With egg prices soaring, here are seven affordable alternatives for breakfast or any time of day.

Not everyone has access to their own chicken coop, and with prices often exceeding $6 for a dozen store-brand eggs, it can strain our budgets.

Factors like avian flu, which led to nearly 58 million poultry deaths in the U.S., alongside increased holiday demand, pushed egg prices up by nearly 60% in the past year, as noted by the Consumer Price Index. While we await a drop in egg costs later in 2023, here are some quick and inexpensive meal ideas to replace those eggs in your routine.

Avocado Toast

Avocado prices are decreasing, thanks to an oversupply of this versatile fruit. In January, Haas avocados were available for as low as 68 cents each at some Walmart locations, while Super Target offered them for around 89 cents.

Cooking Light's Elizabeth Laseter has shared the ultimate avocado toast recipe, which requires just half a small avocado and takes only three minutes to prepare. If you prefer something other than the classic spread, consider using roasted veggies or leftovers, seasoned with salt and pepper for a nutritious start to your day.

For a low-carb version, try using high-fiber bread.

Eggless Blueberry Muffins

Making muffins without eggs is not only feasible but can be quite tasty. This recipe from the Joy of Vegan Cooking has received five stars from 206 reviewers. The beauty of muffins is that you can prepare several batches over the weekend, and they keep well when stored properly.

Cold Oats

Catherine Dorrough from Fairhope, Alabama, transitioned her family to a more vegetarian diet last year. She mentions, "We're big oatmeal fans, and I enjoy both hot oatmeal and cold overnight oats. There are endless ways to enhance the flavors!" The Food Network features this overnight oats recipe packed with fresh fruit and nut toppings.

Greek Yogurt

For North Carolina mom Daniela Werner, Greek yogurt is her go-to when eggs aren't available. It's a fantastic protein source for breakfast or any time. "I typically enjoy it with berries or fruit and sometimes add granola," she shares. "To stay full longer, I'll mix in a protein shake or peanut butter."

Hot Oatmeal

For a quick hot oatmeal option, Florida resident Lisa Young suggests, "If you have an Instant Pot, you can prepare a large batch of brown butter steel-cut oatmeal in just 20 minutes. Use the microwave for quick reheating in the mornings." She recommends adding almond milk or another liquid to achieve your preferred consistency. While she loves sweetened condensed milk, her family enjoys theirs with berries or maple syrup and cinnamon.

Spinach Smoothies

Spinach is a powerhouse of protein. This spinach smoothie recipe suggests blending half a frozen banana with a cup of pineapple, a handful of baby spinach, and some plain Greek yogurt. For an energy boost, add your favorite protein powder.

Pork Chops (on Sale)

Pork chops can serve as a hearty alternative to eggs for those not adhering to a vegetarian diet. When my dad discovered that a dozen eggs were priced at $10 in January, he sought out other breakfast choices.

At the meat section, he spotted pork chops on a buy-one-get-one deal, picking up two packs of eight for $14, making them less than $1 each. He froze two cutlets in zip-top bags for later use and planned to sear them in a pan, pairing with fresh fruit and toast.

Compromise Elsewhere

Some people are still opting for eggs despite the price hike. Dorrough explains that when her family reduced their meat consumption, eggs became their primary animal protein source. "Since we cut back on meat, I've started splurging on high-quality eggs. They're pricey, but the shells are sturdy and the yolks are vibrant and rich." She suggests balancing the budget by cutting back on meat while still enjoying eggs.