Looking for cheap eggs as prices climb? We compared sales at Wichita grocery stores
A deadly outbreak of the bird flu, among other problems, is causing rising prices on eggs in grocery stores all across the country, and Wichita is no exception.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. average on eggs started at about $1.93 in January and jumped to $4.25 in December.
Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a virus that’s been isolated in more than 100 types of birds. The disease is spread through contact with infected birds or contact with infected surfaces.
In Kansas, the first commercial bird flu case of 2022 was reported at a McPherson County turkey farm. Sedgwick County Zoo temporarily closed its bird exhibits in October after a wild bird tested positive for the virus in Hutchinson. The zoo had previously closed bird exhibits in March after a positive case in the area.
Current supply chain issues are another reason egg prices may be increasing, experts say.
Eggs prices in Wichita, Kansas
Where should you go to find the best price in Wichita? We went to a handful of grocery stores Tuesday to find out. Here’s a list from highest to lowest.
- A Wichita Target had a dozen eggs for $5.49, but cage-free were labeled even lower, at $4.49. A large carton of 18 eggs was on sale for $7.29.
- A Wichita Walmart was selling a dozen of large eggs $5.22 and cage-free at $4.93. A carton of 18 was being sold for $7.72, which equals about 64 cents per egg. A neighborhood Walmart location was selling a dozen extra large eggs for $5.73 and 36 large eggs for $15.03.
A Dillons location had a dozen eggs listed for $5.19, which equals about 43 cents per egg.
A Wichita ALDI, which is known for its low prices, had the price at $4.99 per dozen, about 42 cents per egg.
Several other retailers reported their prices as of Wednesday:
- Leeker’s is selling a dozen eggs for $4.49.
- Wichita WholeFoods had the lowest price of a dozen cage-free eggs for $3.49, a dozen organic cage-free for $4.49 and an 18-pack for $6.39.
How to find the best deals on groceries
There are many ways to find deals on your groceries as you factor in the extra expenses. Here are some tips:
- Shop around. Sometimes the grocery store you always go to isn’t always the one with the best deals. If you want to ensure you’re saving money, venture out of your normal routine and compare prices with other nearby grocery stores.
- Keep an eye out for coupons. Even if you can’t find any for eggs, cutting the costs on other items in your grocery cart could help you prepare for the extra money you may be spending on eggs.
- Check price matching. Even if your grocery store won’t match a competitor’s lower price, it may be worth it ask.
This story was originally published January 17, 2023 at 2:54 PM.
