With egg prices hitting record highs just ahead of Easter, some families — and even a few bunnies — may be looking for more affordable alternatives to keep the holiday tradition alive. One sweet solution? Marshmallows.
Priced around $2 a bag, marshmallows are emerging as a cost-friendly, dyeable substitute for eggs this season. Capitalizing on the trend, Kraft Heinz-owned Jet-Puffed has launched its first-ever “Dip and Decorate Dozen” kit — a pastel-themed marshmallow decorating set designed to bring Easter fun without the egg-spense, as reported CNN.
In a press release, Jet-Puffed described the kit as a “festive, mess-free twist on egg decorating.” Priced at just $1.99, it includes six vibrant color packs, mini tongs for dipping, decorating pens, and a 24-ounce bag of extra-large marshmallows — roughly the same size as jumbo eggs. The kits are available exclusively on Walmart’s website and will be restocked daily ahead of the holiday.
Jet-Puffed said the idea came in response to spiking egg prices, which have prompted many households to seek creative and budget-friendly alternatives. “Parents are looking for ways to keep the time-honored tradition alive without breaking the bank,” the company noted.
According to the Consumer Price Index, retail egg prices jumped 5.6% last week to a record average of $6.23 per dozen — nearly 60% higher than a year ago. The rise follows an avian flu outbreak that killed about 30 million egg-laying hens this year.
However, there may be signs of relief. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that wholesale egg prices have dropped to around $3 a dozen, as the bird flu outbreak has largely been contained. Still, the USDA cautions that it may take several weeks for those lower prices to reach store shelves.
Consumer demand for eggs has also declined, contributing to the dip in wholesale prices. “Demand from egg products manufacturers is mostly light as many have been able to take advantage of a sluggish carton market to build supplies,” the USDA report stated.