$7 for a Dozen Eggs?! Try These CHEAP and Easy Alternatives

Why Are Eggs So Expensive? Budget-Friendly Alternatives for Baking and Cooking

Egg prices have skyrocketed in recent years, leaving many home cooks and bakers scrambling for alternatives. Whether you’re trying to save money, dealing with dietary restrictions, or simply ran out of eggs, there are plenty of easy and affordable substitutes. In this post, we’ll explore why egg prices are so high, what role eggs play in cooking, and the best replacements for baking, cooking, and even scrambling.

Why Are Egg Prices So High?

Egg prices have been on the rise due to several factors, including:

• Supply Chain Issues – From transportation costs to labor shortages, disruptions have driven up food prices across the board.
• Bird Flu Outbreaks – Millions of hens have been affected by avian flu, leading to a reduction in supply.
• Increased Demand – Eggs are a staple in most households, making them more susceptible to price fluctuations.
• Seasonal Fluctuations – During certain times of the year, demand spikes (think holiday baking season), pushing prices even higher.

Recently, I went to Aldi and was shocked to find that the most expensive eggs on their shelves were $6.19. These were the eggs from pasture-raised chickens. I remember being able to buy them for cheaper from HEB, which is typically a more expensive store. My mom later shared a post of someone selling yard eggs for $4 a dozen. Since when have eggs from someone local been cheaper than the store? I stopped by my farmers market this weekend and procured some eggs for $5. Typically Aldi and Walmart prices are neck in neck with slight differences but this week Walmart was the clear winner. 

Here’s a breakdown of current egg prices in my area: 

What Do Eggs Do in Baking and Cooking?

Before replacing eggs, it’s important to understand their role in recipes:

• Binding – Eggs help hold ingredients together.
• Leavening – They add air and help baked goods rise.
• Moisture – Eggs contribute to a soft, tender texture.
• Flavor & Richness – They enhance taste and structure.

Different substitutes work better depending on the function eggs serve in a specific recipe.

Best Egg Substitutes for Baking

If you’re baking and need an egg alternative, here are some great options:

For Binding (Holding Ingredients Together)

• Applesauce (¼ cup per egg) – Adds moisture and slight sweetness.
• Mashed Banana (¼ cup per egg) – Great for muffins and pancakes.
• Flaxseed Meal + Water (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) – Creates a gel-like consistency, perfect for cookies and brownies.
• Chia Seeds + Water (1 tbsp chia + 3 tbsp water per egg) – Works similarly to flaxseed.

For Leavening (Helping Baked Goods Rise)

• Baking Soda + Vinegar (1 tsp baking soda + 1 tbsp vinegar per egg) – Ideal for cakes and quick breads.
• Yogurt or Buttermilk (¼ cup per egg) – Adds moisture and slight tang.

For Moisture

• Silken Tofu (¼ cup per egg) – Neutral in flavor, great for dense cakes.
• Pumpkin Puree (¼ cup per egg) – Adds subtle flavor and works well in fall recipes.

I recently shared a video about how I tried a flax seed egg and how cost-effective that can be. A bag of flax seeds from Walmart contains enough for 140 flax eggs and only costs $6.64. While it can add a nutty flavor to baked goods, I am not a fancy baker. My husband teases me because I NEVER follow a recipe exactly. Most of the time, that flexibility works out for me, especially when I am trying to cook on a budget. All of that to say I am the last person that will notice a slightly nutty flavor in a baked good. I still thought my banana chocolate chip muffins were delicious and my family ate all of them. 

Best Egg Substitutes for Cooking

If you need to replace eggs in everyday cooking, here are some options:

For Scrambled Eggs

• Tofu Scramble – Crumble tofu, add turmeric for color, and season to taste.
• Chickpea Flour Scramble – Mix chickpea flour with water and spices for a protein-packed alternative.

For Egg-Based Dishes (Quiches, Omelets, Frittatas)

• JUST Egg – A plant-based liquid egg substitute that cooks like real eggs.
• Chickpea Flour + Water Batter – Creates a sturdy base for egg-free omelets.

For Breading & Coating

• Milk or Plant-Based Milk – Helps breadcrumbs stick to food.
• Cornstarch + Water Slurry – Mimics the adhesive quality of eggs.
• Mustard or Mayo – Works well for frying.

I just looked up chickpea flour and it is expensive. Walmart is selling it for $11.36 a pound but they don’t keep it in stock at the store meaning you would have to order it ahead of time. H-E-B  and Kroger don’t have it. If you truly want to try it you can buy dried chickpeas for $1.46 a pound at Walmart and grind it up in your food processor. I found a tutorial here. Honestly, I am more likely to consider adding more milk or a cornstarch slurry because those are things I typically have on hand and are very affordable. 

Tofu scrambles are worth a try if you are looking for an easy breakfast dish. I find that tofu is very mild and easily adapts to whatever seasoning you put on it. If you haven’t tried it, give it a try and you may be pleasantly surprised. 

Do Egg Substitutes Change the Flavor or Texture?

Most egg substitutes work well, but some may slightly alter the taste or texture:

• Flax and chia eggs add a nutty flavor.
• Banana and applesauce add natural sweetness.
• Tofu and chickpea flour are neutral but can be drier without added fat.

If you’re making a delicate recipe like a soufflé, some substitutes may not work as well, but for most baked goods and everyday cooking, they’re great alternatives.

Are Egg Substitutes Actually Cheaper?

While egg prices fluctuate, many substitutes are budget-friendly:

• Flaxseed meal ($0.10 per “egg”) vs. real eggs ($0.30+ per egg, depending on the market).
• Applesauce ($0.20 per “egg”) is often cheaper when bought in bulk.
• Tofu ($2 per block, equivalent to 5-6 eggs) is cost-effective for scrambles.

In my opinion, the cheapest option is to use flaxseed eggs. Chia seed eggs are definitely second in place.

What About Breakfast?

I know it’s hard to get a more classic breakfast than bacon and eggs, but there are plenty of other options out there. One of the most cost effective options is to have a bowl of oatmeal and some fruit. Some other breakfasts we have frequently are smoothies, waffles, and cottage cheese. 

Cooking Without Eggs Is Easy and Affordable

While eggs are a kitchen staple, they’re not irreplaceable! Whether you’re looking to save money, accommodate dietary restrictions, or simply experiment, these substitutes can work just as well. I’ve included a quick reference chart below to compare costs and the use for each egg substitute for your future reference. Have you tried any of these egg alternatives? What’s your go-to substitute? Let me know in the comments! 

Are you looking for other ways to reduce the cost of groceries? It seems like every time I go to the store it gets increasingly expensive! Check out these blog posts with some ideas to help curb those expenses 

Best Egg Substitutes for Baking & Cooking