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AIBU?

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Original poster

Does anyone else notice something different about eggs?

59 replies

coldiris · 09/07/2023 15:08

Hello everyone,

I am wondering if it's just me or if anyone else also noticed anything different about supermarket eggs. They somehow seem different from what they were before, and I've tried them from different supermarkets now: they seem more liquid if I can describe them that way and I can't seem to get either the soft boiled or poached eggs to come out right. It's as if they all cook in what I can only describe as record time and seem to come out overcooked no matter what. When I make poached eggs, they just don't hold their shape no matter what I do. I mean I wouldn't say I am a Michelin star chef but I've never had those issues with eggs before!

Anyone else noticed the same or anything similar at all?

Thank you!

OP posts:
Blughbablugh · 09/07/2023 15:09

No can't say I have and I eat a lot of eggs.

DamaskRosie · 09/07/2023 15:09

Sounds like they're a bit older- that's what makes the white watery and thin. Still fine to eat but no ideal for poaching. Maybe try reaching to the back of the shelf as the eggs there might be a bit fresher or try a different shop.

MajorDanger · 09/07/2023 15:11

Not in the actual eggs but the shells seem really thin. I’ve baked for years with no issues but now I’m constantly getting shell bits in things when cracking my eggs.

ChekhovsMum · 09/07/2023 15:11

I had some eggs this morning which were dated end of June, and normally that would be fine as they put ridiculous short use by dates on them anyway. I had to throw them away - I cracked them and the yolks just fell apart and looked browny-orange, like beaten egg that you’ve stored in the fridge and forgotten about.
Along with your story, I think there’s something to do with the production shortages that means they are keeping them for longer and the eggs we’re buying are not as fresh as they say they are. Runny whites that won’t hold their shape when poaching are an indicator of age.

Spinet · 09/07/2023 15:12

Eggs taste permanently different to me after having covid 2 years ago. Presumably that's me and not eggs but I'd love to hear of anyone else who's experienced this!!

Yes op I wonder if the supermarket bought a lot of eggs when they could get hold of them so they're still selling older ones.

Original poster
coldiris · 09/07/2023 15:14

I have heard that this happens with older eggs but I am finding it weird that I've never noticed that before and now it seems to be happening regardless of the use by dates on the boxes (some are still weeks ahead) and regardless of the supermarket with all eggs I bought recently.

OP posts:
ChristmasPuddingAllRound · 09/07/2023 15:17

@Spinet my DH says the same...since having covid he gets a sulphur taste when eating eggs. He is not impressed!

Original poster
coldiris · 09/07/2023 15:17

they are keeping them for longer and the eggs we’re buying are not as fresh as they say they are - you might be right there! I am now wondering if those expiry dates are potentially not that reliable either! I mean I never rely on them 100% anyway but now wondering if they could just be completely misleading in case of eggs!

OP posts:
FuckYouEzekiel · 09/07/2023 15:18

Eggs have the consistency of phlegm.

Original poster
coldiris · 09/07/2023 15:18

@MajorDanger I’m constantly getting shell bits in things when cracking my eggs. yes, I noticed that too! And the yolk seems to break really easily quite often!

OP posts:
Roselilly36 · 09/07/2023 15:19

I would agree, DH loves poached eggs and often supermarket ones just foam up, even when they are well in date, we don’t buy supermarket eggs anymore.

eurochick · 09/07/2023 15:22

There has been a bird flu flock down for ages.

FusionChefGeoff · 09/07/2023 15:22

I eat a LOT of boiled eggs and I'm getting fed up with eggs that only peel in tiny weeny bits of shells instead of 3/4 nice sections

MrsSkylerWhite · 09/07/2023 15:23

I’ve noticed thin shells lately, too.

FatAgainItsLettuceTime · 09/07/2023 15:25

Bear in mind that chickens were all locked in for months due to bird flu, only been released this week so eggs haven't been free range for about a year now.

FofB · 09/07/2023 15:26

All bird have spent many months inside because of bird flu. I would imagine this will have had some effect on them. We have our own chickens- if the shells is thin, we scatter some oyster shell to improve their calcium.

Peletontwat · 09/07/2023 15:29

Yanbu mind you I can tell the difference between free range and barn eggs (shudder)

Hibiscrubbed · 09/07/2023 15:40

If they’re runny, it probably means they’re old. We’re still fielding the flock shortage caused by bird flu so they may well be travelling further.

Spinet · 09/07/2023 15:44

ChristmasPuddingAllRound · 09/07/2023 15:17

@Spinet my DH says the same...since having covid he gets a sulphur taste when eating eggs. He is not impressed!

Commiserations to him! It's really annoying! I can taste it in things that contain eggs too, although in my case it's a kind of petrol or seaweed taste.

baconcrisp · 09/07/2023 15:54

This reply has been deleted

This user is a troll so we have deleted their posts and threads.

HaveYouHeardOfARoadAtlas · 09/07/2023 15:55

Definitely thinner shells, I wonder if they’re not feeding them as much grit as a cost cutting measure which will lower their calcium levels and make for thinner shells.

Trinity65 · 09/07/2023 15:58

I like eggs and buy them often

Can't say I have noticed any change in them though OP

caringcarer · 09/07/2023 16:11

I'm lucky because I buy fresh eggs from a farm. I get them once a fortnight and they are lovely. I only use supermarket eggs for making cakes or Yorkshire puddings. Can't say I've noticed a difference in those but when eggs aren't very fresh they go as you describe. Maybe the supermarket has stored them for a while.

Bullshot · 09/07/2023 16:14

Maybe now is a good time to stop eating eggs then

Prettypaisleyslippers · 09/07/2023 16:16

Yes, shells thinner and harder to get out, started looping spoon into shell to get remains out. Burford browns the best though