your refrigerator, however.
The average cost of a dozen large grade-A eggs rose to $3.65 in November — a whopping 40% increase from January 2024, according to the latest available data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture also noted “record-high prices” driven, in part, by concerns of a potential egg shortage caused by persistent outbreaks of a highly contagious avian flu.
The outbreaks led to a loss of nearly 40 million egg-laying chickens across a dozen states in 2024, according to a USDA report published Jan. 3.
“Many grocery retailers have taken steps to limit incentivizing additional consumer purchasing ... with some placing unit limits per shopping trip, and others placing placards in the dairy case warning shoppers of potential issues with shell egg availability,” the administration said.
There’s no word on when egg prices will come back down. Until then, consumers in search of affordable alternatives may find some relief at home.
Eggs are a breakfast staple but also serve as binding agents in prepared foods such as cookies and casseroles.
In a pinch, they can be swapped out for these items:
- Bananas
- Tofu
- Applesauce
- Flax seed
An unlikely pantry staple may also do the trick.
“A quarter cup of mashed potatoes is equal to one egg when you’re binding,” Russell Spears, assistant professor of economics at Kennesaw State University, told McClatchy News.
Sometimes, there’s nothing like the real thing. If you can stomach the higher prices, experts suggest buying eggs when they’re available.
“People should make sure to purchase them and not wait to see if they’re going to go lower,” Judy Simon, a registered dietitian nutritionist with UW Medicine, told The Seattle Times. “Because I don’t think the prices are going to go down.”
Simon also pointed to alternative sources of protein including Greek yogurt, the newspaper reported.
Vegan and plant-based substitutes are also options, experts say, though some may be more budget-friendly than others.
“I have seen more plant-based options, but I have not seen a significant price difference,” Spears said. “You’re going to pay up for something plant-based.”
This story was originally published January 6, 2025 at 5:32 PM with the headline "Egg prices surge to ‘record high,’ USDA says. Consider these substitutes at home."