Sweet Solutions for Easter Traditions

With egg prices reaching record highs just before Easter, families and even the Easter Bunny are searching for more affordable ways to keep holiday traditions alive. Enter marshmallows – a sweet, dyeable, and cost-effective alternative to eggs.

Jet-Puffed's Innovative Easter Kit

Kraft Heinz's Jet-Puffed has introduced its first-ever "Dip and Decorate Dozen" kit, a pastel-themed marshmallow decorating set. Priced at just $1.99, the kit includes six vibrant color packs, mini tongs for dipping, decorating pens, and a 24-ounce bag of extra-large marshmallows, roughly the size of jumbo eggs. Available exclusively on Walmart’s website, the kit is designed to offer a festive, mess-free twist on egg decorating.

Behind the Rising Egg Prices

The Consumer Price Index reports retail egg prices jumped 5.6% last week to a record average of $6.23 per dozen – nearly 60% higher than a year ago. This surge follows an avian flu outbreak that claimed about 30 million egg-laying hens this year. However, the USDA notes wholesale egg prices have dropped to around $3 a dozen as the outbreak is largely contained, though it may take weeks for these lower prices to reflect in stores.

A Shift in Consumer Demand

Demand for eggs has declined, contributing to the dip in wholesale prices. The USDA highlights that many egg product manufacturers have taken advantage of a sluggish carton market to build supplies, indicating a temporary shift in consumer behavior amidst price fluctuations.