Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich
The bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich—often just called a “BEC”—is a quintessential New York City breakfast staple. Whether you grab one from a corner deli, a bodega, or a food cart, the sandwich has long been an affordable and satisfying way to start the day. But lately, New Yorkers may have noticed their go-to breakfast is getting pricier. The reason? The rising cost of eggs.
Why Are Egg Prices Rising?
Egg prices have been on a rollercoaster over the past few years, largely due to inflation, supply chain disruptions, and avian flu outbreaks that have significantly impacted egg production. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has reported that egg prices saw record highs in recent years, with some areas experiencing price surges of more than 60%. While prices have stabilized somewhat, they remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, putting pressure on businesses that rely on eggs—especially small delis and bodegas.
The Impact on New York’s Delis and Bodegas
For decades, the BEC has been a cheap and reliable breakfast choice for busy New Yorkers. A standard sandwich used to cost around $3 to $4 at most neighborhood spots, but in many places, it’s now closer to $5 or even $6. Some delis are forced to raise prices to keep up with the increasing cost of eggs, bacon, and bread, while others try to absorb the costs to avoid losing customers.
“You can’t have a bodega without a bacon, egg, and cheese,” says Luis Rodriguez, a deli owner in Brooklyn. “But with egg prices so high, we’ve had to charge more, and some customers aren’t happy about it.”
How Are New Yorkers Reacting?
For many, the price hike is just another part of the city’s rising cost of living. Rent, groceries, and transportation costs are all increasing, and now even the beloved BEC isn’t immune. Some customers have started looking for alternatives, while others are willing to pay a little extra for their morning favorite.
“It’s annoying, but what are you gonna do? It’s still cheaper than a fancy café breakfast,” says James, a commuter grabbing his daily sandwich in Midtown.
Is There Relief in Sight?
Egg prices tend to fluctuate, and there’s hope that they’ll decrease as supply stabilizes. However, with ongoing economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures, it’s unclear when—or if—New Yorkers will see their beloved BEC return to its former affordability.
Until then, the bacon, egg, and cheese remains a symbol of resilience—just like the city itself. But the big question remains: How much are you willing to pay for your morning BEC?
