Are Different Color Eggs Healthier? Debunking the Myth

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

Contrary to popular belief, a study in the Journal of Poultry Science found no significant nutritional difference between brown and white shell eggs. So, are different color eggs healthier? The simple answer, rooted in science and genetics, is that shell color is purely cosmetic.

Quick Summary

The nutritional value of an egg is determined by the hen's genetics, diet, and environment, not its shell color. The popular misconception that brown eggs are healthier than white or blue eggs is false.

Key Points

Shell color is genetic: The color of an egg's shell is determined by the breed of the hen, with pigments like protoporphyrin and biliverdin providing the color.
Nutrition is unaffected by shell color: There is no significant nutritional difference between eggs with different shell colors, assuming the hens have similar diets.
Yolk color depends on diet: The diet of the hen influences the yolk's color; a diet rich in carotenoids from greens and grasses results in a darker orange yolk.
Hen's environment is key: Eggs from pasture-raised hens exposed to sunlight tend to have higher levels of Vitamin D, regardless of shell color.
Labels matter more than color: To assess an egg's nutritional value, look for labels like 'pasture-raised' or 'omega-3 enriched,' as these indicate diet and living conditions.
No link between shell color and taste: An egg's flavor is influenced by its freshness and the hen's diet, not its shell color.

The Genetic Basis of Eggshell Color

The color of an egg's shell is almost entirely determined by the breed of the hen that laid it. This is a genetic trait, not an indicator of nutritional quality or health. All eggs begin as white, as their shells are primarily made of calcium carbonate. For hens laying colored eggs, pigments are deposited on the shell as it passes through the oviduct in the final stages of formation.

Brown Eggs: Hens like the Rhode Island Red deposit a brown pigment called protoporphyrin on the shell's surface.
Blue Eggs: Breeds such as Araucanas and Ameraucanas have a genetic trait that causes the pigment biliverdin to be mixed into the shell, coloring it blue throughout.
Green Eggs: These are the result of cross-breeding a hen that lays blue eggs with one that lays brown eggs, creating a green hue.

This pigmentation process affects only the appearance of the shell, with no impact on the egg's contents. You can often predict a hen's egg color by the color of her earlobes—white earlobes typically mean white eggs, while red earlobes indicate colored eggs, but there are exceptions.

What Really Influences an Egg's Nutritional Value?

While the shell color is just skin deep, several factors can genuinely affect an egg's nutritional profile. Focusing on these is a more reliable way to choose healthier eggs than relying on shell color.

Hen's Diet and Environment

One of the most significant factors influencing an egg's nutrient content is the hen's diet and environment.

Omega-3s: Hens fed a diet enriched with ingredients like flaxseed, algae, or fish oil will produce eggs with much higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamin D: Pasture-raised hens that spend more time in the sun produce eggs with three to four times more Vitamin D than conventionally raised hens.
Carotenoids: The color of an egg yolk is directly related to the hen's diet. A diet rich in carotenoid-rich plants, such as those foraged by pasture-raised chickens, results in a darker, more vibrant orange yolk. This does not mean it's more nutritious than a pale yellow yolk from a grain-fed chicken, but it indicates a different diet.

Comparison Table: Shell Color vs. Diet/Lifestyle Impact


Feature	Shell Color	Hen's Diet/Environment	Conclusion
Nutritional Content	No difference	Significant impact: affects levels of omega-3s and vitamins	Hen's lifestyle is the key factor.
Taste	No difference	Potential impact: fresher eggs may taste better	Freshness matters more than shell color.
Yolk Color	No difference	Significant impact: diet affects carotenoid levels	Yolk color reflects diet, not shell color.
Price	Brown eggs often cost more	Can increase costs, especially for pasture-raised or organic eggs	Higher price is not linked to shell color or nutrient quality.

Labeling Matters, Not Shells

To make an informed decision about the nutritional value of eggs, consumers should look beyond the shell color and pay attention to labeling.

Common Egg Label Definitions

Organic: Hens are uncaged with outdoor access and eat an organic diet.
Cage-Free: Hens are not in cages but may not have outdoor access.
Free-Range: Hens have unlimited food, water, and access to the outdoors.
Pasture-Raised: While not USDA regulated, this term generally implies that hens have access to pasture and forage for a significant portion of the day, leading to potentially higher vitamin D and omega-3 content.

Conclusion: Cracked Myths, Clear Choices

The notion that different color eggs are healthier is a long-standing myth, likely reinforced by price differences or marketing. The color of an egg's shell, whether brown, white, blue, or green, is simply a result of the hen's genetics and does not affect the egg's nutritional quality. What truly determines the health benefits of an egg are the factors that influence the hen's well-being: her diet, environment, and lifestyle. By focusing on labels such as 'pasture-raised' or 'omega-3 enhanced' and considering the freshness of the eggs, consumers can make choices based on actual nutritional content rather than an aesthetic fallacy. While brown eggs might feel more 'natural' to some, a white egg from a well-cared-for hen is just as, if not more, nutritious. The next time you're at the store, ignore the shell color and focus on the factors that truly matter for a healthy, nutritious egg. For more detailed information on egg quality, visit the official American Egg Board website.

How the Egg is Formed and Colored

An egg travels through the hen's reproductive tract, known as the oviduct, over approximately 26 hours.

Ovulation: A yolk is released from the ovary.
Formation: The egg white (albumen) and shell membranes are added.
Shell Gland: The shell is formed from calcium carbonate, which is naturally white.
Pigment Deposition: In the final hours before laying, pigments like protoporphyrin (for brown) or biliverdin (for blue) are deposited on the shell.

Ultimately, a hen's genetics dictate whether and what pigment is added during this final step, creating the variety of egg colors seen on the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, brown eggs are not more nutritious than white eggs. The color of the egg's shell is determined by the hen's breed and has no bearing on the egg's nutritional content.

The color of an egg shell is determined by the hen's genetics. As the egg travels through the oviduct, different pigments are deposited on the shell depending on the breed.

A darker yolk, which indicates a diet rich in carotenoids from plants and grass, can reflect a healthier, more diverse diet in the hen. However, a darker yolk doesn't necessarily mean the egg is significantly more nutritious or has a different taste.

Brown eggs often cost more because the hens that lay them are generally larger breeds that require more food, making them more expensive to raise. The price difference is not tied to nutritional superiority.

Yes, eggs from free-range or organic hens that have access to outdoor pastures often have slightly higher nutrient levels, such as Vitamin D and omega-3s, because their diet is more varied.

No, the shell color has no impact on the taste of the egg. The taste is influenced by the freshness of the egg and the hen's diet.

To choose the most nutritious eggs, ignore the shell color and focus on the labels. Look for eggs from hens with healthier diets and living conditions, such as 'pasture-raised' or 'omega-3 enhanced'.