Why Do Chicken Eggs Come in Different Colors?
Consumers often have a preference for either white or brown eggs, with some believing that one type may be more nutritious than the other. 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 those with darker feathers and red ear lobes lay brown eggs. Additionally, some chicken breeds lay eggs in other colors, such as green or with small spots on the shell.
Nutritional Value
Despite numerous studies examining the nutritional differences between white and brown eggs, no significant variations have been found to date.
On average, a large egg, whether brown or white, contains approximately 72 calories and 6 grams of protein, along with other healthy unsaturated fats. Live Strong confirms that a large egg contains roughly 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 levels in the body, nutritionist Niharika Ahluwalia asserts that “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 nutrition but by the diet of the chicken. If you feed chickens with brown or white feathers the same food, there will be no difference in the taste of the eggs.
However, it is 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 chicken rather than the color of the eggs.
