A hot topic today is definitely the skyrocketing price of eggs. When egg prices are high, it can be a challenge to maintain a healthy and budget-friendly diet. However, there are several things you can do when egg prices are high to save money and still enjoy eggs as part of your diet.
Consider these tips to help you reduce the impact of high egg prices on your grocery bill.
Buy eggs in bulk
Many people look for smaller cartons in the grocery store, but larger amounts are a good option if you use eggs regularly. Buying eggs in larger quantities when they are on sale can help you save even more money. You can store eggs in the refrigerator for up to five weeks, or in the freezer for up to one year.
Plan your meals in advance
How many eggs do you really need? When items are scarce or prices are high, it’s natural to panic. Take a deep breath, though, and decide if you really need to have fresh eggs this week.
Planning your meals in advance helps you make the most of your food budget, including eggs. You can plan meals around ingredients you already have on hand, and make sure that whether you’ll actually use eggs throughout the week. This avoids overspending and waste.
Shop local
Eggs at the grocery stores are higher mainly due to operation fees, transportation costs, and store mark-ups. Your local farmer can often sell their eggs a bit cheaper as there’s less overhead involved. Look around your area for local farmers who offer eggs and be sure to check your Farmer’s Markets, too.
Besides getting super fresh eggs, you’ll be supporting your local community, too.
Find egg alternatives
Eggs are a versatile ingredient, but there are other ingredients that can be used as substitutes in many recipes. For example, silken tofu can be used as a binding agent in baking. Chia seeds mixed with water can be used as an egg substitute in recipes like scrambled eggs.
Check out our list: What Can You Use Instead of Eggs?
Tons of recipes using silken tofu and other egg substitutes are available to you via a quick search on the internet.
Stretch your egg use
When egg costs are high, reduce your egg use by making the most of each egg. For example, rather than making a simple scrambled egg, consider making omelets.
Eggs are cost-effective ingredient in meals like frittatas, omelets, and quiches. All of these stretch the eggs further with the addition of vegetables, cheese, and other budget-friendly ingredients.
Produce your own eggs
While there are upfront costs and time investments, raising chickens may be a good solution. If you have the space and resources, consider raising your own chickens to produce your own eggs. This can be a fun and rewarding project. And you can save money in the long run while having a constant supply of fresh eggs.
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High egg prices don’t have to be a hindrance to your healthy and budget-friendly diet. By being mindful of your food budget, looking for alternatives, and using eggs in budget-friendly meals, you can still enjoy this versatile ingredient as part of your meals.
