What is an Egg Shortage?

An egg shortage refers to a situation where the supply of eggs falls short of the demand for them. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as an increase in demand for eggs, a decrease in the number of hens laying eggs, or a disruption in the supply chain.

There are several factors that can contribute to an egg shortage. Some of the most common causes include:

• Disease outbreaks: When chickens are affected by diseases such as avian influenza, their ability to lay eggs can be greatly reduced.
• Weather events: Extreme weather conditions such as heat waves or cold snaps can stress chickens, causing them to lay fewer eggs.
• Feed shortage: If there is a shortage of feed for chickens, their egg production can be affected.
• Labor shortages: Labor shortages can cause disruptions in the egg supply chain, making it difficult to get eggs from the farm to the store.
• COVID-19 pandemic: This pandemic caused a disruption in the supply chain and led to an increase in demand for eggs as people were cooking more at home.

When an egg shortage occurs, egg prices may increase and the availability of certain types of eggs (such as organic or cage-free) may be limited. Retailers may also limit the number of eggs that customers can purchase at one time.

Alternatives to Eggs in Cooking

• Flaxseed or chia seed eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for a few minutes to thicken.
• Silken tofu: puree silken tofu in a blender and use it as a replacement for eggs in baking recipes; blend it until it is smooth and use as a 1:1 replacement for eggs in most recipes .
• Yogurt: use plain, unsweetened yogurt as a replacement for eggs in baking recipes; use plain yogurt as a 1:1 replacement for eggs in most recipes.
• Applesauce: use unsweetened applesauce as a replacement for eggs in baking recipes; use unsweetened applesauce as a 1:1 replacement for eggs in most recipes.
• Aquafaba: the liquid from a can of chickpeas can be whipped to create an egg-like texture, great for meringues or macarons.
• Banana: mashed banana can be used as an egg-replacer in baking recipes.
• Commercial egg replacer powder: commercial egg replacer powders are also available and can be used as a replacement for eggs in baking recipes; some grocery stores carry commercial egg substitutes that are made from a variety of plant-based ingredients such as soy, potatoes, and pea protein. (Note that the egg replacement will affect the texture and taste of the final product, so it may require experimentation to find the best option for a specific recipe.)

It is important to note that not all egg substitutes work well in all recipes. Some work better in baking than others, so it is best to experiment with different options to find the one that works best for your recipe.