Over 30 bodegas in Brooklyn are testing out an egg-less egg and cheese sandwich, among other breakfast food staples, in a bid to get customers worried about bird flu or just looking to try something new among rising egg prices.
American Metro Bodega in Williamsburg says it sold out completely of its egg-replacement patties from plant-based company Plantega on its second day.
Bodega workers say that with egg prices going up week over week, any alternative was a welcome one, and customers seem to agree.
"I gave up meat for Lent and right now, I'm getting the breakfast burrito," said customer Abel Shegere. "The egg, the vegan egg, is the best one the closest one compared to the other vegan things I've tried. I'd definitely recommended it."
Other customers, self-described purists, told News 12 that a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich should include just that, with no plant-based substitutes. Others say they could be swayed as egg prices continue to rise.
"If its the same price I'm going with my eggs, but if its getting to be eggs are more expensive and this is cheaper, if it's doing the job, it's giving you a healthy option and saving some money, then why not," said customer Rey Toro.
American Metro says its best-selling items to date have been the breakfast burrito, as well as the classic bacon egg and cheese, with the patty coming out of a freezer rather than out of an eggshell.