Eggs prices altering Easter traditions

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- When you think of Easter, the classic egg hunt, egg dying always comes top of mind. With high egg prices this year some families are reconsidering those fun traditions.

CBS 58 caught up with several families who were completing their Easter shopping. Consumers like Jackie Regnier are avoiding eggs this holiday at all costs.

"We just can't this year. You got to cut back on some stuff and that's what we're cutting back on," said Regnier.

Instead, Regnier is opting for the next best thing, plastic or paper eggs.

At local stores a pack of about 40 plastic eggs cost a bit over $1 compared to at least $2 for a dozen real ones.

Joan Paepcke is always on the hunt for a deal and tracks her spending with her handy dandy yellow folder.

"I can tell you Kwik Trip has been the best price at a dollar ninety-nine, but they are limiting it at two and I have to buy 20 dozen eggs," said Paepcke.

About 100 years ago a carton of eggs was 35 cents, now the average price is about $4. Specialty eggs cost upwards of $9. Eggspert Brandon Scholz, president of the Wisconsin Grocers Association, said those prices have and will continue to decrease.

"When folks go to the grocery store they're going to see egg prices a little bit better than what they saw weeks ago and maybe what they've been purchasing," said Scholz.

He attributes the spike in prices on the Avion Flu but said facilities are getting back to normal.

"They've been able to sanitize and bring those production facilities back online protecting against the Avion flu. And you start to see production increase."

He said in the next coming weeks we will notice a difference in prices at the grocery stores.