Eggs: Get More with "Size"! — Smart Choices in Times of Rising Prices and "Zero Food Poisoning" Storage Techniques

1. Why Have Egg Prices Risen in Japan?

1-1 Yen Depreciation and Feed Costs

The feed for laying hens in Japan mainly consists of imported grains like corn. With the continued yen depreciation in 2024-25, the procurement price has risen to about 1.8 times compared to 2019. The wholesale price (Tokyo M size 1 kg) surged from 190 yen in February 2024 to 312 yen in February 2025, and it remains in the 300 yen range in March.sbbit.jp

1-2 Avian Influenza and Reduced Supply

Due to the highly pathogenic avian influenza in the winter of 2024, about 17 million birds were culled, delaying production recovery. As a result, domestic supply is down by about 8% compared to normal times. Although imported eggs have increased, the number of smuggling cases has risen by 158% year-on-year, becoming a factor hindering stable supply.sbbit.jp

2. Understanding Japan's Egg Size System

Tip
According to egg researcher Takashi Ueno, for dishes like TKG where the richness of the yolk is appreciated, M size is optimal, as only the egg white increases in size L and above, while the yolk remains almost unchanged.smartagri-jp.com

3. How to Utilize by Size in Cooking

3-1 M Size: The Classic Way to Enjoy Flavor and Color

• Tamagoyaki・Thick Rolled Omelet――Rich in yolk with a distinct sweetness

• Oyakodon/Tenshinhan――Soft and creamy beaten eggs

• Boiled Eggs――Sticky yolk, easy to coat with soy sauce marinade
  
  
  

3-2 L・LL Size: Utilizing the "Foaming Power" of Egg Whites

• Italian MeringueandSoufflé Pancakes

• Chawanmushi――Enhanced smoothness

• Custard Pudding――Easier to set and improved yield
  
  
  

3-3 S～MS Size: Cost-effective by Quantity

• Batter for Tonkatsu/Fried Coating

• Color for Soboro Don or Fried Rice

• Bread and Cake Batter――Mixes evenly
  
  

4. "Egg Expert" Teaches the Golden Rules of Storage

1. Refrigerate at 10 ℃ or below

   • According to HACCP guidelines, storing raw eggs at 8 ℃ or below is ideal.mhlw.go.jp
     
     

2. Pointed end down

   • Keeping the air cell up helps the membrane breathe and maintain freshness.
     
     

3. In the upper section of the refrigerator, in the pack

   • Less temperature fluctuation and prevents odor transfer.maff.go.jp
     
     

4. Do not wash the shell; crack it just before use

   • Protects the cuticle layer of the shell and prevents Salmonella invasion.
     
     

5. For raw consumption, consume within the expiration date; if feeling unwell, heat to 70°C or above

   • MAFF recommends thorough heating if you are not feeling well.maff.go.jp
     
     
     

Differences with overseas
In Europe and the US, the protective membrane of the shell is lost after washing and sterilization, so room temperature distribution is common. On the other hand, in Japan, eggs are quickly refrigerated without washing, supporting the culture of raw consumption. It is safe to adhere to the Japanese standard of "refrigeration required" even after purchase.

5. Further cost-saving tips

• Freezing egg whites and yolks: Freeze egg whites as is, mix yolks with salt or sugar before freezing

• Recycling eggshells: Crush them for use as calcium fertilizer in balcony gardening

• Reusing egg oil and seasoned egg liquid: Use leftover liquid from making omelets in fried rice
  
  

6. Reducing food waste and sustainability

Eggs are a "zero waste" ingredient. Both the shell and membrane have value as calcium sources. By choosing the appropriate size, the discard rate can be kept below 1%, contributing to the reduction of Japan's annual egg waste, which is said to be about 34,000 tons.fnn.jp

7. Summary

Eggs remain the most cost-effective ingredient even if prices rise.① Choose the size according to the cooking purpose, ② Store hygienically below 10°C—by keeping these two points in mind, not only can you enjoy them at your daily table, but travelers from abroad and foreign residents in Japan can also safely enjoy Japan's "raw egg culture."

Reference Article List

• FNN Prime Online "Secrets to Economically Use 'Eggs' Amid Price Surge…" 2025-06-21 fnn.jp

• SB Business + IT "The Shock of Egg Prices Tripling & 158% Increase in Smuggling" 2025-05 sbbit.jp

• Japan Egg Association "Egg Size Color Chart" nichirankyo.or.jp

• Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Bureau "About Egg Labeling" hokeniryo1.metro.tokyo.lg.jp

• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries "Solve It! Food Poisoning Prevention Points" maff.go.jp

• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 'Things to Know About Eggs Before Buying' PDF maff.go.jp

• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare "HACCP Implementation Guide" mhlw.go.jp

• Smart-Agri "Interview with the Tamago Kake Gohan Research Institute" 2023-04 smartagri-jp.com