Egg Prices Are Soaring—Let’s Cook Without ‘Em!
Hey Taysters,
Let’s be real—I don’t eat eggs, but I cook for someone who does every day. And lately? The egg prices at the grocery store are ridiculous! If I’m feeling the pinch, I know you are too.
So, let’s talk egg substitutes and the best egg alternatives that will keep your kitchen running, your recipes intact, and your wallet happy—without worrying about rising egg prices.
These alternatives won’t be exact replicas, but they’ll get the job done. Play with flavors, textures, and techniques—let’s make magic in the kitchen!
Why Are Egg Prices So High?
If you’re wondering, “Why are eggs so expensive, but chicken meat isn’t?”, you’re not alone. The answer comes down to supply, demand, and avian flu outbreaks.
Key Factors Behind the Price Spike:
If you’re wondering, “Why are eggs so expensive, but chicken meat isn’t?”, you’re not alone. The answer comes down to supply, demand, and avian flu outbreaks.
✅ Avian Flu Outbreaks – Bird flu (HPAI) wiped out millions of egg-laying hens, drastically reducing supply.
✅ Higher Feed Costs – Chicken feed (corn & soybeans) costs more due to inflation, supply chain issues, and weather.
✅ Supply Chain Disruptions – Labor shortages, transportation delays, and processing costs add to the problem.
✅ Delayed Price Drops – Even if flu outbreaks slow down, prices may stay high (like we saw with chicken breast in 2023).
✅ Regional Differences – Prices vary by location, with some areas hit harder than others.
✅ Basic Economics – Less supply + steady demand = higher prices.
Why Isn’t Chicken Meat Affected as Much?
While both eggs and chicken meat depend on feed costs, avian flu hits egg-laying hens harder. Meat chickens are raised and processed differently, making them less vulnerable to sudden price jumps.
➡ Read the USDA’s Egg Market Overview for the latest pricing trends.
What Do Eggs Do in Cooking?
Before replacing eggs, it’s helpful to understand their role in recipes.
🥚 Binding – Holds ingredients together (meatloaf, cakes, batters).
🥚 Leavening – Traps air to make baked goods rise (soufflés, meringues).
🥚 Moisture – Adds richness to cakes, muffins, and sauces.
🥚 Emulsification – Blends oil and water (dressings, mayo).
Each of these functions has a substitute, and choosing the best egg alternatives depends on what you’re cooking. Let’s break it down while finding the right egg substitute for each situation.
Egg Substitutes & Best Egg Alternatives for Baking & Cooking
For Binding (Meatloaf, Burgers, Cookies, Cakes)
✅ Chia/Flax “Egg” – (1 tbsp seeds + 3 tbsp water, sit 5 min) Great for cookies and dense cakes.
✅ Tofu (Silken/Firm) – (¼ cup blended per egg) Works for quiches, frittatas, and veggie patties.
✅ Chickpea Flour (Besan) – Natural binder and thickener. Use 2 tbsp per egg or whisk into sauces.
✅ Nutritional Yeast – Slightly sticky when moistened, adding a binding effect with a savory boost.
✅ Commercial Egg Replacers – (Bob’s Red Mill Egg Replacer, Follow Your Heart VeganEgg) Use as directed for baking.
For Leavening (Breads, Cakes, Muffins, Pancakes)
✅ Baking Powder + Oil + Water – (1.5 tsp baking powder + 1.5 tbsp water + 1 tbsp oil = 1 egg) Best for fluffy baked goods.
✅ Aquafaba (Chickpea Water) – The liquid from canned chickpeas can be whipped just like egg whites—perfect for meringues and macarons.
For Moisture (Cakes, Muffins, Brownies, Cookies)
✅ Applesauce/Mashed Banana – (¼ cup per egg) Adds moisture and a slight sweetness.
✅ Nut Butters – (3 tbsp per egg) Adds fat and chewiness to cookies and brownies.
Emulsification (Dressings, Sauces, Mayo)
✅ Commercial Egg Replacers – Useful for blending oil and water in dressings.
✅ Just Egg (or similar) – Works well in sauces needing emulsification.
For Scrambled Egg Replacements
✅ Tofu Scramble – Sauté crumbled tofu with turmeric and black salt (kala namak) for an eggy vibe.
✅ Eggless Salad – Firm tofu + mustard, relish, black salt, and turmeric = perfect egg salad.
✅ Chickpea Flour Omelet/Frittata – Blend chickpea flour with water for a protein-packed alternative.
Budget-Friendly Egg Solutions (For Those Who Still Eat Eggs!)
If you still love eggs but want to save money, here are some smart strategies:
✅ Buy in Bulk – Split a case with family or friends to lower per-egg cost.
✅ Shop Local – Farmers’ markets often have fresher, high-quality eggs at reasonable prices.
✅ Use Egg Whites – A carton of egg whites can stretch your eggs further (3 tbsp egg whites = 1 whole egg).
✅ Stretch Your Eggs During Cooking:
- Add egg whites to scrambled eggs for volume.
- Mix tofu into scrambled eggs or omelets.
- Add milk/cream to scrambled eggs to make them go further.
- Bulk up scrambles with veggies for a hearty meal.
Nutritional Comparison: Eggs vs. Substitutes
|
Nutrient |
Tofu Scramble |
Chickpea Flour Omelet |
Eggs (Large) |
|
Protein |
High |
High |
High |
|
Fiber |
Moderate |
High |
Zero |
|
Cholesterol |
Zero |
Zero |
High |
|
B Vitamins |
Moderate |
Moderate |
High |
|
Iron |
Moderate |
High |
Low |
|
Healthy Fats |
Low |
Moderate |
Moderate (mostly unsaturated fats) |
Final Thoughts
Egg prices might be unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean your cooking has to suffer. With the best egg alternatives, the right egg substitute for every dish, and a plan for handling high egg prices, you can keep cooking delicious meals without breaking the bank.