The Economics of Eggs: From Luxurious to Essential

Have you seen the price of eggs lately?- Inflation is out of control” “I can’t believe eggs are selling for $4/dozen at Walmart!” “I need to get myself some backyard chickens”

In the realm of food economics, few items have witnessed such a dramatic transformation as eggs. Once considered a luxury, they have evolved into a staple of the modern diet, despite the occasional and often dramatic price fluctuations. Today few food items garner as much media attention as the egg- and the poor chicken is forced to play a role in our political back and forths. As if we don’t ask enough of the poor bird!

Let’s again take a brief look into the journey of the egg through time, from opulence to indispensability.

Historical Perspectives:

Cast your mind back to the early 20th century, where eggs were not as ubiquitous as they are today. Cookbooks from that era treat eggs and chicken as luxury goods, with authors offering substitutes like mock chicken dishes made from veal. Take a look at a recipe that might have been considered 1st class on the Titanic:

“Butter an egg-shirrer. Cover bottom and sides with fine cracker crumbs. Break an egg into a cup, and carefully slip into shirrer (shirrer= eggs backed into a gratin, flat bottomed dish). Cover with seasoned buttered crumbs, and bake in moderate oven until white is firm and crumbs brown. The shirrers should be placed on a tin plate, that they may be easily removed from the oven.

Eggs may be baked in small tomatoes. Cut a slice from stem end of tomato, scoop out the pulp, slip in an egg, sprinkle with salt and pepper, cover with buttered crumbs, and bake.”

” The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book by Fannie Merritt Farmer, 1896

Now, doesn’t this seem like a recipe you’d find in a “every college student needs to know these cheap and filling recipes” book? But in 1896, eggs were priced at a premium, with economists cautioning against their liberal use due to their relative expense compared to other foods.

Early colonists long before that  brought with them egg-laying chickens from Europe, laying the foundation for the egg-centric cuisine that would emerge in America. By the mid-1800s, chickens were being bred specifically for their eggs, with little consideration given to their meat (hence the now 280-300+ per year egg laying chicken found in breeds Australorp, Rhode Island Red, Golden Comet among others) . Soon eggs became a ubiquitous ingredient, enjoyed both on their own and incorporated into a variety of regional dishes, from hearty breads to indulgent cakes.

Fast forward to the present, and eggs have undergone a remarkable democratization. Thanks to advancements in agriculture and food processing, coupled with economic growth, eggs have become more accessible to the masses. The average American now consumes significantly more eggs than their ancestors did a century ago, reflecting both a shift in dietary preferences and improved affordability.

The price of eggs has experienced notable fluctuations over the years, influenced by various factors. Recent data indicates a surge in egg prices attributed to the widespread outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza, which severely impacted egg supplies. This surge sparked debates and even conspiracy theories about monopolistic practices within the egg industry.

Despite these fluctuations, eggs remain a cost-efficient source of essential nutrients. Current research highlights their significance in delivering dietary protein, choline, and several vitamins, making them an excellent economical choice for both children and adults. Those who eat meat and dairy but prefer more humane options can still choose providers that raise their products with care. Buying eggs from these sources remains more economical than buying meat from the same provider.

The evolution of egg economics mirrors broader trends in food consumption and household spending. Over the decades, as incomes rose and technological advancements revolutionized farming practices, the relative affordability of eggs increased. Today, even as prices fluctuate, the median American can afford significantly more eggs than their counterparts from a century ago, underscoring the progress in food accessibility and affordability.

In conclusion, the story of eggs all too well reflects the dynamic interplay between economics, technology, and dietary trends. From being a luxury item to an essential component of the modern diet, eggs have traversed a remarkable journey shaped by historical, economic, and societal forces. As we navigate the inevitable future challenges in food production and consumption, the humble egg serves as a reminder of the transformative power of innovation and progress. So, the next time you crack open an egg for breakfast or whip up a savory frittata, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and economic significance behind this versatile ingredient. After all, in the world of food economics, eggs truly crack the code of transformation.