Easter in the US usually means brightly colored eggs, family hunts, and festive food. But this year, many Americans are ditching the eggs altogether. Due to skyrocketing prices and an ongoing egg shortage, families are turning to more creative and affordable solutions — like dyeing potatoes.
Yes, potatoes.
Instead of shelling out for expensive eggs, some people are colouring spuds and marshmallows, or opting for reusable plastic eggs. It’s a quirky twist that’s helping keep the tradition alive — without breaking the bank.
Egg Shortage: What’s Behind It?
Since early 2025, over 14 million egg-laying hens have been culled in the US due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. That’s on top of the 108 million hens already lost since 2022.
As the virus spreads, flocks are being culled as a precaution — a move that protects farms but severely impacts egg supply. In just one week, 14 million birds were lost, with outbreaks in Arizona, California, Ohio, and more.
The Impact on Easter
At Young’s Jersey Dairy in Ohio, a beloved Easter egg hunt tradition has been reimagined. Normally featuring 10,000 hand-dyed eggs, this year’s event is using plastic eggs filled with carousel ride coupons.
John Young, part of the fourth-generation family running the farm, explained the shift:
“People were scared we’d cancel the event because of egg prices. But we found a way to keep it going.”
The $3,000 they usually spend on eggs? This year, it’s being donated to two local food banks — a decision welcomed by the community.
Grocery Stores and Rationing
Egg rationing has also returned to shelves in major supermarkets like Aldi’s, Trader Joe’s, and Harris Teeter. Some shoppers report empty egg aisles more than half the time.
Despite political claims that egg prices have dropped, recent figures show otherwise. In March, prices hit $6.23 per dozen, up from $5.90 in February — making Easter eggs a costly luxury for many.
Creative Fixes: Potatoes, Plastic & More
Americans aren’t letting the shortage ruin their holiday fun. Food blogger Lexi Harrison crafted colorful egg-shaped treats using peanut butter, almond flour, and white chocolate dyed with matcha. Her video gained over 64 million views online.
Meanwhile, egg-dyeing kits saw a surprising 20% boost in sales, as families use them on alternative items like potatoes.
“Plastic eggs can be just as fun,” says John Young. “But I’m hoping we can get back to the tradition next year.”
A New Kind of Easter Spirit
This Easter may look different, but the joy and togetherness it brings remain the same. Whether it’s potatoes, plastic, or peanut butter eggs, families across the US are proving that tradition isn’t about the material — it’s about the memories.
Would you try dyeing potatoes this Easter?
