Brown Eggs vs White Eggs: Which One is More Nutritious? What causes the color of the egg? To answer this question, we first need to look at why the egg (shell) is brown or white. For starters, know that non-commercial eggs come in all sorts of colors – grays and blues, and greens, depending on the breed of chicken that laid them. However, most stores, and local grocery stores, stock commercial eggs that only come in brown or white. What determines the color of the shell, again, is the breed of chicken. While most white eggs are laid by hens with white feathers and earlobes, most brown eggs are laid by hens with red feathers and earlobes. However, in some breeds, the reverse can happen, so it’s not an exact science.
Difference in nutritional value?
On the other hand, scientists have concluded after years of research that there is no significant difference in the nutritional value of brown versus white eggs, unless you are specifically opting for omega-3 enrichment, where the chicken’s diet is supplemented with a nutrient boost. So, in short, as long as you don’t care about the color of the egg (brown or white), it doesn’t matter which one you choose to consume.
Taste Matters
In terms of taste, all commercial eggs taste the same, with only minor variations here and there, depending on what the chicken was fed. Fresh farm eggs, if obtained in time, may be a darker orange color rather than a bright yellow, and their yolks may appear more ‘eggy’ than the rest. Beyond that, there is negligible difference in texture, and one should eat what one can afford, and personal preference.
Why are brown eggs more expensive?
According to Michigan State University Extension, most eggs start out white. It is said that the hen needs some extra nutrients to achieve this brown color, which is why a brown egg costs slightly more than its white counterpart. However, this does not make a huge difference in its nutritional value.
What should one look for?
Rather than going by the specific color of the eggs, one should look at what the hens are being fed, which can make a difference in nutrition. According to a 2023 review in Poultry Science, hens fed omega-3 polyunsaturated fats (such as flaxseed) lay eggs with yolks that are rich in healthy fats. However, it should be added that this report is not conclusive.
