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As Easter approaches, many in the United States may need to rethink their customary celebrations.
Eggs are traditionally a key element of Easter festivities, whether they’re being beautifully painted, showcased during the White House Easter Egg Roll, transformed into deviled eggs for the dinner table, or incorporated into festive brunches. However, due to ongoing high prices and a bird flu outbreak affecting laying hens, consumers are exploring alternative options for their beloved traditions this year. Recent reports show that U.S. egg prices have surged, hitting a staggering average of $6.23 per dozen, equating to approximately $8.73 in Canadian dollars.
In response, social media influencers have creatively addressed the egg decorating dilemma, suggesting that people can dye and decorate a variety of items other than traditional eggs. For instance, a popular TikTok video by The Spruce suggests alternatives like painting pasta shells, transforming potatoes into colorful creations, and even using clay.
Furthermore, many videos highlight innovative substitutes for eggs, such as decorators who craft brownies into egg shapes, dye marshmallows, and even paint rocks. The food blogger behind Crowded Kitchen remarked on the urgency due to skyrocketing prices by stating, “Eggs are way too expensive right now,” while influencers like Rachel Anderson have shared their joy in dyeing marshmallows more than traditional eggs in their social media posts.
Rising Costs Impacting Celebrations
As the Easter holiday draws near, the timing of the latest uptick in egg prices presents a challenge for consumers. The price reached a new high of $6.23 per dozen in March, a rise from $5.90 in February and $4.95 in January. In contrast, Canadian consumers faced an average price of approximately $4.91 in February, roughly 40% less than their U.S. counterparts, according to Statistics Canada.
The recent inflation in egg prices was documented in the consumer price index released last week. The overall food prices index also saw a 0.4% increase in March, driven in part by a 5.9% rise in egg prices. The index for eggs has jumped by 60.4% over the past year.
Although there are signs that wholesale egg prices are beginning to drop, these decreases have yet to translate into lower retail prices for consumers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture commented that while demand for shell eggs may be improving as Easter approaches, it remains below expected levels and typical trends seen during this holiday period. Retailers are, therefore, cautious in promoting egg sales due to the inconsistent supply availability.
Creative Solutions with Potatoes
Despite the challenges with egg scarcity, many families are determined to maintain their Easter traditions through innovative methods. Craft retailer Michaels noted a notable increase in the sales of craft egg kits, rising by 20% compared to last year.
While Walmart did not provide specific numbers regarding sales of dyeable plastic eggs, the retailer has previously offered a variety of options, including kits with liquid dye and egg-dyeing tools. Meanwhile, Paas, a leading supplier for dyeing kits, showcased alternatives through social media, highlighting how to dye marshmallows for a vibrant Easter celebration without relying on eggs.
Online discussions suggest that potatoes could serve as a fun and effective substitution for traditional eggs. An Orlando news outlet posed the question, “Are potatoes the answer?” encouraging readers to consider dying potatoes instead. Creative posts across platforms emphasize the joy and practicality of using this alternative.
In a particularly amusing TikTok video, a mother showcases her shopping for potatoes, demonstrating how her children color the vegetables with markers, signaling a shift toward these unconventional choices for Easter festivities.
Source
www.cbc.ca