Are eggs considered meat in the US? The Definitive Answer

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

While often stored in the dairy aisle, eggs are not a dairy product; they are also not classified as meat from a strict biological or culinary perspective. The popular question, "Are eggs considered meat in the US?" reveals common confusion about food categories and dietary choices, especially for vegetarians and vegans.

Quick Summary

This article explores whether eggs are classified as meat in the US, examining the biological, dietary, and governmental definitions. It explains why eggs are not meat but are grouped with protein foods by the USDA. Differences between vegetarian diets that include eggs and those that don't, along with a nutritional comparison to actual meat, are also clarified.

Key Points

Not Meat Biologically: An egg is the reproductive tissue of a bird, not the muscle flesh of an animal.
USDA Classification: The USDA places eggs in the 'Protein Foods Group' for nutritional purposes, grouping them with meat, but not identifying them as meat.
Ovo-Vegetarian Diet: Most vegetarians, specifically ovo-vegetarians, eat eggs because they are not considered animal flesh.
Vegan Distinction: Vegans do not eat eggs, along with all other animal products, due to ethical concerns about animal farming.
Unfertilized Eggs: Commercially sold eggs are unfertilized and do not contain a developing embryo.
Nutritional Profile: Eggs are a 'complete protein' source with essential vitamins like D and B12, but differ nutritionally from muscle meat.
Common Confusion: The practice of storing eggs in the dairy aisle and historical food guides contributes to public misunderstanding of their classification.

Defining 'Meat' vs. 'Eggs'

To understand if eggs are considered meat in the US, we must first look at the definitions. Biologically and culinarily, meat is defined as the flesh or muscle tissue of an animal, typically a mammal, bird, or fish, that is consumed as food. Examples include beef, chicken breast, and pork. Eggs, on the other hand, are the reproductive tissue produced by birds, and commercially sold table eggs are unfertilized. Therefore, from a literal standpoint, an egg is not meat.

The US Government's Classification: The Protein Foods Group

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides the official dietary guidelines and food group classifications for the United States. According to the USDA's MyPlate program, eggs are explicitly included in the "Protein Foods Group". This category also encompasses all foods made from seafood; meat, poultry, and eggs; beans, peas, and lentils; and nuts, seeds, and soy products. While the USDA groups eggs with meat for nutritional purposes, it does not classify them as meat itself. This grouping is based on their shared function as a rich source of protein and other nutrients, not on their biological composition.

The Vegetarian Perspective: Ovo-Vegetarian vs. Vegan

For many, the question of whether eggs are meat is tied to dietary choices like vegetarianism. The answer here depends on the specific type of vegetarian diet being followed.

Ovo-Vegetarian: This diet excludes meat, fish, and poultry but includes eggs. The prefix "ovo-" comes from the Latin word for egg. Most commercially available eggs are unfertilized and are not considered animal flesh by followers of this diet.
Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian: This is the most common form of vegetarianism, which includes both eggs and dairy products but no meat.
Vegan: A vegan diet strictly avoids all animal products, including eggs, dairy, and honey. Vegans abstain from eggs due to ethical concerns regarding animal farming practices, such as the conditions of factory-farmed hens, rather than classifying the eggs as meat.

Why the Confusion? Historical and Grocery Store Practices

Several factors contribute to the public confusion surrounding eggs and their classification:

Grocery Store Placement: In many US supermarkets, eggs are sold in the refrigerated dairy aisle, leading some to incorrectly assume they are dairy products. This is a historical and logistical practice, not a biological one.
Past Dietary Guidelines: Older food pyramids and guides sometimes grouped eggs with meats, further blurring the lines in people's minds.
Language and Culture: Different cultures and religious practices have varying perspectives on whether eggs are a part of a vegetarian diet, which can influence personal views.

A Nutritional Comparison: Eggs vs. Chicken Breast

To further illustrate the difference, here is a nutritional comparison between a large egg and an equal weight serving of cooked chicken breast, both excellent protein sources.


Feature	Large Egg (approx. 50g)	Cooked Chicken Breast (approx. 50g)	Explanation
Protein	~6.3 g	~13.7 g	Chicken meat is more protein-dense per gram.
Calories	~78 kcal	~120 kcal	Chicken breast is higher in calories per serving.
Fat	~5.3 g	~3.3 g	Eggs contain more fat, primarily in the yolk.
Vitamin B12	Excellent source	Excellent source	Both provide essential B vitamins.
Vitamin D	Good source	Absent	Eggs are a natural source of Vitamin D.
Choline	Rich source	Moderate source	Eggs are one of the richest dietary sources of choline.

The Verdict: Eggs are Not Meat

In summary, from a biological, culinary, and technical US governmental perspective, eggs are not considered meat. While they are a complete animal protein and are grouped with meat for nutritional labeling, they are not the muscle tissue of an animal. This distinction is particularly important for individuals following vegetarian diets, where eggs may or may not be included depending on personal choice. For the clearest guidance on food groups and balanced nutrition, the USDA's MyPlate program serves as an excellent resource. Visit the USDA's MyPlate website for more information on food groups.

Conclusion

The classification of eggs, whether as meat or a separate entity, hinges on the definition one uses. Biologically, eggs are not meat, as they are not the flesh of an animal. The most common table eggs in the US are unfertilized and thus never develop into a chicken. The USDA, for nutritional convenience, places eggs within the Protein Foods Group, alongside but not as meat itself. For those with dietary restrictions, the distinction is clear: ovo-vegetarians consume eggs, whereas vegans do not, based on the broader ethical considerations of animal products. Ultimately, eggs hold their own unique place in the culinary world and nutritional science, distinct from meat, yet a powerful protein source for many diets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eggs are included in the USDA's Protein Foods Group because they are a nutrient-dense source of high-quality protein, along with many essential vitamins and minerals, fulfilling the same nutritional role as many meats.

Yes, many vegetarians, known as ovo-vegetarians or lacto-ovo vegetarians, include eggs in their diet. They do not consume meat, fish, or poultry, but they consider unfertilized eggs to be acceptable animal products.

No, almost all commercially sold eggs in the US are unfertilized. They are produced by hens in the absence of roosters and will never develop into a chick, a key reason many ovo-vegetarians consider them acceptable.

An ovo-vegetarian consumes eggs but avoids all meat and dairy. A vegan, however, avoids all animal products, including eggs, dairy, and honey, often for broader ethical reasons related to animal welfare.

This is primarily a matter of retail convenience and historical tradition. Both eggs and dairy products require refrigeration, so they are placed in the same section, even though they are from different food groups.

While both are excellent protein sources, meat (like chicken breast) is typically more protein-dense per gram. However, eggs offer unique nutritional benefits, such as a significant amount of Vitamin D and choline, which are often absent or lower in meat.

No, eggs are not dairy products. Dairy is defined as products made from the milk of mammals, such as cows, while eggs are laid by birds.

For many vegetarians, particularly ovo-vegetarians, eating eggs is considered ethical because it does not require the death of the animal. However, vegans argue that the industrial farming practices used to produce eggs are unethical, making all animal products unacceptable.