An Eggsceptional Staple
28 July 2011
The egg market shows no signs of cracking in the current economy, says Mintel. And most consumers disagree that organic eggs are healthier.
Whether it’s hard-boiled, over easy or poached, featured at breakfast, lunch or dinner, and as baked goods or sauces, the egg is truly the MVP of the kitchen. Not surprisingly, penetration is extremely high, and egg use remains steady at 94% of all U.S. households, according to a recent Mintel report.
A whopping 92% of Mintel respondents agree that eggs are an important part of a healthy diet. There is a potential struggle, however, for organic producers as more than half (57%) of consumers don’t believe organic eggs are any healthier for you than regular ones. Furthermore, 30% of respondents eat fewer eggs than they would like due to concerns about cholesterol.
“Older egg buyers confront heart-health issues and therefore limit egg consumption because of the cholesterol,” notes Bill Patterson, senior analyst at Mintel. “The over-55 egg buyer is a prime target for low-cholesterol eggs and egg substitutes, and could be reminded that cholesterol levels in eggs have fallen.”
Eggs are such a staple in people’s lives that regardless of price increases or decreases, half of those households that buy eggs say they will not change their egg-purchasing habits.
“Eggs represent an economical source of protein for people’s diets,” adds Patterson. “Since the recession began in 2008, consumers have been driven to opt for larger volumes of eggs as a substitute for more-expensive proteins. In April 2009 to June 2010, the 30-day average of eggs used increased to its highest level in seven years: 33 eggs per household.”
Regular white eggs are purchased by a large majority of consumers (88%), followed in the distance by brown eggs at 27%. Organic eggs and free-range eggs come in at 17% and 14%, respectively. Organic and free-range eggs are most widely used by those ages 25 to 34. Whether because of higher awareness of and concern with diet and health for young children in the household or due to a generational tendency to experiment with and embrace natural and sustainable foods, this age group should prove most responsive to marketers’ attention.
Photo caption: These Egg Foo Yong with Hashbrown Firecrackers feature green onion and Golden Grill® Hashbrown Potatoes from Basic American Foods seasoned with ginger, wrapped tightly in deep-fried egg rolls and served over an Asian omelet made with sautéed julienne red and green bell peppers and bean sprouts, all drizzled with teriyaki glaze.