ST. LOUIS — More than any other grocery item, eggs have surged in price. Economists blame the 2022 avian flu and inflation.
Now its St. Louis businesses that are left with tough decisions to make, raise prices or absorb costs.
"Eggs are not something we can live without," Herbie's and Kingside Diner Owner Aaron Teitelbaum told 5 On Your Side.
Echoing Teitelbaum, Lia Holter said her bakery business, Made. by Lia, also needs eggs.
Since the bakery opened in 2020, Holter said the price of eggs has skyrocketed.
"They were $17 for a whole case when we started and now, they're 60 bucks a case," Holter said.
Whether it's eggs for cupcakes or eggs for scrambles, Teitelbaum said it's hurting the bottom line.
"Our margin has gone way down over the last several months," Teitelbaum said.
Despite financial loss, both Teitelbaum and Holter are holding out on big pricing changes.
"We have been absorbing not only egg prices, but all food prices in our menus currently," Teitelbaum told 5 On Your Side.
"We're trying to have a balance and still get the customers coming in with a great product," Holter said. "But yet still being able to pay my employees and pay the bills. It's a challenge."
While the price of a chocolate chip cookie at your neighborhood bakery might have stayed the same over the past few months, if egg prices continue, then they could be going up.
Currently, the dinner plate-sized chocolate chip cookies at Made. By Lia are $3.50. Holter doesn't want to change that.
"You can't really justify selling a $5 chocolate chip cookie," Holter said. "I think that sounds a little ridiculous but, of course, if we had to, we would," Holter said.
There are egg alternatives, but for Holter and Teitelbaum said they are not an option.
"We definitely don't want to use any fake eggs or anything like that, because it really doesn't compare to the real egg," Holter said.
Teitelbaum said there is no substitute for the real thing.
There are vegan options, but both Holter and Teitelbaum only use those in specific recipes, and both told 5 On Your Side they are not any less expensive.
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