For generations, the eggs-and-bacon breakfast has been as American as apple pie, but recently, the rising cost and scarcity of eggs have left many Alabama residents scrambling for alternatives. Whether it’s swapping in duck eggs, sourcing from local farmers, or turning to plant-based substitutes, the breakfast table is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation.
Sticker Shock at the Grocery Store
Egg prices have been on a rollercoaster, and lately, they’ve been stuck at the peak. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price for a dozen Grade A large eggs in the South urban region, which includes Alabama, hovered around $4.74 in January 2025. Some shoppers have reported even higher prices depending on the store and availability. This surge is largely due to lingering supply chain disruptions and outbreaks of avian flu, which have devastated poultry populations across the country.
Thinking Outside the (Egg) Carton
Faced with soaring costs, some Alabamians are looking beyond traditional grocery stores to get their eggs. Local farms have seen an increase in customers willing to pay a premium for farm-fresh eggs. However, demand often outpaces supply, leading some to consider unconventional solutions—like duck eggs. WebMD states that duck eggs are a usable source of nutrition. Larger and richer in flavor, duck eggs have become a viable substitute for those unwilling to give up their breakfast staples.
Additionally, more people are turning to backyard chicken-keeping as a way to secure a steady egg supply. CBS News reported that in 2024 there was an increase in the purchase of laying hens. Online forums and local farm supply stores have noted a growing interest in raising chickens, with hatcheries reporting increased sales of laying hens.
Restaurants Adapt to the Shortage
It’s not just home kitchens that are feeling the crunch—restaurants, particularly breakfast spots, are making creative adjustments to cope with high egg prices. Some establishments are tweaking their menus, offering more eggless options or incorporating egg substitutes. Just Egg, a popular plant-based alternative, has gained traction in the food industry and is now featured in thousands of restaurant locations nationwide. Chains like The Broken Yolk Cafe have reportedly adjusted their offerings to include egg-free pancakes and plant-based breakfast wraps to manage costs.
Some chefs are turning to innovative methods, such as using flaxseed or chickpea flour as binders in baked goods and breakfast dishes. Others are embracing tofu-based scrambles to replace traditional eggs.
The Future of the All-American Breakfast
While eggs aren’t disappearing from menus just yet, it’s clear that high prices and supply issues are forcing changes. Whether it’s sourcing eggs from local farmers, embracing duck eggs, or experimenting with substitutes, Alabamians are proving that breakfast, like everything else, can evolve with the times.
As long as there’s coffee on the table, breakfast will survive—though it might look a little different from what we’re used to.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
