Brown Vs. White Egg Shells

Most consumers shopping for eggs at their local market are usually offered two colors of eggs: either the ubiquitous white-shelled or the somewhat less common brown-shelled variety. But other than their colors, are there any differences between the two?

Features

The difference in egg colors starts with the genetics of the chicken. Hens that have white feathers and white ear lobes lay white eggs. Chickens with red feathers and red ear lobes produce brown eggs.

Types

The most common breed of chicken used for laying white eggs is the white leghorn. The breeds Rhode Island red and the New Hampshire, both of which are reddish brown, are the main sources of brown eggs.

Nutrition

There is no difference in the nutritional value of white and brown eggs. Both contain vitamin B12, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and folate among other nutrients.

Costs

The brown-colored egg tends to be more expensive than its white counterpart. This is usually because the hens laying brown eggs are larger and eat more feed than the white chickens, thus increasing costs to the farmer.

Geography

The white egg is favored by most people in the United States. The brown egg, however, is preferred by many consumers in the New England region.

References

• "Health Castle: Eggs Nutrition--Are some eggs healthier than others?"
• "NPR: White Eggs, Brown Eggs--What's the Difference?"
• "Help With Cooking: Guide to Eggs"

Resources

• "American Egg Board: Factors that Influence Egg Production"
• "Egg Nutrition Center: Egg Trivia--All You Ever Need to Know"