Taiwan’s egg production has been decreasing since December, leaving many store shelves bare across the country. Until the egg supply is back to normal, many people are looking for alternative protein sources.
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Traditional markets are full of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a variety of protein sources. In the past, many shoppers filled their baskets with eggs, but Taiwan’s egg shortage over the past few months has made them more expensive and hard to find.
Some shoppers say they’re not sure what to do, since they’re used to having eggs for breakfast every day. But others have quickly adapted to the supply change, and switched to getting their protein from tofu products, legumes, and nuts.
Nutritionist Lu Ya-chen (呂雅珍) says one egg has about seven grams of protein. She says people can get a similar amount of protein by eating a palm-sized amount of bean products or fish.
Taiwan is full of many different types of tofu, as well as different kinds of legumes like edamame and black beans. Nutritionists also say people can eat meat, seafood, and mushrooms to make up for the protein, vitamins, and iron that eggs provide.
Lu says most adults should eat three to eight servings of protein per day, but people with chronic illnesses should check with their doctors. While Taiwan’s egg shortage may be resolved in the near future, it’s still useful to know how to maintain a healthy diet from a variety of food sources.