MISSION, Kan. — As egg prices remain persistently high, creative minds across the internet are offering a variety of egg dyeing alternatives. From painting on rocks to dyeing marshmallows and potatoes, inventive options abound. One amused commenter humorously pointed out, “Finally a use for B sized potatoes!!” under a video shared on Facebook.
However, behind the laughter and curiosity, many budget-conscious parents are taking notice as U.S. egg prices climbed to a record high of $6.23 per dozen last month. There could be some relief on the horizon, with signs of prices starting to decline and grocery stores potentially introducing discounts to attract customers. Despite these developments, the cost of eggs continues to surpass previous highs. Consequently, the trend of coloring potatoes or rocks, seen before during a previous price surge in 2023, is making a comeback.
An emerging trend in videos shows a woman enthusiastically filling trays with dye, while her child skillfully places marshmallows on toothpicks and dips them into the colorful concoctions, proudly presenting their completed masterpieces on a glass platter. Another creative influencer crafted marshmallow chicks by dipping them in yellow food coloring, adding eyes with black icing, and attaching orange M&Ms as a beak and feet. Shoppers are also seen purchasing large bags of potatoes along with egg dye. One appreciative commenter observed, “Potatoes are about the only thing I can afford,” while another succinctly remarked, “Cheaper.”
For some families, inventive methods have inspired new traditions. Kelly Friedl from Chicago usually dyes Easter eggs with her children but opted for a different approach this year due to escalating prices. She devised a method of creating ‘foil eggs’ using cardboard cut in the shape of eggs, wrapped in aluminum foil, to create shiny, reusable decorations. Friedl fondly recalled, “Our mom used to buy three dozen eggs,” recalling the memories tied to the activity more than the consumption.
Friedl’s view is echoed by many others, as the act of dyeing eggs is more about family bonding than egg consumption. When egg prices were once under $2 per dozen, the occasional spoilage was tolerable, but that is no longer the case. Paas, a leading provider of egg dyeing kits, reported that even though 94% of Easter observers will engage in egg dyeing this year, 78% will dye fewer eggs due to the cost.
Craft stores are seeing a surge in alternative options. Michaels reports an increase in sales of craft egg kits, with two popular kits experiencing a 20% jump compared to last year, according to Melissa Mills, senior vice president and general merchandising manager at Michaels. While Walmart, the largest retailer in the U.S., did not disclose specifics about dyeable plastic egg sales or other alternatives, it confirmed the ongoing availability of such products. Among the offerings for consumers are cartons of 12 plastic eggs, complete with dye packets and egg-dyeing bags, and even Play-Doh Easter eggs.
In spite of these shifts in tradition, Friedl and her family are eagerly anticipating the holiday festivities. “We’re a super crafty family and the most valued gift in our house is a gift that someone has made you,” Friedl shared. “We get together every year and do eggs, and we love it.”