Brown Eggs vs. White Eggs: Is There a Health Difference?

Are brown eggs healthier than white eggs? Many people wonder about the differences and benefits of each type. This article cracks the code on egg nutrition, helping you make informed choices for a healthier diet.

Brown Eggs vs. White Eggs: Is There a Health Difference?

The short answer: No, there’s no difference.

The color of an egg’s shell simply depends on the breed of chicken. Brown eggs might be more expensive because the chickens that lay them are a little bigger and require more feed.

What makes an egg truly healthy?

• Choose pasture-raised eggs: They are the healthiest option.
• Avoid pasteurized eggs: Pasteurization destroys a lot of the nutrients.
• Look for organic eggs: This ensures the chicken feed is free of GMOs.
• Ideally, buy eggs from local farmers or farmers’ markets: You’ll get fresher, tastier eggs.
• Eggs don’t raise cholesterol.

Important note: Don’t pay too much attention to egg grading (A or AA). It only refers to the egg’s appearance, not its nutritional value.

So let’s dive into the details…

Are Brown Eggs Healthier Than White Eggs?

So today we want to answer the question: In our brown eggs better or healthier than white eggs? The answer is no. There’s no difference.

The reason why an egg is a certain color, whether it’s blue or whatever, is because of the type of chicken. And the reason why it’s a little more expensive than brown eggs is simply because that chicken is a little bit bigger and they have to feed the chicken more.

• Brown eggs are not healthier than white eggs.
• Egg color depends on the breed of chicken.
• Brown eggs may be pricier due to the larger size and feed requirements of the chickens.

What Makes an Egg Healthy?

So the question is: What do you base the health of that egg on?

Is it this: If it’s a hundred percent natural or how about cage-free or free-range? They’re able to leave the cage and go within the barn, right? Or what about pasture-raised?

Well, that’s definitely one. This is what you want to consume right here: pasture-raised eggs. Not pasteurized, okay, because that destroys all the nutrition.

• Prioritize pasture-raised eggs over cage-free or free-range.
• Avoid pasteurized eggs as they lack nutrients.

Understanding Egg Labels

What about vegetarian-fed? Well all that means is you’re giving them grains, which we already know anyway. But this right here is GMO unless it says organic.

It’s so funny that when you see vegetarian-fed like, what else are they going to feed the chickens right, like, other than like some meat or something?

That doesn’t make sense. But you definitely want organic and you want pasture-raised. These two right here. And ideally, buying eggs from a local farmer or the farmers market would be the best thing to do, and that’s what I do.

The eggs just taste better, and instead of using insecticides they might use like clove and herbs and garlic which definitely improves the taste of the egg as well.

• “Vegetarian-fed” doesn’t guarantee a healthier egg; check for organic certification to avoid GMOs.
• Opt for organic, pasture-raised eggs.
• Support local farmers or farmers’ markets for better quality and taste.

Egg Rating System

Now that egg rating system that you might have seen, where it’s rated A or double-A really just tells you if the egg is free of blemishes, or if it’s all the same size and the shell is clean. I mean, you can pretty much ignore this right here for health.

• Egg grades (A, AA) primarily indicate appearance and don’t reflect nutritional content.

The Importance of a Dark Orange Yolk

When you consume pasture-raised organic eggs you’re going to notice that the yolk is dark orange, okay, versus pale yellow.

And that is simply because of the carotenoids, the phytonutrients, in that egg. It’s loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin – [good for] macular degeneration and cataracts – and it also helps your brain as well.

• Dark orange yolks in pasture-raised organic eggs signify the presence of beneficial carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin.
• Lutein and zeaxanthin are crucial for eye and brain health.

What Does a Broken Yolk Mean?

Now, if the yolk breaks easily or you actually open the egg and it’s already broken, it just means that that egg is older, okay? But the majority of nutrients are in the yolk.

Loaded with choline, which is really good to prevent a fatty liver, good for neurotransmitters, good for your brain. It’s loaded with selenium which is really important in detoxification.

Biotin, helping your nails your hair be strong. It provides a really good source of vitamin A, D, K2 – these are the fat-soluble vitamins.

This is involved in vision, bone health, heart health, calcium metabolism, preventing arthritis stiffness things like that. Has B12 in it. Phosphorus, which, by the way, we need a lot of this nutrient right here. And omega-3 fatty acid.

• A broken yolk often indicates an older egg but doesn’t mean it’s spoiled.
• Egg yolks are nutrient powerhouses, packed with:
  • Choline (supports liver and brain function)
  • Selenium (aids detoxification)
  • Biotin (promotes healthy hair and nails)
  • Vitamins A, D, K2 (essential for various bodily functions)
  • B12, Phosphorus, Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Busting Egg & Cholesterol Myths

Now, I consume four eggs every single day and I love eggs, and no, eggs don’t increase your cholesterol. I’ll put a link down below for those of you that still have that idea, because it’s not true.

• Contrary to popular belief, eggs do not raise cholesterol levels.

A Funny Story about Eggs

So, a real quick story: one time I was doing a seminar for Exxon the corporation and I did a lot of seminars around town and governmental agencies, but I did a seminar to Exxon on some health topic.

It was a series of, I think it was a series of six seminars. And so, I know this after I did the seminar they really liked it, but they didn’t invite me back, okay? And I was curious about this.

So I called them. I says, “Why don’t you want me to come back to finish up the series of seminars that I do?”

And the lady says, “Well we can’t have you back because you’re recommending they… and also you’re telling people that you’re consuming 45 eggs a day.”

And I said, “No! It wasn’t 45 eggs a day, I said four to five eggs a day.” So, apparently, I was talking too fast and didn’t clarify that point, so they did invite me back for the rest of the series.

• This is a personal anecdote about a humorous misunderstanding regarding daily egg consumption.

Summary

Dr. Berg discussed if brown eggs are healthier than white eggs. The answer is NO. The reason why an egg has a certain color is because of the type of chicken. And the reason why the brown egg is more expensive than the white one is that the chicken is bigger and they have to feed the chicken more. It is important that the egg you consume is pasture-raised and organic.

Types of Eggs

• 100% natural
• Cage free / free range
• Pasture-raised
• Pasteurized
• Vegetarian-fed
• Organic

Yolk Nutrients

• Choline
• Selenium
• Biotin
• Vitamin A, D, E, and K2
• B12
• Phosphorus
• Omega 3

DATA

Brown Eggs vs. White Eggs: Is There a Health Difference?

FAQ

Which eggs are healthier, white or brown?

There is no significant nutritional difference between white and brown eggs. The color of an egg’s shell is determined by the chicken’s breed and genetics, not by the egg’s nutritional value or quality[1][4][6]. Both white and brown eggs contain the same core nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. The color of the shell does not affect the egg’s nutritional profile.

Why do people prefer brown eggs?

Some people prefer brown eggs because they believe they are more natural, nutritious, or better tasting. However, these beliefs are not supported by scientific evidence[1][6]. The preference for brown eggs may stem from cultural associations or marketing that portrays brown eggs as more wholesome. Ultimately, the color of the shell does not determine an egg’s quality or taste.

Why are brown eggs more expensive than white eggs?

Brown eggs are often more expensive than white eggs, but the reasons are not related to nutritional value or quality. The price difference is primarily due to the cost of producing brown eggs[1][6]. Chickens that lay brown eggs tend to be larger breeds that require more feed. Additionally, brown-egg laying chickens are less common than white-egg layers, so there is less supply to meet the demand for brown eggs.

Which eggs are the healthiest?

The healthiest eggs are those that come from hens raised in humane conditions with access to a varied diet. Eggs from pasture-raised hens or hens fed a diet supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids may have slightly higher nutritional profiles[1][4]. However, the differences are minor, and all eggs, regardless of production method, are a nutritious food choice.

Protein difference between brown and white eggs

There is no significant difference in protein content between brown and white eggs[1][4][6]. Both egg types contain approximately 6-7 grams of high-quality protein per large egg. The protein in eggs is considered complete, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids necessary for human health.

Nutritional difference between white and brown eggs

The nutritional profiles of white and brown eggs are virtually identical[1][4][6]. Both egg types are excellent sources of protein, vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and B12), minerals (like iron, phosphorus, and selenium), and choline. The color of the shell does not affect the nutrient composition of the egg.

Do brown eggs taste different than white eggs?

There is no scientific evidence that brown eggs taste different from white eggs[1][6]. The flavor of an egg is primarily influenced by the hen’s diet and the freshness of the egg, not the color of the shell. Any perceived differences in taste are likely due to individual preferences or expectations rather than actual differences in flavor.

Why are white eggs cheaper

White eggs are generally less expensive than brown eggs due to the lower production costs[1][6]. Chickens that lay white eggs tend to be smaller breeds that require less feed. Additionally, white-egg laying chickens are more common, so there is a larger supply to meet the demand for white eggs.

Brown eggs benefits

There are no unique benefits to brown eggs compared to white eggs[1][4][6]. Both egg types provide high-quality protein, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. The color of the shell does not affect the nutritional value or health benefits of the egg. Eggs, regardless of shell color, can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.

Are white eggs bleached

No, white eggs are not bleached[1][6]. The white color of the shell is a natural result of the chicken’s breed and genetics. Some breeds of chickens, such as White Leghorns, naturally lay white eggs. The lack of pigment in the shell gives the eggs their white appearance. Bleaching is not necessary to produce white eggs.