Why Do Chicken Eggs Come in Different Colors?
Some consumers prefer white eggs for their apparent cleanliness, while others opt for brown eggs, assuming they might be richer in protein. But what is the real difference between these two types of eggs?
According to the Huffington Post, in industrial chicken breeds, chickens with white feathers and white ear lobes typically lay white eggs, while chickens with darker feathers and red ear lobes produce brown eggs. Interestingly, some chicken breeds even lay eggs in shades of blue or with small spots on the shell.
Nutritional Value
Despite numerous studies investigating the nutritional differences between these two types of eggs, no significant variations have been found to date.
On average, a large egg, whether brown or white, contains roughly 72 calories and 6 grams of protein, along with other healthy unsaturated fats. Live Strong confirms that a large egg, regardless of color, typically contains about 72 calories and 6 grams of protein, as well as beneficial unsaturated fats.
While Dr. Gargi Sharma, a weight management specialist, believes that brown eggs are richer in protein and better at controlling cholesterol and calorie intake, nutritionist Niharika Ahluwalia asserts: “There is no significant difference between white and brown eggs in terms of nutritional value.”
Flavor of the Eggs
The flavor of eggs is not determined by their quality or nutritional content but by the diet of the chicken breed. If you feed chickens with brown or white feathers the same food, there will be no difference in the taste of the eggs they lay.
However, it’s worth noting that the yolks of brown eggs tend to be darker due to the chickens’ higher corn intake, but the nutritional value remains the same. Ultimately, when purchasing eggs for daily consumption, the focus should be on the quality of the laying chickens rather than the color of the eggs.
