Consumer columnist and West Hartford resident Harlan Levy has more than 20 years of experience writing stories about everyday experiences that anyone could encounter.

Harlan Levy. Courtesy photo

By Harlan Levy

Facts: Egg prices for a dozen nationally increased $1.41 or 4.7% since the beginning of 2025, according to federal data, reaching an all time high of $8.17 in March of 2025. In January, the average price was $4.95, a 19.5% increase from the December price of $4.15.

Therefore, today – because grocery prices are spiraling up – I’m starting a weekly price watch segment for some of our grocery staples (like eggs) at a variety of town supermarkets. Here are the numbers as of Sunday March 9:

• Big Y: $8.99 large white and brown. A week ago $8.49. $23 for 30 large white and brown. $10.99 for Vital Farm’s “organic restorative” large eggs. $13.99 for an “organic pasture-raised” dozen.
• Trader Joe’s: $3.49 a dozen large white and brown. Limit: 1 dozen/customer. The store was out of eggs on Sunday and sell out every day after the daily delivery, a store representative told me.
• Whole Foods: $5.49 for a dozen large whites, $13.99 for 18. $6.29 for extra large “organic” browns. Whole Foods wasn’t able to get eggs for the last two weeks, a grocery clerk said. when it gets them they’re mostly sold out by the afternoon.
• Stop & Shop: $7.99 for a dozen large whites. $8.49 for a dozen large browns.

Egg prices on Sunday at Big Y supermarket. Photo credit: Harlan Levy

More prices next week.

Reasons to eat hummus

A new report from Hartford Healthcare provides four significant reasons to eat hummus. [Spoiler alert: I am addicted to “Everything bagel” hummus.]

• Supports your gut health: Your gut plays a major role in overall health, from immunity to mood regulation, the report said “Hummus is high in fiber, which helps promote regular bowel movements and acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut,” said Hartford Healthcare Registered Dietitian Sherri Odell. “Hummus can also help regulate hunger and satiety, and can even produce serotonin to boost your mood,” she adds.
• Heart-healthy choice: From olive oil to tahini, The ingredients in hummus – from olive oil to chickpeas to tahini – are great for your heart, Odell said. “Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, and tahini contains both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These healthy fats can help lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease,” Odell said. Also, chickpeas are packed with magnesium and potassium, which both help relax blood vessels and regulate blood pressure.
• Helps manage inflammation: Inflammation is the root of many chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. But hummus helps fight these off, the report said. “The polyphenols in olive oil and garlic can help prevent countless health issues, from heart disease to obesity,” Odell said.
• Filling and weight-friendly: “It’s high in both protein and fiber, which help keep you full longer and can support weight loss,” Odell said. “You can spread it on whole grain toast, add it to sandwiches and wraps, mix it into pastas or falafels, or use it as a creamy salad topping.”

There are several significant reasons to eat hummus daily, which I do. Do it with zero-calorie celery instead of crackers to save calories. Photo credit: Harlan Levy

Now you know.