White Egg Vs. Brown Egg: Are They Any Different?

Learn about the differences between the two to determine which eggs to buy next!

Medically reviewed by Tracy Tredoux, DipION, mBANT, CNHC, AFMCP Tracy Tredoux Tracy TredouxDipION, mBANT, CNHC, AFMCP facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by Varsha Patnaik, MSc (Biotechnology), Certified Diet & Nutrition Coach Varsha Patnaik MSc (Biotechnology), Certified Diet & Nutrition Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Edited by Ravi Teja Tadimalla, BSc, Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition and Health Ravi Teja Tadimalla BSc, Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition and Health linkedin_icon Experience: 10 years
Fact-checked by Payal Karnik, MSc (Biotechnology), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach Payal Karnik MSc (Biotechnology), Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 2.5 years
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Do you have a preference when it comes to buying eggs? Do you opt for brown eggs more often assuming that they are healthier? Or do you stick to white eggs because that’s what you have always eaten? In the white egg vs. brown egg battle, there certainly is a difference in the color of the eggshells and sometimes in price, but are the differences just shell-deep? Read on to know all the details and facts you need to know to help you make an informed choice when buying eggs next time.

protip_icon Fun Fact
Christopher Columbus is believed to introduce the popular white egg Single Comb White Leghorn to the US during his second voyage in 1493.

Egg Colors Difference

Rhode Island Reds hen with brown eggs
Image: Shutterstock

People tend to opt for brown chicken eggs assuming they are the healthier version just like brown bread, brown rice, or brown pasta. However, that’s not true for eggs. The USDA states that the color of the eggs depends on the breed and genetics of the hens (1), (2), (3).

For example, chicken breeds such as the White Leghorn, White Rock, and Cornish lay white eggs, while Plymouth Rocks, Rhode Island Reds, and New Hampshire lay brown-shelled eggs. Few other chicken breeds like the Araucana, Lushi, Dongxiang, and Ameraucana lay blue-green or blue eggs.

A blogger who owns a chicken farm attests to this and writes about how she had been less educated about chickens and their eggs when she started out. “Egg color and size don’t determine the quality. This was a silly misconception I had prior to owning my own chickens. I always thought the brown eggs were the “farm fresh” ones. Truth is, I was very wrong. Egg color and size are determined by the breed of chicken. Many small flock owners pride themselves with an assortment of colors and sizes, ranging from white to deep chocolate brown (even blue, pink, and green!) (i),” she says.

The difference in the non-white color of the eggshells is due to the pigments produced by that particular breed.

  • Brown eggshells contain the pigment protoporphyrin IX (4).
  • Blue eggshells contain the pigment biliverdin (4), (5).

Sometimes, egg color may vary within the same breed as well, based on their genetic dominance (6).

Apart from the breed and genetics, other factors like the hen’s diet, environment, stress levels, and age may also influence the shell color. While these factors may alter the light or dark shade of the eggs, they do not really change the color of the egg (4).

protip_icon Trivia
Rhode Island Red is among the first domestic brown-egg breeds. It originated in the 1800s in Little Compton, Rhode Island. This breed was further developed into another breed called New Hampshire Red.

Key Takeaways

  • Eggs may be brown or white depending on the breed and genetics of the hens or factors like the hen’s diet, stress levels, or environment.
  • Usually, both brown and white eggs contain high-quality protein, vital vitamins, and minerals.
  • Just like the nutritional content, the color of the shell does not determine the taste of the eggs.
  • Brown eggs are more expensive than white eggs as the chicken that lays them requires more feed due to their larger body size.
  • Instead of color, you should consider labels like organic or vitamin-enhanced to choose better egg variants.

Are Brown Eggs Healthier Than White Eggs?

Woman with brown egg
Image: Shutterstock

Often, people opt for brown eggs believing that brown eggs are more natural and healthier than white eggs. However, that’s not really true. All eggs provide you with similar nutrition irrespective of their eggshell color (1). Research states that the egg composition or quality is not affected by the shell color (7). The color difference is only because of the difference in the pigment in the shell and not the nutritional value. Both brown and white eggs contain high-quality protein, vital vitamins, and minerals (8). There is no significant protein difference between brown and white eggs as many assume.

However, there are a few other factors, like the hen’s environment and its feed, that may affect the egg’s nutritional content.

For instance, free-range hens that are allowed enough sunshine are known to produce eggs with a higher amount of vitamin D than eggs from hens raised conventionally in coops and cages (9).

Also, chickens fed a diet enriched with omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin D produce eggs with higher levels of these nutrients respectively (10), (11).

Let’s further see if the taste and size of brown vs. white eggs differ in any way.

Taste And Size Difference

Woman eating brown egg
Image: Shutterstock

While some people may believe that brown eggs taste better than white eggs, it’s just a matter of personal preference. Just like the nutritional content, the eggshell color doesn’t really determine the taste of the eggs. However, other factors like the type of feed, the breed of chicken, cooking method, and freshness may affect the taste of the eggs (12).

Most home-raised chickens lay brown eggs and taste slightly richer or have a more vibrant yolk because of their feed. This might lead some people to opine that brown eggs taste better than white eggs.

Eggs develop an off-flavor when stored longer, especially at high temperatures (13). Eggs collected fresh from the backyard don’t go through the extra processing and shipping time and hence seem fresher and tastier than the conventional supermarket ones.

Sometimes, the way an egg is cooked might also affect its flavor. One study found that eggs of hens fed conventional feed vs those fed fish-oil-enriched feed tasted the same when scrambled, but not when boiled. The latter variety had an off-sulfur-like flavor (14).

So, while various factors may affect the egg flavor, shell color is not one of them. However, when it comes to size and weight, research suggests that brown eggs are heavier than white eggs and have more shells, more albumen (egg white), and less yolk (15). So it is ultimately as per your personal preference.

Why Are Brown Eggs More Expensive?

Woman buying brown eggs
Image: Shutterstock

Most often than not, you would find brown eggs cost more than white ones, even though they are the same in all aspects except the color. This might often lead people to believe that brown eggs are higher in quality or nutrition than white ones. However, the difference lies in the fact that chickens that lay brown eggs are larger in body size and require more feed, translating into the higher cost of brown eggs on store shelves. Also, some special types of eggs, such as organic or free-range that often tend to be brown are priced higher as well. That may lead you to be aware of certain other considerations while choosing the kind of eggs you go for.

Other Considerations

Woman checking labels on egg
Image: Shutterstock

Rather than the color, which doesn’t really make a difference in the nutritional value of eggs, there are certainly other factors that might help you select better eggs. You can look for egg labels that certify them as

  • Organic – eggs from hens fed on pesticide-free grains and diet
  • Omega-3 fortified – eggs from hens that are fed on flaxseeds and fish oil to increase the omega-3 fatty acid content.
  • Vitamin-enhanced – eggs from hens fed on a vitamin-rich diet.
  • Free-range – eggs from hens that are free to roam around and feed as they like.
  • Cage-free – eggs from hens kept indoors, but not in cages.
  • Antibiotic-free – eggs from hens not treated with any antibiotics

These eggs make for a better option than the commonly available eggs that come from conventionally raised hens.

Unravel the mystery between brown and white eggs and make an informed choice for your health. Learn about the nutritional benefits of each variety in the insightful video below.

To Sum Up

Eggs come in different colors – brown, white, blue-green depending on the breed and genetics of the chicken. Unlike brown bread, brown rice, or brown pasta, when it comes to brown vs white eggs, there are no additional health benefits or nutritional differences. Brown eggs are neither healthier nor tastier than white eggs. The factors that do make a difference in egg nutrition and flavor primarily include the hen’s diet and environmental conditions. Next time, you are out to get eggs, either get the ones freshly collected from the farm or opt for USDA certified organic, nutrient-enriched, or free-range eggs. To unscramble it for you, when it comes to the white eggs vs. brown eggs battle, the differences are just about the shell color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute brown eggs for white eggs?

Yes. Brown and white eggs are nutritionally similar. They also have similar yolk consistency and do not differ in taste.

Why are there no white eggs in the UK?

It is difficult to find white eggs in the UK as most British hen breeds produce brown eggs. Brown eggs were historically preferred as they were considered to be healthier than their white counterparts. However, many Indian egg recipes for dinner use both white and brown eggs.

Do eggs have to be refrigerated?

Yes. In the US, fresh eggs have to be refrigerated to prevent the growth of salmonella bacteria or reduce the chances of food infection.

Do white eggs have more cholesterol than brown eggs?

No. Both eggs have a similar nutritional value and have no significant differences in their cholesterol content.

Can I eat eggs every day?

Yes, you can safely consume 1-2 eggs per day. Eggs are a good source of protein and help boost muscle growth.

Is brown egg good for hair?

Yes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the nutrients present in eggs, including brown eggs, may help boost a healthy scalp and hair. These include proteins, vitamins, and other beneficial compounds.

Should eggs float or sink?

Generally, a fresh egg sinks, while an old egg floats. As eggs age, their small air pockets expand as water is released and replaced by air, causing them to float.

Which eggs are best for baking?

Either one can be used for baking. They are nutritionally similar and have similar properties.

Illustration: White Egg Vs. Brown Egg: Are They Any Different?

white egg vs brown egg

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Shell Eggs from Farm to Table | Food Safety and Inspection Service
    https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/eggs/shell-eggs-farm-table#27
  2. Recent advances in avian egg science: A review
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119315895?via%3Dihub
  3. An EAV-HP insertion in 5’ Flanking region of SLCO1B3 causes blue eggshell in the chicken
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23359636
  4. Eggshell color in brown-egg laying hens – a review
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26240390
  5. A study on eggshell pigmentation: biliverdin in blue-shelled chickens
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16553287
  6. Genetic evaluation of eggshell color based on additive and dominance models in laying hens
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7322644/
  7. Physical quality and composition of retail shell eggs
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20181877
  8. Eggs, Grade A, Large, egg whole
    https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/748967/nutrients
  9. Free-range farming: a natural alternative to produce vitamin D-enriched eggs
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24607306
  10. Comparative omega-3 fatty acid enrichment of egg yolks from first-cycle laying hens fed flaxseed oil or ground flaxseed
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28108729
  11. Effects of vitamin D(3) -enriched diet on egg yolk vitamin D(3) content and yolk quality
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23331294
  12. Analyses of free amino acid and taste sensor traits in egg albumen and yolk revealed potential of value-added eggs in chickens
    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/asj.13510
  13. Egg handling and storage
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9037701/
  14. Fatty acid profile and sensory characteristics of table eggs from laying hens fed diets containing microencapsulated fish oil – ScienceDirect
    http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377840110000192
  15. The effect of storage and strain of hen on egg quality – ScienceDirect
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032579119416611
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Tracy Tredoux
Tracy TredouxDipION, mBANT, CNHC, AFMCP
Tracy is a fully qualified nutritional therapist with 10 years of experience specializing in gut and immune health. She is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and a Certified Practitioner from the Institute of Functional Medicine.

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Varsha Patnaik
Varsha PatnaikHealth & Wellness Writer
Varsha holds a master's degree in biotechnology from Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, and is a certified diet and nutrition coach with two years of experience. She combines her scientific knowledge and her passion for writing to produce research-backed content in the health and wellness domain.

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Ravi Teja Tadimalla
Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Payal Karnik
Payal KarnikSenior Health & Wellness Writer
Payal Karnik is a senior health and wellness writer and a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach. She is a biotechnology graduate from the University of Mumbai with a keen interest in writing and a natural curiosity for science.

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