Egg prices soar in the United States, causing Americans to decorate potatoes on Easter 2025 | World News
Hippity, Hoppity – Easter is coming, but this year, Americans have become more innovative about their traditions as egg prices soar. Eggs have been an Easter tradition for centuries – whether in bright tones, across the White House lawn, violently arranged on brunch plates, or hidden in casseroles and quiches. But as eggs reach record levels of egg cost after the ongoing bird flu outbreak, others rethink how they tag the occasion.
As of March, the average price in the U.S. rose to $6.23 (Rs 531.96), up from $5.90 (Rs 503.78) in February, with an average price of $5.90 (Rs 503.78) in January and $4.95 (Rs 422.67) in January. By comparison, Canadians are about $4.91 (Rs 419.25) per call in February, almost 40% lower than their neighbors in the South.
But Americans didn’t let the high prices break their Easter spirit. Social media buzzed with creative egg alternatives, and influencers hacked the occasion with budget-friendly decorative decor.
Spruce spread from a spruce in the home’s Instagram reel, showing clever egg replacements such as painting pasta shells, making them out of clay, and – you guessed it – light potatoes.
“The shape of a baby potato or baby potato is similar to that of an egg, and it’s fun,” said blogger Rose Atwater.
Food influencers are also throwing away real eggs to support creative snacks. Marshmallows, brownies and even rocks are transformed into colorful Easter decorations. “I actually prefer dye marshmallows,” Instagram creator Rachel Anderson said in a video of the main scenery.
The rising costs start at inconvenient times a few days before Easter celebrations begin.
To manage the crisis, grocery stores nationwide are restricting egg purchases. Trader Joe’s limits one dozen customers per visit, while Whole Foods allows three cartons, and the Kroger store limits buyers to two dozen. Other chains, including Bean Sprouts, Giant Eagle and Market Basketball, have followed similar restrictions.
In some California stores, eggs are sold hours after restocking. Safeway in Santa Clara reportedly received cargo twice a day, but was already running out by late afternoon.
The USDA’s recent egg market overview shows that more than 150 million poultry birds are trying to control the spread of influenza in birds, driving higher prices and squeezing supply. Wholesale prices have also risen sharply, with cageless eggs in California now exceeding Rs 968.49 (Rs 768.49) per dozen.
Retailers are adjusting their strategies accordingly. Aldi, for example, released a sign that would limit price increases and limit egg purchases to two per customer. Some grocery stores have even shrunk their promotions to avoid overwhelming their fragile stocks.
Experts believe the situation may not improve any time soon. The USDA predicts egg prices will rise by another 20% in 2025, exceeding the expected overall food cost of 2.2%. In December 2024, the price has risen by 36.8% compared to last year.
Saloni Vastani, a marketing professor at Emory University, said consumer behavior plays a role. “As prices rise, shoppers tend to stock, which worsens the shortage they are trying to overcome,” she told USA Today.
Restaurants also felt crunched. Waffle House uses more than 270 million eggs per year, and of all eggs in the U.S., the surcharge for each egg is increased by 50 cents.
So whether it’s marshmallows, painted pasta or unremarkable potatoes – this Easter may just be the most creative yet. After all, the heart of the holiday is about creativity, family and a little fun-even if the eggs don’t belong to the basket this time.
(with IANS input)
