Are Eggs Dairy?
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Are you confused as to whether or not eggs are dairy? Have you heard contradictory arguments that make you even more confused? If that sounds like you, I’m here to set the record straight that eggs are NOT dairy.
A common misconception amongst people is that eggs are considered dairy. That makes sense since many grocery stores stock the eggs near the milks, butter, and dairy section, it CAN be very confusing. However, eggs are in no way, shape, or form dairy, and I’m about to tell you why.
What Is An Egg?
The eggs we see most often in the grocery store come from birds, such as chickens, ducks, or quails. Inside the white or brown shell is the egg white, also known as the albumen, surrounding the rich, yellow yolk.
A whole egg is considered a “high-quality” protein because it contains all of the essential amino acids needed in the human diet. Eggs are also a wonderful source of Vitamin C and minerals such as phosphorus and zinc.
Yes, eggs are a fantastic addition to any diet, if your body can handle them. It’s estimated that about 2% of children live with egg allergies, and most react to the protein found in egg white, though some are also allergic to the protein found in the yolk as well.
What Are Dairy Products?
According to Healthline.com, “Dairy refers to foods made from or containing the milk of mammals, such as cows, sheep, goats, or buffalo.” A list of common dairy products includes:
- Milk
- Butter
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Cheese
- Cream cheese
- Sour cream
So, Are Eggs Dairy?!
In case you’re still confused as to whether or not eggs are considered a dairy product, the answer is no. In short, eggs are the unfertilized offspring of birds, while dairy comes from the milk of mammals and is meant to nourish their offspring.
The only things these two have in common is that they’re both animal products and good sources of protein. Other than that, there are no similarities.
How Can I Explain To Others That Eggs Aren’t Dairy?
If you’re stuck dealing with someone who’s insistent that eggs are dairy, you can point them to this post. Hopefully, they’ll read it and become more informed, but if not, it might be a good idea to change the subject next time in order to prevent an argument.
Why Do Some Dairy-Free Products Contain Eggs?
This is another common question I receive, so I wanted to address it specifically. Dairy-free, or milk-free, products CAN contain eggs. If you have a dairy allergy or avoid dairy for other reasons, you can still enjoy eggs on their own or in recipes.
That said, a Vegan diet excludes ALL animal products. Dairy and eggs are both animal products and would not be acceptable to consume on a Vegan diet. If you’re looking for dairy and egg-free recipes or products, you might want to consider vegan ones!
Baking with food allergies does not need to be frustrating! Even if you can’t use certain ingredients, you can produce amazing desserts that the whole family will love.
Can I Eat Eggs If I Have A Dairy Allergy?
Yes, many people who have a dairy allergy still cook with and enjoy eating eggs. There is no reason you need to avoid eating eggs with a dairy allergy unless you simply don’t like them.
Can I Eat Dairy If I Have an Egg Allergy?
Yes, many people who have an egg allergy still cook with and enjoy eating dairy. There is no reason you need to avoid eating dairy products with an egg allergy unless you simply don’t like them.
Why Do People Confuse Eggs With Dairy?
I think the reason many people may confuse eggs with dairy is that they’re commonly seen together in everyday life. What I mean by that is, it’s hard to find stock photos of dairy without seeing eggs in the picture, eggs are typically sold in the same section of the grocery store as milk, and in the past, it wasn’t uncommon for you to buy your eggs from the same farmer you got milk from.
These two products have a lot of intertwined marketing strategies, but as I stated before, they are NOT the same.
There you have it, I hope I’ve answered all of your questions concerning whether or not eggs are considered dairy. They are, in fact, NOT dairy, as I’ve repeatedly said. If you have any other questions feel free to comment below or even ask your allergist for their advice!
