NYC Bodegas Offer Plant-Based Eggs Amid Nationwide Shortage

Egg Shortage and Price Increase

• 📈 The national price of eggs remains high, with some consumers paying up to $10 a dozen.
• ⚠️ The ongoing spread of bird flu has driven egg prices to nearly three times their usual cost, impacting the wholesale price to $6.68 for a dozen.

Bodegas Embrace Plant-Based Alternatives

• 💡 Approximately 50 bodegas in New York City are introducing plant-based egg substitutes to their menus to combat high prices.
• 🍳 These plant-based eggs are primarily made from mung bean, colored with carrot extract and turmeric, offering a clean and healthy alternative.

Customer and Business Perspectives

• 💬 Some customers are hesitant to try plant-based eggs, preferring natural chicken eggs.
• ✅ Others are converts, finding the plant-based options delicious and a viable alternative.
• 💰 For some bodega owners, like Sam Alawa of Oneup Beastro, plant-based options are now cheaper than traditional eggs, helping to mitigate financial losses despite a slight increase in sandwich prices.

Growing Popularity of Plant-Based Options

• 📊 The owner of Oneup Beastro has seen a significant increase in sales of plant-based alternatives, from two sandwiches a day four years ago to 30 sandwiches daily.
• 🧠 Nutritionists suggest plant-based proteins are a good choice for consumers, especially when facing egg scarcity or wanting to test alternatives.