New York City bodegas are finding creative ways to make eggs affordable as bird flu shortages cause prices to soar. Customers struggling with high prices are now turning to “loosie” eggs—individual eggs sold separately, much like loose cigarettes.
Making eggs affordable
Fernando Rodriguez, 62, owner of Pamela’s Green Deli in the Bronx, said his customers are feeling the pinch. “They can’t afford $10.99 for a dozen eggs,” he explained. To help, Rodriguez began selling eggs one by one in small bags. It’s a solution inspired by his homeland, the Dominican Republic, where selling single eggs is a common practice.
Before the egg price hike, Rodriguez sold a dozen eggs for just $2.49. Now, he offers three large Nelms brand eggs for $2.99 in a plastic bag. This option is popular among his low-income customers, with about a third of them opting for the “loosies.”
The loosie egg trend spreads
Rodriguez is not alone. Many other bodegas across the city are hopping on the “loosie” egg trend. Fernando Mateo, spokesperson for United Bodegas of America, said, “This is not a choice—it’s a necessity. We know our customers and their struggles.”
While selling individual eggs isn’t strictly illegal, it does walk a fine line. New York State regulations require eggs to be sold in labeled packages. Mateo pointed out that while loose cigarette sales are banned, selling eggs this way may not be breaking any laws—yet.
The price of eggs soars
The price spike is a result of a nationwide egg shortage caused by bird flu. In January alone, egg prices shot up more than 15%, following a 55% rise from the previous year, according to a US Bureau of Labor Statistics report.
For some customers, these loose eggs are a lifeline. Ashley James, 45, a regular customer from Morrisania, said she initially thought the bags of three eggs were a joke. “But it is good for the community,” she added. “I don’t have $13 for a dozen eggs.” James, a self-proclaimed “breakfast girl,” used to have eggs every day but has cut back due to the soaring costs. Now, she can only afford them on weekends.
Frankie Vasquez, 75, said he bought three eggs to feed four people. “I used to give everybody two eggs for breakfast,” he explained. “Now, we’ll scramble these three eggs for my two sons, me, and my brother.” Vasquez believes something needs to be done about the high prices. “It’s crazy living in America, where we should have everything we need,” he said.
A growing trend for low-income families
The loosie eggs are helping many families stretch their budgets. With the ongoing egg shortage, more and more people are turning to bodegas for a quick, affordable fix. These small businesses are offering a solution, even if it’s a bit unconventional.
As egg prices continue to climb, bodegas may be the key to making eggs accessible again. Whether it’s legal or not, bodega owners like Rodriguez are offering a temporary fix to a serious problem. For now, customers are grateful for the chance to buy eggs on their terms.
In the face of rising costs, loosie eggs are becoming a new normal in New York City. As more people look for ways to save, bodegas are stepping up with creative solutions to help them make ends meet.
