Don’t skimp on the eggs as we’ve got lots of ways to save on eggs and more.
We were about to make French toast Saturday morning when the kids reminded me, “Every egg costs 50 cents now.” It sounded like an exaggeration—but that was the news about Waffle House charging an “egg tax”. In February 2025, they added a 50-cent surcharge per egg due to rising costs linked to bird flu and supply chain issues. Every time we have waffles or generally anything made with eggs, they are quick to point out the extra cost we’re paying this year thanks to the bird flu epidemic.
With Easter approaching, my kids are further worried they’ll be decorating plastic eggs instead of real ones. Despite the high prices, we’re still getting a dozen for our family tradition. But this situation made me think: How can we save on eggs and other essentials during this “eggflation” and tariff-induced price hikes?
Here are 12 practical ways to stretch your budget without sacrificing quality.
1. Buy in Bulk and Share
Purchasing eggs and other staples in bulk can lead to significant savings. Consider splitting large quantities with friends or neighbors to reduce costs and minimize waste.
2. Explore Alternative Protein Sources
With egg prices soaring, diversify your protein intake with options like beans, lentils, tofu, or canned fish. These alternatives are often more affordable and have longer shelf lives. I know, the kids may not like all these things, but get them started taste testing. It took our kids 6 or 8 years to start liking tacos for goodness sakes.
3. Shop at Discount Stores
Stores like Aldi, Lidl, or local discount grocers often offer lower prices on eggs and other essentials. Keep an eye out for weekly specials and promotions.
4. Use Price Comparison Apps
Leverage technology to compare prices across different retailers. Apps like Flipp or Basket can help you find the best deals in your area.
5. Buy Store Brands
Opt for store-brand products, which are typically less expensive than name brands but offer comparable quality.
6. Plan Meals Around Sales
Design your weekly meal plan based on items that are on sale. This strategy ensures you’re making the most of current discounts.
7. Utilize Loyalty Programs
Sign up for grocery store loyalty programs to receive exclusive discounts, coupons, and rewards that can lead to significant savings over time. I’m always surprised by the good deals I find in the coupons and coupon apps. The offer great ways to save and the app really saves time when available.
8. Grow Your Own Herbs and Vegetables
Starting a small garden can reduce your grocery bill and provide fresh produce. Even a few pots on a windowsill can yield herbs and small vegetables. We just got the berry patch going. The kids love picking and eating them. This year they even helped prune and set up the trellis.
9. Cook in Batches
Preparing meals in large quantities and freezing portions can save both time and money. This approach reduces the temptation to order takeout on busy days. I know, kids seem to hate leftovers. We have 6 or 7 meals where the actually love them. It saves a lot of work the next day and there’s a lot less cleanup!
10. Reduce Food Waste
Be mindful of expiration dates and store food properly to extend its shelf life. Freeze it if possible to extend the time. Using leftovers creatively can also minimize waste and stretch your food budget.
11. Participate in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
Joining a CSA program can provide you with fresh, locally-sourced produce at a lower cost than retail prices. It’s also a great way to support local farmers. If you’re up to it, join a community farm while you’re at it.
12. Educate Your Family on Budgeting
Involve your family in budgeting and meal planning. Teaching children about financial literacy and the importance of saving can have long-term benefits. Now that my kids understand the 50 cents it costs for each egg (although I’m getting them for around $4 a dozen these days by shopping around), they are a little more mindful of waste and that not everything can be name brand and all the time.
Final Thoughts On Ways To Save
While the current economic climate presents challenges, implementing these strategies can help you navigate rising costs effectively. By being proactive and resourceful, you can maintain your family’s quality of life without overspending.
We have 6 two-packs of Costco Cheerios at just about any given time. We buy family size boxes of cereal (after price checking the small ones – read here). We buy meat on sale and freeze some each time. It almost makes shopping feel like another job. But we do what we have to!
Happy Shopping, and Happy pre-Easter! Feel free to share your best ways to save below!
