Brown Eggs vs. White Eggs - Which is Healthier?

Are You Wasting Money on Dark Eggs?

May 2, 2009 Kristie Leong

Many health conscious people choose to buy brown eggs over white eggs. Are they really a healthier choice? Find out which egg is the best option.

Despite its high cholesterol content, the egg is back on the list of healthy foods thanks to its high protein and relatively low total saturated fat content. Unfortunately, buying a carton of eggs at the grocery store is no longer as straightforward as it used to be. The shopper is often met with a confusing array of choices ranging from the standard white egg to omega-3 enhanced eggs and even cage-free eggs. Then there’s the issue of brown eggs vs. white eggs. Are brown eggs healthier or tastier than their standard, white counterparts?

Brown Eggs vs. White Eggs: What Causes an Egg Shell to Be Brown?

Brown eggs get their pigmented shell from a substance called protoporphyin which is a substance derived from hemoglobin. This pigment is naturally laid down as the egg is formed. Whether an egg is brown or white is determined exclusively by the breed of chicken it comes from. To add to the confusion, there are even chickens that lay pastel colored eggs. These could be quite popular around the Easter season.

Do Brown Eggs Have Health or Taste Benefits?

Although some eggs may be more appealing from a color standpoint than others, the reality is that brown eggs have no real health advantage over white eggs. They contain roughly equal fat and protein contents and that applies to their vitamin and mineral content as well.

What about taste? When it comes to brown eggs vs. white eggs there isn’t a great deal of difference. Some people report that the taste of brown eggs is slightly stronger than that of white eggs, but the difference isn’t overwhelming. In terms of price, brown eggs usually cost more because brown chickens are larger and require more food and resources to maintain their health.

Brown Eggs vs. White Eggs: Which is Better?

The budget minded shopper might best stick with the white ones since brown eggs offer no health advantages and the taste difference is minor. For those concerned about the presence of antibiotics and growth hormones in eggs, certified organic eggs are a good alternative. In terms of animal welfare, free-range eggs that come from free-range chickens are a viable option. There are even omega-3 fortified eggs for the health oriented shopper. They reportedly have seven times the amount of heart healthy omega-3s as standard eggs.

The Bottom Line?

There are no real health benefits to eating brown eggs vs. white eggs, although there may be a slight taste difference. All eggs are an excellent source of protein and low in calories. They’re a healthy dietary choice for most people.

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