Spain has the cheapest egg prices in Western Europe, with a dozen costing only $3.19 (£2.38). An essential part of the nation's diet, eggs play a starring role in many Spanish culinary classics from the tortilla española to Russian salad and salmorejo.

While the EU banned battery cages in 2012, enriched colony cages, which provide hens with more space and amenities like perches and nesting areas, are still legal in Spain. This helps keep prices low, as the majority of hens in the country are kept in cages. Additionally, the EU has more stringent disease control measures than America. This helps contain avian flu outbreaks, reducing the need for culling. Spain also benefits from a better balance between supply and demand.

Eggflation: the countries paying the most and least for eggs, and why