Learn why eggs are sold in dozens and not in fives or indivually. Discover the history and practical reasons behind this common practice in the egg industry.The story behind the number 12: how tradition, efficiency and the ancient system of measurement consolidated the sale of eggs in dozens.
Throughout history, selling eggs in dozens has been a standard practice, both in local markets and in big box stores. However, in a world where round, easy-to-handle numbers like five or ten seem more intuitive, the question arises: why do we still buy eggs in packs of twelve? This article explores the historical, cultural, economic and logistical reasons behind this seemingly arbitrary practice, as well as analyzing why other pack sizes like five-count have not been adopted.
Historical origin: The imperial system and the dozen as a unit of measurement
The answer to this question has deep roots in the history of trade and measurement systems. In medieval times, both in England and elsewhere in Europe, the imperial system was used , where a dozen (12) had a significant value. Coins, for example, were counted at 12 pence per shilling, making it easier to trade products in multiples of 12. Eggs, like many other agricultural products, began to be sold in dozens because of this association with coins, as it was easier to calculate and make transactions without complications.
The duodecimal system versus the decimal system
The duodecimal system, although nowadays it seems impractical compared to the decimal system, has interesting advantages : the number 12 is divisible by 2, 3, 4 and 6, which allows it to be divided in many ways , facilitating marketing and the calculation of fractions in sales. In contrast, the number 10, although more intuitive for us in the context of the metric system, can only be easily divided by 2 and 5.
Economic and production reasons
At the industrial level, the dozen has also proven to be an efficient option for production and transport. Egg cartons in multiples of 12 offer a convenient size for packaging and distribution. A carton of 12 eggs is compact, stable and easy to handle, which optimizes transport and storage costs . Egg producing companies have maintained this system not only out of tradition, but because it presents clear economic advantages .
Cost per unit and consumer perception
Furthermore, selling in multiples of 12 has been psychologically accepted by consumers as a “fair” number for fresh produce. By offering a quantity that is neither too small nor excessive, it adapts to the typical consumption of an average family , which reinforces the continuity of this format.
Cultural Perspective: Consumer Expectations
Consumer habits also play a role in perpetuating the dozen as the unit of sale for eggs. Consumers are accustomed to buying eggs in this quantity, which has created a cultural expectation . Although it is now possible to find half-dozens or even 10-egg cartons in some supermarkets, the dozen remains the standard because it has been internalized as the default option .
The phenomenon of cultural inertia
This phenomenon of cultural inertia , where old practices persist even though they have lost their original utility, is common in many aspects of modern life. In the case of eggs, changing the standard amount to a number like five or ten would require re-educating the consumer , which is costly and risky for brands.
International comparison: Other ways of selling eggs
In some cultures, such as China, eggs are not necessarily sold in dozens. There, consumers buy eggs by weight or by the unit , which contrasts with the Western system. However, these alternative approaches have not gained much traction in countries where the dozen is entrenched .
The case of the United States and Europe
In the United States and many European countries, the metric system has been adopted for most products, but eggs have remained under the influence of the imperial system. Even with the introduction of new marketing and packaging methods, the tradition of the dozen has proven strong enough to withstand change.
What about five-packs or single units?
Although selling eggs in single units or smaller batches might seem more convenient for single people or smaller households, logistical complexities and consumer perceptions of value have prevented this model from being widely adopted. Manufacturers prefer packaging that maximizes efficiency in transportation and storage , and selling eggs in smaller quantities would proportionally increase costs.
The balance between convenience and efficiency
The trade-off between convenience and efficiency in the food industry has led to the permanence of the dozen format . Selling eggs in packs of five or ten might seem logical from an easy counting standpoint , but it presents logistical and economic challenges that companies are unwilling to take on.
Dozens of eggs and other curiosities
The sale of eggs by the dozen remains a fundamental part of our shopping routine, a tradition that, although rooted in history, has endured for both practical and cultural reasons. However, not all the mysteries about eggs end here. Have you ever wondered why there are blue chicken eggs ? This enigma, along with the eternal debate about what came first, the chicken or the egg?, continues to capture the curiosity of many. These questions remind us that even if we understand some of the reasons behind the dozens, there will always be aspects of nature and history that will continue to surprise us.
How much protein does an egg have?
A medium-sized egg (about 60 grams) contains about 6 to 7 grams of protein. The egg white is the main source of protein, while the yolk also contributes, although in a lesser proportion.