Soaring egg prices lead to Easter on a budget as Americans opt for potatoes

Colourful alternatives trend online as Americans ditch expensive eggs

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As egg prices soar to record highs ahead of Easter, many Americans are turning to unconventional alternatives like potatoes and marshmallows to keep festive traditions alive.

The average cost of a dozen eggs in the US hit $6.23 in March, driven by inflation and ongoing disruptions from a bird flu outbreak among laying hens.

The spike in prices has prompted families to forgo traditional egg decorating in favour of dyeing more affordable items.

On social media, Easter craft hacks have gone viral.

Popular influencers are painting baby potatoes, dipping jumbo marshmallows in food colouring, and even baking egg-shaped brownies.

“Small potatoes or baby potatoes have sort of an egg shape and they're a lot of fun to look at,” wrote blogger Rose Atwater.

One viral video shows a mother swapping eggs for spuds, drawing smiles from children armed with markers. Lifestyle content creators like The Spruce and Crowded Kitchen are also promoting alternatives like clay, pasta shells, and peanut butter-filled sweets.

 

 

 

 

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Retailers have reported brisk sales of plastic egg kits and other non-perishable alternatives. Craft chain Michaels said its Easter kits are up 20% from last year. Walmart also confirmed its shelves are stocked with reusable dyeable eggs and Easter-themed toys.

While President Donald Trump has said the White House Easter Egg Roll will still feature real eggs, the US Department of Agriculture noted a drop in grocers offering promotions. The USDA described this year’s demand as "lagging behind expectations."

With inflation continuing to squeeze holiday budgets, many families are embracing the shift. “I actually enjoyed dyeing marshmallows more than eggs,” said influencer Rachel Anderson in a widely shared video. Others say potatoes are the new egg – at least for 2025.

Trays of coloured Easter eggs are displayed during the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on April 18, 2022. This year, despite the price of eggs, U.S. President Donald Trump has said he plans to still use real eggs. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)