Are Eggland's best eggs high in cholesterol?

October 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Eggland's Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat than ordinary eggs, setting them apart nutritionally. But are Eggland's best eggs high in cholesterol? The answer involves understanding the unique fortification process and the science behind how dietary cholesterol affects the body.

Quick Summary

Eggland's Best eggs are fortified, providing 175mg of cholesterol per egg but with 25% less saturated fat than regular eggs. Clinical studies suggest they can be part of a cholesterol-conscious diet without negatively affecting serum cholesterol levels.

Key Points

Less Saturated Fat: Eggland's Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat than ordinary eggs, a significant factor for heart health.
Limited Blood Cholesterol Impact: For most healthy people, the dietary cholesterol in eggs does not significantly raise blood cholesterol levels.
Positive Clinical Findings: Recent studies have found no negative effects on lipid profiles from consuming Eggland's Best eggs and noted potential benefits for some individuals.
Nutrient-Dense Option: Thanks to a proprietary diet, Eggland's Best eggs are fortified with higher levels of vitamin D, E, B12, and omega-3s.
Cooking Method Matters: The way eggs are prepared, and what they are served with, can have a greater impact on cholesterol than the eggs themselves.
Part of a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is more important for managing overall health than focusing solely on the cholesterol in eggs.

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of Eggland's Best

Eggland's Best (EB) has long marketed its eggs as nutritionally superior, and this claim is backed by specific dietary and testing processes. The hens that produce EB eggs are fed a proprietary, all-vegetarian diet that is fortified with key nutrients, which in turn leads to a more nutrient-dense egg. This special diet results in eggs with significantly higher levels of vitamins D, E, and B12, as well as more than double the omega-3 fatty acids compared to ordinary eggs.

Beyond these benefits, the brand is transparent about the cholesterol content. Each Eggland's Best large egg contains 175mg of cholesterol. While this might seem high at first glance, it's essential to understand the modern scientific consensus on dietary cholesterol, which has shifted significantly over the years. Most importantly, EB eggs contain 25% less saturated fat than a typical egg, a factor considered more significant for blood cholesterol levels by many health professionals.

The Dietary Cholesterol vs. Blood Cholesterol Misconception

For decades, eggs were unfairly villainized due to their high dietary cholesterol content. However, extensive research now indicates that for most healthy people, the cholesterol consumed through food has a limited impact on blood cholesterol levels. Instead, the real culprits are often foods high in saturated and trans fats. The body naturally produces cholesterol, and when you consume dietary cholesterol, your body simply adjusts its own production. This re-evaluation of cholesterol's impact is why many dietary guidelines have been revised to be less restrictive regarding egg consumption.

The Role of Clinical Studies

Eggland's Best has supported its claims with clinical research. Studies have been conducted to specifically address the impact of consuming EB eggs on serum cholesterol. One study, published in The Journal of Nutrition in 1992, demonstrated that participants eating 12 EB eggs per week experienced a significant reduction in serum cholesterol levels while on a low-fat diet, a result also observed in a control group that ate no eggs. More recently, a 2024 study further supported these findings, revealing that consuming EB eggs showed no adverse effects on lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk markers. For some participants, including older individuals and those with diabetes, there were even potential positives, such as a possible increase in 'good' (HDL) cholesterol.

Nutritional Comparison: Eggland's Best vs. Ordinary Eggs


Nutrient	Eggland's Best Large Egg	Ordinary Large Egg	Source
Cholesterol	175mg	~205mg	,
Saturated Fat	1g	1.3g	,
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	115mg	51mg
Vitamin E	10x more	Base amount
Vitamin D	6x more	Base amount
Vitamin B12	2x more	Base amount

Tips for Incorporating Eggs into a Healthy Diet

Even with nutritionally superior eggs, how you prepare them matters for heart health. Here are some tips:

Poach or Boil: These cooking methods add no extra fat. Serve with whole-grain toast and avocado for a balanced meal.
Scramble with Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, peppers, and onions into your scrambled eggs for added fiber and nutrients.
Skip the Bacon and Sausage: As noted by the Mayo Clinic, the fatty sides often served with eggs can contribute more to heart disease risk than the eggs themselves.
Mind the Butter: Frying eggs in excessive butter or oil can increase your intake of saturated fats.
Focus on the Overall Diet: A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is most effective for managing cholesterol.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Eggland's Best

So, are Eggland's best eggs high in cholesterol? While they do contain dietary cholesterol, they are not "high" in a way that should cause concern for most individuals, especially when compared to ordinary eggs. The evidence from clinical research, combined with the beneficial nutritional profile—including less saturated fat and higher omega-3s—suggests that Eggland's Best eggs can be a healthy and valuable part of a balanced diet. The ongoing focus on the cholesterol content of eggs has largely been overshadowed by a deeper understanding of overall diet and saturated fat's role in cardiovascular health.

For more information on the research and nutritional benefits, you can visit the Eggland's Best website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Eggland's Best eggs contain 175mg of cholesterol compared to approximately 205mg in ordinary large eggs, a difference of about 15%.

Eggland's Best eggs have 25% less saturated fat, more than double the omega-3 fatty acids, and significantly higher levels of vitamins D, E, and B12 compared to ordinary eggs, due to the hens' unique diet.

According to clinical tests cited by Eggland's Best, consuming these eggs as part of a cholesterol-conscious, low-fat diet has not been shown to increase serum cholesterol levels.

Dietary cholesterol comes from the foods you eat, while blood cholesterol is produced by your body. For most people, dietary cholesterol has a limited effect on blood cholesterol levels, with saturated and trans fats being more influential.

Yes, studies have shown that Eggland's Best eggs can be included in a balanced, cholesterol-conscious diet. The focus should be on overall diet rather than just dietary cholesterol from eggs.

The hens that produce Eggland's Best eggs are fed a proprietary, fortified diet that leads to more nutritious eggs with higher vitamin levels and more omega-3s.

To be heart-healthy, consider poaching or boiling eggs. Avoid frying them in excessive amounts of butter or oil, and be aware that fatty sides like bacon and sausage can contribute more to high cholesterol than the egg itself.