The True Cost of Eggs: Ethics, Economics, and the Rise of Vegan Alternatives
- The Ecovera Team
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
The recent surge in avian influenza (H5N1) cases has not only disrupted the poultry industry but also highlighted the ethical and economic challenges inherent in industrial chicken farming. This outbreak reinforces the need to reevaluate our food production systems and consider more humane and sustainable alternatives. Interestingly, as egg shortages persist, many non-vegans are already seeking out plant-based alternatives—flocking like hens to options like JUST Egg in response to rising prices and limited supply
I've been vegan for 10 years now, and let’s just say—I made it work long before the explosion of vegan alternatives. From both a financial and dietary perspective, a core plant-based diet has always been not only feasible but actually more cost-effective than a typical omnivorous diet. Many of the new products that mimic meat and dairy products are priced higher due to basic economic principles (Supply & Demand), but your main sources of nutrients can be found in a myriad of plant-based options. While my decision to go vegan is rooted solely by my personal ethical standards, the added benefits of saving money, reducing my environmental impact, and improving my health are undeniable bonuses
Avian Influenza: A Consequence of Factory Farming
The cramped and unsanitary conditions prevalent in factory farms create an environment conducive to the rapid spread of diseases like avian influenza. The current H5N1 outbreak has led to the culling of millions of birds, significantly impacting egg production and prices
Industrial Poultry Farming Often Involves Practices That Raise Significant Ethical Concerns
Chick Culling: Male chicks, unable to lay eggs and not bred for meat production, are frequently culled shortly after hatching. In the U.S., approximately 350 million male chicks are killed annually
Debeaking: To prevent aggressive behaviors exacerbated by overcrowding, chicks often undergo debeaking—a painful procedure where the tip of the beak is aggressively removed
Overcrowding: Chickens are typically housed in confined spaces, where they have little to no room to move, stretch their wings, or engage in natural behaviors. Forced to sit in their own feces and breathe in ammonia-laden air, they suffer from severe stress, respiratory issues, and a weakened immune system—creating the perfect breeding ground for disease outbreaks like avian influenza
The truth is, I have one major regret about my vegan journey...Yes, I’ve been vegan for 10 years, but before that, I spent 20 years as a vegetarian. If I had known then what I know now about the dairy and poultry industries—the cruelty, the exploitation, and the reality behind those products—I would have made the switch so much sooner. Looking back, I can’t help but regret that extra decade of consuming milk, cheese, or eggs, and unknowingly contributing to industries that go against everything I stand for today
Economic Considerations: Cost vs. Ethics
The industrial approach to poultry farming aims to minimize costs and maximize production. Unfortunately, this comes at an overlooked cost, the expense of animal welfare
Cost of Goods Sold (COGS): Practices like chick culling and debeaking are implemented to reduce losses and maintain low production costs, resulting in what we all notice, cheaper consumer prices
Ethical Dilemma: While these methods lower costs, they raise significant ethical concerns regarding animal welfare
Price Comparison: Conventional vs. Plant-Based Eggs
The recent avian influenza outbreak has led to a sharp increase in egg prices
Conventional Eggs: As of February 2025 (prior to recent price increases), the average price for a dozen Grade A eggs in U.S. cities reached $5.90
JUST Egg: A 12-ounce bottle of this plant-based alternative, equivalent to about 10 eggs, is priced around $7.36, translating to approximately $0.74 per “egg
While JUST Egg is currently more expensive per unit, increased demand and production efficiencies are expected to drive down prices significantly, making plant-based eggs more affordable than traditional eggs in the future
Economic Perspective on a Vegan Lifestyle
Contrary to the perception that a vegan diet is more expensive, research indicates otherwise
Cost Savings: Staple vegan foods such as pasta, rice, tofu, and beans are often more affordable than meat. The savings from not purchasing meat can offset the cost of other, non-essential, plant-based products like JUST Egg
Reevaluating Our Choices & Moving Towards Sustainable Alternatives
The ethical issues in poultry farming are comparable to hypothetical scenarios involving other animals, such as dogs, highlighting inconsistencies in our treatment of different species. This disparity prompts reflection on our food choices and the moral implications of supporting such practices
Embracing plant-based alternatives, such as vegan egg substitutes, offers a viable solution that aligns with ethical, environmental, and health considerations. At Ecovera, we support and promote these compassionate choices, recognizing that true sustainability encompasses all aspects of consumption
By making informed decisions and advocating for humane practices, we can collectively foster a food system that respects animal welfare and promotes human health
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