The Rising Cost of Eggs: Yumgo to the Rescue!

• Posted on 18 September 2024
• By The Pastry Depot
• 0

As egg prices continue to increase, with no decrease in sight, chefs and consumers are stuck looking for ways to continue to create their favorite food items and recipes without blowing their budget. Thankfully for all of us, there’s Yumgo egg substitutes to the rescue!

Eggs have been a staple in kitchens around the globe for decades. In addition to being a breakfast “all-star”, eggs are a vital ingredient in both savory and sweet recipes. With leavening and binding properties, eggs help us make custards & sauces, cookies & cakes, soups, candies, pasta, tarts, beverages, and more. It is pretty impossible to imagine a culinary world without eggs. However, over the last few years the affordability of eggs has been in a steady decline, leaving chefs and home cooks alike looking at two equally unappealing options: take the bigger hit to their budget to keep their egg supply or reduce the need for eggs in their menus and dishes. This has left many of us asking, how did we get here and what is the solution?

Increased Global Demand

One of the primary reasons for the escalating cost of eggs is the surging global demand. As more countries experience economic growth and an improvement in living standards, the demand for protein-rich foods, including eggs, has increased significantly. This increased demand, coupled with population growth, has put pressure on egg producers to scale up their operations to meet the rising consumption needs.

Supply Chain Challenges

The egg industry faces various supply chain challenges that impact prices. Weather events, such as severe storms or droughts, can affect the production of feed crops like corn and soybeans, which are crucial components of chicken feed. Consequently, the reduced availability of these feed ingredients drives up the cost of production, resulting in higher egg prices.

Changes in Consumer Preferences

Shifting consumer preferences have also contributed to the rising cost of eggs. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards cage-free or free-range eggs. This shift is driven by concerns over animal welfare and a desire for more sustainable and ethically produced food. Meeting these demands often requires egg producers to make changes in their infrastructure, leading to increased costs that are eventually passed on to the consumers.

Regulatory Requirements and Biosecurity Measures

Stringent regulations regarding food safety and biosecurity have also influenced the cost of eggs. These regulations aim to prevent the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, which can have devastating effects on poultry populations. Compliance with these regulations often entails additional investments in infrastructure, biosecurity measures, and disease prevention protocols. These added expenses can contribute to the increased cost of eggs.

Transportation and Distribution Costs

The rising cost of fuel and other logistical factors affect the transportation and distribution of eggs, leading to higher prices for consumers. Eggs are a perishable commodity and require careful handling and temperature control throughout the supply chain. As fuel prices rise, transportation costs increase, impacting the final price of eggs on store shelves.

Global Trade and Currency Fluctuations

Global trade dynamics, changes in exchange rates, and currency fluctuations also play a role in the rising cost of eggs. Many countries rely on importing eggs or egg products to meet their domestic demand. Trade restrictions, tariffs, and currency fluctuations can disrupt the supply chain and result in higher prices for imported eggs.

Implications for Consumers & Businesses

The rising cost of eggs around the globe has far-reaching implications for consumers, food businesses, and the agriculture industry. As prices continue to climb, consumers may need to adjust their budgets or explore alternative protein sources. Restaurants and bakeries may face challenges in maintaining profitability while accommodating higher ingredient costs, while the increasing costs mean egg producers must find efficient production methods and innovative solutions to remain competitive.

As consumers, it is essential to stay informed about the trends and factors influencing the cost of eggs. When you see the prices rising on meringue powder, cake mixes, egg white powder, etc., keep in mind these products are all made with a high amount of dehydrated egg products. The rise in egg costs significantly affects all of these items.

This is where Yumgo comes in! Yumgo offers a substitute egg white, egg yolk, and whole egg powder, allowing you to replace eggs without changing your recipes or quantities. It is made of 100% plant based ingredients, meaning not only can Yumgo save you money, but it also makes your products more accessible for people with dietary restrictions. The price points on Yumgo egg substitute powders are 1/3 of the price of real egg powders, giving you both a vegan egg option and cost savings! You can still make your macarons, meringues, and dacquoise like normal without the added cost of real eggs. Simply rehydrate the powder substitute according to the directions and continue on with your recipe as normal. Though Yumgo cannot be used to make breakfast items like scrambled eggs, it is perfect for baked breakfast items like banana or blueberry bread!

You can find Yumgo egg substitutes at The Pastry Depot online or in-store today!