America’s eggs-istential crisis

Americans love eggs. And it is a consuming love. We each eat about 280 eggs a year (more than half an egg per day). But lately, that love is costing us dearly: The price of eggs has tripled since the pandemic began and egg shortages are hitting parts of the country. That combination has created a rare window of opportunity for substitutes. Shell-shocked consumers The price of most food has risen over the last year and while that has caused a lot of shock and hardship for people across the country, the price of eggs has struck a particular chord. Eggs are often seen a cheap, reliable source of protein — a go-to when other things get expensive. When the price of eggs goes up, people get emotional. "It’s a hot button for consumers," says Bill Lapp, president of Advanced Economic Solutions , a food industry consultant. "It’s similar to driving down the highway and seeing gas prices at $5.30." Of course, it’s not just emotional: The price of eggs has risen more than the price of almost anything else in the economy. The reason? A lot of it has to do with the usual suspects: rising gas prices […]

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