10 Smart Ways To Beat Eggflation (Hint: One Includes Buying Organic!)
Shop smart and substitute when necessary.
The cost of eggs is higher than ever, but it's hard to do away with them. We need them for a healthy breakfast and as an ingredient in so many recipes. So what to do? Luckily, though, there are smart ways to save money on eggs and beat the eggflation, and get back to your favorite breakfast scramble.
Because of the egg shortage, we are paying way more for eggs than we did a year ago. In fact, in December, prices were up 60 percent more than they were the previous year.
Even though it may feel impossible, there are ways to find deals on eggs. It can also make a big difference depending on where you buy your eggs and what kind they are. Or, if you want to start using fewer eggs to beat eggflation, there are plenty of egg substitutes for baking and also for getting your protein. The key is to shop smart and use only the amount of eggs that are really necessary at a time.
Here are 10 smart ways to save money on eggs that are easy to incorporate into your eating and cooking plans.
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10 Smart Ways To Save Money on Eggs
1. Buy Organic Eggs
Organic eggs can be found for a lower price than regular eggs these days. This is probably because organic farms have not been hit as hard by the avian flu. As a result, the price of organic eggs has remained more stable. Organic eggs are not being sold at a discount, it's just that regular eggs have had such high increases that some of them have surpassed the price of organic.
2. Buy Eggs From a Local Backyard Chicken Farm
More and more people are raising chickens in their own backyards. You will often see signs in yards advertising fresh eggs for sale. You'll most likely be able to find fresh eggs at a reasonable price.
3. Use Flaxseed as an Egg Substitute in Recipes
A sixteen-ounce bag of flaxseed meal costs roughly just under $10. With that one bag, you can make the equivalent of 48 eggs. It only takes one tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2 1/2 tablespoons of water for an egg substitution. The nice thing is that flaxseed is a great source of omega-3 as well as a good source of protein and fiber. Other great egg substitutions in baking, according to Kitchn, are as follows:
Chia seeds - one tablespoon + three tablespoons of water = one egg
Arrowroot powder - 2 tablespoons + 3 tablespoons water = 1 large egg
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce = 1 large egg for most recipes
1/4 cup mashed banana = one egg
2 tablespoons water + 2 teaspoons baking powder + 1 teaspoon vegetable oil = 1 large egg
1/4 cup carbonated water = 1 large egg
Bob's Red Mill Organic Brown Flaxseed Meal, 16 Ounce
Related: We’ve *Cracked* the Code—The 10 Best Egg Substitutes When You're All Out
4. Get Your Protein From Other Food Sources
One of the biggest benefits of eating eggs is that an egg offers a complete source of protein—there are 6 grams of protein in a single egg. However, there are many other foods that are also rich in protein. While the egg prices are high, you may want to consider substituting your eggs for some of these other foods:
Greek yogurt - 1 cup = 23 grams of protein
Oatmeal - 1 cup cooked = 6 grams of protein
Almonds - 1/4 cup = 7 grams of protein
Peanut butter - 2 tablespoons = 7 grams of protein
Ezekiel bread (sprouted wheat) - 2 slices = 8 grams of protein
Pumpkin seeds = 1 oz = 9 grams of protein
Tofu - 3 ozs = 8 grams of protein
Cheddar cheese - 1 oz = 6 1/2 grams of protein
Quinoa - 1 cup = 8 grams of protein
Black beans - 1/2 cup = 8 grams of protein
5. Raise Your Own Chickens
You can start your own flock with just four to six chicks. If you have the space and time, this could be a nice long-term option for keeping an ongoing egg supply. Check out Gardening With Chickens for more information on raising your own chickens.
6. Use Egg Coupons
Watch for egg coupons from your favorite grocery store and other local stores. It may be worth your while to watch for coupons from stores that you don't usually shop from.
Related: How Long Do Eggs Last, and How Can You Keep Eggs Fresher Longer? Let's Crack To It
7. Watch for Sales on Eggs
Even with the inflated price of eggs, some grocery stores may periodically run sales on eggs. Check out the weekly ads so that you don't miss out. If your grocery store has an app, that is an easy way to have all of the current sales right at your fingertips.
8. Shop Store-brand Eggs
Typically, store-brand eggs will cost less than other brands. Some of the best store brands to look at are Target's Good and Gather, Walmart's Great Value Brand and Aldi's Goldhen brand.
9. Make a Budget
Now is the time to revise your budget to include the inflated price of eggs and other products. It might mean you have to lower one category of your budget, like dinners out, to raise the amount you can spend on groceries.
10. Eat More Meals at Home
Because restaurants are also affected by eggflation, menu prices may be higher to make up for the additional cost of eggs. That may mean that the whole menu, not just eggs, could be given higher prices. Cooking at home always saves you money, but now that is the case more than ever.
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