For budget-conscious shoppers, the price of staple foods like eggs is always top of mind. Eggs are not only an affordable source of protein, but also incredibly versatile for whipping up easy meals. If you‘re wondering how much a dozen eggs costs these days, one of the first places you might check is Walmart, known for their "everyday low prices."
As a retail analyst and avid Walmart shopper myself, I decided to do some egg price sleuthing at the superstore. Here‘s the full rundown of what I found, along with expert tips for scoring the best deal on eggs during your next grocery trip.
Walmart‘s Egg Prices: An Overview
Walmart carries a wide variety of egg brands and sizes to suit different budgets and household needs. Currently, there are seven main egg brands stocked at Walmart:
- Great Value (Walmart‘s store brand)
- Marketside (organic/cage-free store brand)
- Eggland‘s Best
- Great Day Farms
- Egg Beaters
- The Fit Hen
- Bob Evans
Among these brands, you can find everything from the standard dozen large white eggs, to specialty eggs like organic, cage-free, liquid egg whites, and pre-hard boiled eggs for convenience. Prices span a broad range depending on the egg type.
For a regular carton of a dozen large eggs, prices start as low as $1.06 for Great Value brand and go up to $3.97 for premium organic brown eggs by The Fit Hen. Here is the full price breakdown:
| Brand | Type | Price Per Dozen | Price Per Egg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Value | Large white | $1.06 | $0.09 |
| Eggland‘s Best | Large white | $2.67 | $0.22 |
| Marketside | Cage-free brown | $2.48 | $0.21 |
| Marketside | Organic brown | $3.52 | $0.29 |
| The Fit Hen | Organic brown | $3.97 | $0.33 |
As you can see, there is a significant price difference between the cheapest and most expensive egg options, with organic specialty eggs costing over three times as much as Walmart‘s cheapest Great Value eggs per dozen.
Ultimately, the "best deal" will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Let‘s dive into some of the key factors to consider.
Factors That Impact Walmart Egg Prices
Egg prices at Walmart and other grocery stores can fluctuate over time due to various supply and demand factors. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, some of the biggest variables that impact egg prices include:
- Size and grade of the eggs (medium, large, extra-large, jumbo, etc.)
- Feed and production costs for egg farmers
- Seasonality and demand (eggs are more expensive around holidays and baking season)
- Disease outbreaks in chickens, such as avian influenza
- Retailer pricing and special promotions
For example, during the height of the avian flu outbreak in 2015, egg prices soared to record highs of over $3/dozen due to the decreased national supply. More recently in 2023, a new outbreak sent retail egg prices skyrocketing to an average of $4.25/dozen.
Luckily, Walmart‘s egg prices have remained some of the lowest on the market even during times of inflated egg costs. While prices may inch up during a temporary supply disruption, you can generally count on Walmart to have some of the most competitive egg prices.
Getting the Best Deal on Walmart Eggs
Now that you understand Walmart‘s egg pricing landscape, let‘s cover some expert tips for maximizing your savings:
1. Buy Walmart‘s store brand
With any grocery item, opting for the generic store brand over name brands will almost always save you money without sacrificing much quality. The same goes for eggs. Walmart‘s Great Value eggs are the cheapest option, with a dozen large eggs priced at just $1.06 (8 cents per egg). You‘ll pay nearly double that for Eggland‘s Best eggs at $2.67 per dozen.
2. Compare the unit price
The unit price (price per egg, in this case) is the great equalizer when comparing different-sized cartons. A 60-count package of Great Value large eggs may seem pricey at $5.14, but the per-egg cost shakes out to just 8.6 cents, the lowest of any Walmart egg option. If you have the fridge space, opting for the biggest quantity is often the best value.
3. Look for coupons and discounts
Before heading to Walmart, check their weekly ad for any special promotions on eggs. You can also scour coupon sites or apps for manufacturer coupons on specific egg brands. Ibotta, for example, frequently offers cash back on Eggland‘s Best eggs purchased at Walmart.
4. Use price matching
Walmart will match a lower advertised price from competing grocery stores on identical egg products. So if you see eggs on sale for less elsewhere, show the ad to the cashier and they‘ll give you the lower price.
5. Know when to splurge on specialty eggs
If you prefer the taste, farming practices, or nutritional profile of organic, free-range, or cage-free eggs, Walmart has a great selection at lower prices than many health food stores. Marketside organic eggs are the cheapest organic option at $3.52 per dozen. But if organic isn‘t a priority, you‘ll save a lot by sticking with conventional eggs.
6. Keep an eye on expiration dates
Always check the expiration date on the egg carton before purchasing. Walmart‘s high turnover rate means most eggs will be far from expiring, but it‘s still a good habit to check. Eggs typically stay fresh in the fridge for 3-5 weeks after purchase. If your eggs are nearing expiration, consider hard boiling or freezing them for later use.
The Bottom Line
So, what‘s the final verdict on egg prices at Walmart? For the average shopper, Walmart‘s Great Value large eggs are clearly the best bang for your buck at just over $1 per dozen. You won‘t find a cheaper price at most other grocery stores, barring a special sale or promotion.
However, Walmart also has you covered if you‘re looking for specialty eggs that are organic, cage-free, or nutrient-enhanced. Marketside organic eggs ($3.52/doz) are nearly a dollar cheaper than Fit Hen organic eggs ($3.97/doz), making them a better deal as far as organic goes.
Ultimately, with a wide selection and "everyday low prices," Walmart is a solid bet for keeping your egg costs in check. By following these tips and knowing what to look for, you‘ll be well on your way to becoming a savvy egg shopper. Happy (budget-friendly) cooking!
