9 Excellent Ways To Save on Eggs

by Andrea Norris-McKnight

Egg prices have doubled since 2020, and while they are cheaper now than in 2023, prices remain relatively high. Once again, bird flu is driving up egg prices.

Saving money on eggs doesn’t just boil down to catching them on sale or clipping coupons. Let’s crack into some creative strategies for keeping your egg-spenditure to a minimum on this versatile kitchen staple. Here are nine creative ways to save on eggs.

9 Ways To Save on Eggs

1. Befriend a Backyard Farmer

You might be surprised to find that someone in your community has a coop full of chickens and more eggs than they know what to do with.

My mother lives near a rural area and often buys eggs from a neighbor for a fraction of the cost of grocery store eggs. Sometimes, she pet-sits for the neighbor in exchange for free eggs and homegrown goodies from their garden.

2. Buy Eggs in Bulk

You can typically save quite a bit by buying eggs in bulk, but how many eggs can you reasonably use before they go bad? Find a neighbor or friend who would like to split the cost (and the savings with you.

Freezing eggs can also allow you to take advantage of bulk egg purchases or good sales without worrying about food waste. According to The Pioneer Woman website, the best way to freeze eggs is in an ice cube tray. Place one cracked egg per cube slot with a pinch of salt. These silicone ice cube trays make it super easy to pop out the frozen eggs for use or alternate storage.

3. Join a Co-Op

Another way to share egg savings is to join a food co-op. Co-ops that buy eggs directly from local farmers often offer better prices on organic and free-range eggs. Membership might come with an upfront cost, but the long-term savings and quality can be well worth it.

4. Check Prices at Alternative Shopping Spots

Beyond your typical grocery store and warehouse club, explore local farmers’ markets and ethnic food stores that may sell eggs at more competitive prices. Farmers’ market vendors might offer discounts towards the end of the day to avoid taking perishable items back home.

5. Use Powdered or Liquid Eggs for Baking

Consider using powdered or liquid eggs when baking or cooking other recipes where the egg isn’t the main ingredient. These alternatives are sometimes less expensive and have a longer shelf life, reducing waste and saving money over time.

6. Make Every Egg Count

Take steps to ensure you don’t let any eggs go to waste. Store eggs properly, and understand the difference between the “sell-by” date and when an egg actually spoils. The USDA states eggs will last three to five weeks in the fridge when stored at 40 degrees or slightly colder. You can find out more about USDA storage recommendations here.

It can help to keep a note on your fridge with a use-by date so you remember to eat or freeze any remaining eggs. If you’re unsure if an egg is still good, submerge it in a glass of water. If the egg floats, throw it out — it’s no longer good. Bad eggs also have a pungent sulfur (rotten egg) smell.

7. Rethink Your Egg Use

Sometimes, we use eggs out of habit rather than necessity. Evaluate recipes, especially those using eggs for binding or moisture. Perhaps you don’t really need an egg, or one egg rather than two would suffice.

8. Substitute Where You Can

If you decide your recipe does need eggs, get creative and use a cheaper substitute when possible. For instance, in baking, you can use applesauce, mashed bananas, or a “flax egg” (a mix of flaxseed meal and water). Not only does this save money, but it also adds a twist of flavor and nutrition to your dishes.

TheKitchn.com has an excellent list of egg substitutes and how they affect final baked products regarding taste and texture.

9. Raise Your Own

If you’re adventurous and have the space and resources, consider raising chickens. While there’s an initial investment and ongoing care, the payoff includes a steady supply of fresh eggs and, potentially, a surplus to sell or share with friends.

How Many Ways Will You Save on Eggs?

Incorporating these egg-ceptional tips can lead to lower food costs. Remember, cracking into savings is all about being egg-stra creative!

Related:

• Going Beyond Coupons To Save in the Dairy Department
• Ways To Save on Cooking Oils, Fats and Butter
• Tried-and-True Tools for Fighting High Grocery Prices

Reviewed April 2024

About the Author

Andrea Norris-McKnight took over as the editor of The Dollar Stretcher and After 50 Finances after working under the site founder and previous editor for almost 15 years. She has also written for Money.com, GOBankingRates.com, HavenLife.com and The Sacramento Bee.