Are Eggland Eggs High in Cholesterol? A Nutritional Deep Dive

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

One large, ordinary egg contains approximately 186mg of cholesterol, all of which is located in the yolk. However, Eggland's Best eggs are specifically marketed as having lower cholesterol than ordinary eggs, a claim backed by their proprietary hen diet. The real question for consumers is how this difference truly impacts heart health in the context of modern nutritional understanding.

Quick Summary

An examination of Eggland's Best egg nutritional information confirms they contain less cholesterol than standard eggs, but broader dietary context is important. Experts now prioritize saturated fat over dietary cholesterol for managing blood cholesterol levels in most healthy individuals. Eggland's Best's hen diet also boosts beneficial nutrients like vitamins and omega-3s.

Key Points

Less Dietary Cholesterol: Eggland's Best eggs contain 170mg of cholesterol per large egg, which is 15mg less than an ordinary large egg.
Dietary Cholesterol Isn't the Enemy: For most healthy people, dietary cholesterol has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels; saturated and trans fats are far more influential.
Superior Nutrition Profile: Thanks to a special hen diet, Eggland's Best eggs also offer significantly higher levels of Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Omega-3s compared to standard eggs.
Focus on Overall Diet: The way eggs are prepared and the foods they are served with have a greater impact on heart health than the egg's inherent cholesterol content.
Moderation is Key: For healthy adults, eating an egg per day is generally considered safe, but those with specific risk factors for heart disease should consult a doctor.
Don't Fear the Yolk: The yolk contains all the cholesterol but also many vital nutrients. For those concerned, egg whites are a cholesterol-free option.
Scientific Consensus Has Shifted: The old restrictions on dietary cholesterol intake have been relaxed based on modern research indicating its minimal impact on blood cholesterol.

Understanding Egg Cholesterol: Modern Dietary Science

For decades, eggs developed a reputation for being bad for heart health due to their high dietary cholesterol content. However, recent scientific research has significantly shifted this understanding. The modern consensus acknowledges that for most healthy people, dietary cholesterol has a minimal impact on blood cholesterol levels. The body's liver produces most of its own cholesterol, and it simply compensates for dietary intake by producing less. What has a much greater impact on blood cholesterol are saturated and trans fats. This shift in nutritional understanding is a crucial backdrop for assessing the cholesterol content in any type of egg, including Eggland's Best.

Eggland's Best vs. Ordinary Eggs: A Comparative Analysis

Eggland's Best differentiates itself by feeding its hens a proprietary, all-vegetarian diet containing healthy grains, canola oil, and a supplement of rice bran, alfalfa meal, kelp, and Vitamin E. This distinct diet directly influences the nutritional profile of their eggs compared to typical store-bought eggs. The nutritional difference is not just about cholesterol, but also about other beneficial nutrients.


Nutrient (per large egg)	Eggland's Best	Ordinary Egg (USDA Standard)
Cholesterol	170mg	185mg
Saturated Fat	1g	1.5g
Omega-3s	125mg	49mg
Vitamin D	6mcg	1mcg
Vitamin E	5mg	0.5mg

As the table illustrates, Eggland's Best eggs do contain less cholesterol and saturated fat than a standard egg. They are also significantly richer in omega-3 fatty acids and certain vitamins. This nutritional density makes them a more fortified option, though the overall health impact of dietary cholesterol remains a subject of individualized dietary needs.

The Role of Dietary Context

The bigger picture of heart health extends beyond a single nutrient in a single food item. An individual's overall dietary pattern has a far greater impact on their blood cholesterol. While an Eggland's Best egg may have a slightly better nutritional profile, pairing it with high-saturated fat breakfast items like sausage or bacon can negate any potential benefit. Conversely, enjoying eggs with nutrient-dense foods like vegetables and whole-grain toast is a heart-healthy choice regardless of the egg's minor cholesterol differences. Therefore, the way eggs are prepared and the foods they are served with are just as important as the egg itself.

The Importance of Moderation and Overall Diet

For most healthy individuals, eating an egg per day, whether Eggland's or another brand, is considered safe and is not associated with an increased risk of heart disease. The benefits of consuming eggs, including their high-quality protein and vitamins, often outweigh the concerns about their cholesterol content. The key to healthy eating is to focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, while limiting highly processed foods.

Practical Tips for a Balanced Diet

Consider egg whites: If you are in a high-risk group or have high cholesterol, using egg whites can be a way to enjoy eggs with virtually no cholesterol.
Watch the accompaniments: The saturated fat in what you pair with eggs, such as butter, cheese, or bacon, contributes more to unhealthy blood cholesterol levels than the cholesterol in the egg itself.
Embrace variety: Don't rely on a single food for nutrients. Including a wide array of protein sources and healthy fats is important for overall health.

Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective on Eggland Eggs and Cholesterol

In conclusion, Eggland's Best eggs do contain less cholesterol than ordinary eggs, a result of their special hen diet. However, for most healthy people, the impact of dietary cholesterol from eggs on blood cholesterol is less significant than once believed. Modern dietary science emphasizes limiting saturated and trans fats as a more effective strategy for managing blood cholesterol. While Eggland's Best eggs offer a superior nutritional profile in terms of vitamins and omega-3s, their cholesterol content should be considered within the broader context of an individual's diet and health. For those with specific health concerns, consultation with a healthcare professional is always the best course of action. Ultimately, Eggland's Best eggs can be a part of a balanced, heart-healthy diet, especially when consumed in moderation and prepared with other healthy ingredients. For more comprehensive nutritional advice, consider resources like the Harvard Health Publishing's 6-Week Plan for Healthy Eating.

Final Thoughts on Eggs and Heart Health

Revisiting the old fears about eggs and cholesterol is important for staying up-to-date on nutritional science. What matters most is the totality of your diet. The nutrient-dense nature of eggs—including the yolk—provides significant health benefits. By focusing on a balanced eating pattern, Eggland's Best eggs and other egg varieties can be enjoyed without unnecessary worry.

Sources and Further Reading

Mayo Clinic: Eggs: Are they good or bad for my cholesterol?
Healthline: Are Whole Eggs and Egg Yolks Good or Bad for You?
Eggland's Best: vs. Ordinary Eggs
Heart Foundation NZ: Cholesterol | How many eggs per day
Harvard Health Publishing: Are eggs risky for heart health?

Frequently Asked Questions

For most healthy individuals, the dietary cholesterol in Eggland's Best eggs, which is lower than ordinary eggs, does not have a significant negative impact on blood cholesterol levels. Scientific consensus has shifted to focus more on saturated and trans fats for managing blood cholesterol.

Eggland's Best achieves lower cholesterol levels by feeding their hens a proprietary, all-vegetarian diet enriched with ingredients like kelp and Vitamin E. This controlled diet results in a more nutritionally dense egg with less cholesterol and saturated fat.

While Eggland's Best eggs contain less saturated fat and more heart-healthy Omega-3s than ordinary eggs, their overall impact on heart health depends on the context of your entire diet. They can be part of a heart-healthy diet, especially when paired with other nutritious foods.

The yolk contains all of an egg's cholesterol, so eating only egg whites is an effective way to reduce dietary cholesterol intake. However, the yolk is also rich in important nutrients like choline and vitamins, so for most people, consuming the whole egg is safe and beneficial.

For most healthy people, consuming up to one egg per day is generally considered safe and not associated with increased risk of heart disease. Those with specific health concerns, however, should consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Yes, it matters greatly what you eat with your eggs. The saturated fat from accompaniments like bacon, sausage, or butter raises blood cholesterol much more than the cholesterol in the egg itself. It's best to pair eggs with healthier options like vegetables or whole-grain toast.

Yes, in addition to being lower in cholesterol and saturated fat, Eggland's Best eggs are richer in several beneficial nutrients compared to ordinary eggs, including 6 times more Vitamin D, 10 times more Vitamin E, and more than double the Omega-3s.