Recently, egg prices have surged, causing many people to hesitate before making a purchase. However, our reporter found that prices vary greatly among different supermarkets, and comparing prices before buying can help save money.
In a Chinese supermarket in Chinatown, the large brown eggs were priced at $4.95 before the New Year on December 26th, and increased to $6.50 on January 13th. Ms. Li from Queens expressed that she had just bought a dozen large white eggs in a blue carton near her home last Sunday for $10, which she considered the cheapest eggs in this supermarket.
As egg prices continue to rise, some have found it more cost-effective to buy in bulk at warehouse-style supermarkets. Ms. Zhang, who lives in the suburbs of New York, usually buys eggs from Sam’s Club, and she mentioned that the price has been increasing as well. “A box of 90 large white eggs went from $14, to $18, then to $22.”
Upon learning that the price of eggs in Queens had reached $10 per dozen, she felt fortunate that she had purchased two boxes totaling 180 eggs for $44 before New Year’s Day to prevent further price hikes. She stored them in a cool place outside her doorstep to enjoy slowly. 180 eggs are equivalent to 15 dozens, costing less than $3 per dozen.
Some people who visited another Chinese chain supermarket in Chinatown that day found that while egg prices had indeed risen significantly, they had not reached $10 yet. Customers shopping there stated, “In the summer, a box of eggs used to cost only $3 or $4, but now it’s $8.”
However, Mr. Chen, the owner of a Chinese supermarket in Chinatown, mentioned that “the supermarket’s eggs have at least doubled in price.” Although his supermarket’s eggs were also over $6, most supermarkets have already reached $8. This situation is more pronounced in the northern United States, with minimal impact in the South.
Why have egg prices remained high? Ms. Zhang humorously remarked, “I heard that the chickens have formed a union and recently went on strike.”
Mr. Chen explained that due to avian influenza killing many chickens, “With fewer chickens, there are fewer eggs, that’s all.” He believes that this situation “won’t last a long time.”
Despite the soaring prices, our reporter found that at least two supermarkets had shelves for organic eggs completely empty.
Regarding using tofu as a substitute for eggs, Ms. Zhang mentioned that tofu is nutritious, but for her, eggs are irreplaceable. “You can just cook eggs in the morning and eat them directly, but tofu doesn’t work that way. Tofu can only be eaten as a dish. Plus, you can make cakes with eggs, but not with tofu, right?”
Some people, in order to have peace of mind with regards to consuming chicken meat and eggs, go to specialized shops that process chickens to buy fresh eggs. Mrs. Liu from Chinatown purchased chicken meat from a shop exclusively selling “Sanhuang Free-Range Chicken” operated by a Chinese, on the 13th. She mentioned, “The chicken meat here is delicious, and the eggs are trustworthy.” The store assistant stated that all the chickens are sourced from the owner’s own chicken farm, and they sell organic eggs for $10 per dozen. ◇