What’s the Best Egg Size to Buy: Large or Small? The Answer May Surprise You!

The best egg size to buy depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both large and small eggs can provide nutritional benefits, but there are some key differences to consider.

Large eggs typically come from older hens and have a higher yolk-to-white ratio, making them ideal for dishes where the yolk is the star, like fried eggs or deviled eggs. They also work well for baking, as they can add richness and moisture to cakes and cookies.

On the other hand, small eggs, also known as pullet eggs, come from younger hens and tend to have a lower yolk-to-white ratio. They are perfect for hard-boiling as they can be peeled more easily. Small eggs are also a great choice if you’re watching your cholesterol intake, as they have slightly lower cholesterol levels compared to large eggs.

The nutritional differences between large and small eggs are minimal. On average, a large egg weighs around 57 grams, while a small egg weighs approximately 42 grams. Despite the size difference, the nutrient content per gram remains fairly consistent across egg sizes.

A large egg typically contains around 70 calories, 6 grams of protein, and varying amounts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, riboflavin, selenium, and choline. A small egg provides similar nutrients but in slightly smaller amounts due to its smaller size.

When choosing egg sizes for recipes, consider the role of the eggs in the dish. If the eggs are a primary ingredient, like in a quiche or frittata, larger eggs can add more flavor and texture. For baked goods, large eggs are often preferred as they can provide a more consistent texture and rise.

However, if you’re making something like a meringue or angel food cake, where the whites are the star, opting for small eggs can give you more whites per volume, resulting in a lighter and airier final product.

In most cases, recipes are written with large eggs in mind, so using large eggs as a default is usually a safe bet. But don’t be afraid to experiment with different sizes to find what works best for your taste preferences and specific recipes.

Egg sizes can indeed affect the cost, but not necessarily in the way you might think. Larger eggs tend to be more expensive per dozen, but when you look at the cost per gram, the prices even out. This is because you get more egg volume with larger eggs, so you end up using fewer eggs to get the same amount of volume as you would with smaller eggs.

For example, if a dozen large eggs costs $2.50, and a dozen small eggs costs $2.00, the large eggs might seem more expensive at first glance. But when you calculate the cost per gram, both sizes typically fall within a similar price range.

Buying eggs directly from a farm can offer several benefits. Firstly, you often get fresher eggs that have not been stored or transported for long periods. Fresher eggs tend to have better flavor and texture. Secondly, you may have access to a wider variety of egg sizes, including medium-sized eggs, which are rarely sold in supermarkets.

Additionally, purchasing farm-fresh eggs supports local farmers and sustainable agriculture. You also have the opportunity to learn about the farming practices and the living conditions of the hens, ensuring that the eggs you’re consuming are of the highest quality and come from happy, healthy hens.