For some time now, have you been having more and more difficulty finding eggs in stores? Nothing could be more normal: for several days, stock shortages have been reported almost everywhere in the country. Fortunately, it is possible to replace your box of six with an alternative that is just as protein-rich and economical, believes Alexandra Murcier, dietician-nutritionist.
A poultry industry under pressure
If there is a shortage of eggs in France, it would be due to several combined factors:
- Demand is growing faster than production, first of all: in the first quarter of 2025, in-store purchases of eggs increased by 4.2% compared to the same period last year;
- Added to this is the increase in the costs of animal feed and energy, which weakens producers and limits their ability to meet demand;
- Finally, changes in consumption patterns, with more frequent use of eggs as an alternative to more expensive proteins, are increasing the pressure on available stocks.
A trend confirmed by Yves-Marie Baudet, president of the egg inter-profession, in the columns of France Info.
“For the last six months, it’s true that we have had tensions in the egg section because we have had consumption that has been growing for three years,” he admits. “We sold 300 million more eggs per year. We’ve never seen a trend like this.”
Last significant factor, which could explain this shortage of eggs: the difficult weather of recent days which would not have had nothing to do with it, according to Yves-Marie Baudet. “On Monday, I had 300,000 eggs that were supposed to leave my farm, they did not leave (…) since in my department, trucks were prohibited from driving for 36 hours…” because of the snow.
What alternatives should you turn to?
If Alexandra Murcier regrets this shortage of eggs, since it is “a source of protein that is easy to cook, economical, and interesting for our hormonal system and our brain”, However, it is possible to replace them with:
- Mackerels: “Rich in proteins and omega-3 with anti-inflammatory effects and beneficial for the hormonal system, they remain inexpensive and keep for a long time”;
- Sardines: “These fish have the same nutritional benefits as mackerel” ;
- Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, split peas, red, black, white beans, broad beans, etc.): “These are foods with multiple nutritional benefits: rich in fiber, vegetable proteins and having a low glycemic index, they are much better for the planet than consuming animal proteins… And as a bonus, they keep for a long time and are very economical!“.
“For cakes, you can replace the eggs with applesauce, banana puree, cottage cheese or chickpea water, which also makes the cake vegan if no butter is added,” further advises the expert.
Finally, cornstarch or silken tofu, rich in protein, “can also do the job very well“, concludes the dietician.