10 Smart Ways To Beat Eggflation (Hint: One Includes Buying Organic!)

The cost of eggs is higher than ever, but it’s hard to do away with them. We need them for a healthy breakfastand 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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Related: This One Simple Trick Lets You Know if Your Eggs Are Still Fresh

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.

Next Up: What Is Shrinkflation? Why Your Groceries Don’t Last as Long as They Used To