By Zahra Hirji | Bloomberg
At the end of 2022, something strange happened in the US egg market: On a per-unit basis, consumer prices for plant-based eggs fell below those for chicken eggs. While the phenomenon is likely temporary, it is undeniable evidence that at least one corner of the plant-based food market can be cost-competitive. And consumers seem to have noticed — plant-based egg sales rose over the same period.
Average US prices for chicken-laid eggs, which industry experts refer to as “shell eggs,” rose 51% last year, according to data firm IRI, with an average per-unit price of $4.17. (A unit can refer to a carton of six, 12