Busting the Myth: Can I Drink Milk When Eating Eggs?

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

While old wives' tales and some traditional beliefs suggest otherwise, experts confirm that there is no scientific evidence to suggest that consuming cooked eggs and milk together is inherently harmful for most healthy individuals. The concerns surrounding the question, 'Can I drink milk when eating eggs?', often stem from misunderstandings about protein digestion and food safety.

Quick Summary

This article explores the safety and nutritional facts of eating eggs with milk, highlighting the key difference between consuming cooked and raw ingredients. It also addresses common digestion concerns, potential allergies, and offers guidelines for enjoying this protein-rich pairing safely.

Key Points

Generally Safe: There is no scientific basis for the myth that eating cooked eggs and milk together is harmful; it is a common and safe practice for most people.
Raw is Risky: The real danger lies in consuming raw eggs with milk, which carries a risk of salmonella infection and can lead to biotin deficiency.
High-Protein Meal: Combining cooked eggs and milk creates a nutrient-dense meal rich in high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals.
Digestive Sensitivity: Individuals with lactose intolerance or a sensitive digestive system may experience discomfort, so it is important to listen to your body.
Versatile Ingredients: These two ingredients are safely combined in numerous cooked recipes, including baked goods, custards, and omelets.

The Truth Behind the Myth

For many years, a persistent myth has circulated that combining milk and eggs can lead to digestive issues or even toxicity. However, food science and nutritional experts have largely debunked this belief. In fact, these two ingredients are commonly used together in numerous recipes, from pancakes and custards to baked goods, with no ill effects for the general population. The key distinction lies in the preparation method, specifically the difference between cooked and raw consumption.

The Critical Importance of Cooking Eggs

The primary risk associated with the milk and egg combination comes from consuming raw or undercooked eggs, not from mixing the two ingredients. Raw eggs can carry a risk of salmonella, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning with symptoms like fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Cooking eggs thoroughly eliminates this risk. Furthermore, consuming raw egg whites can lead to a biotin deficiency because a protein called avidin binds with biotin, preventing its absorption by the body. This is another risk that is neutralized by cooking.

Nutritional Powerhouse: The Benefits of Combining Eggs and Milk

Individually, both eggs and milk are celebrated for their nutritional value. When combined, they offer a powerful mix of essential nutrients that support overall health.

High-Quality Protein: Both are complete protein sources, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and tissue health.
Calcium and Vitamin D: Milk is an excellent source of calcium, crucial for bone health. Eggs contain Vitamin D, which is essential for the body to absorb and utilize calcium effectively.
Vitamins and Minerals: This combination provides an impressive array of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12, riboflavin, phosphorus, and selenium.
Sustained Energy: A breakfast containing both cooked eggs and milk provides healthy fats and protein, which can help increase satiety and provide sustained energy throughout the day.

When to be Cautious: Allergies and Intolerances

While the combination is safe for most, certain individuals should exercise caution. Adverse reactions are more likely due to a pre-existing condition rather than a harmful interaction between the foods themselves.

Egg Allergy: A true egg allergy is an immune system response to egg proteins. Symptoms can range from hives and swelling to more severe reactions like anaphylaxis.
Lactose Intolerance: This is a digestive issue where the body cannot produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest the sugar in milk (lactose). Symptoms include bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Digestive Sensitivity: Some people simply have a sensitive digestive system and find that consuming a high amount of protein at once can cause discomfort. In these cases, it may be beneficial to space out the consumption of these foods.

A Quick Comparison: Cooked vs. Raw


Feature	Cooked Eggs and Milk	Raw Eggs and Milk
Safety	Generally very safe for most individuals.	Potentially unsafe; risk of salmonella and food poisoning.
Digestion	Protein is easily digested and absorbed by the body.	Harder to digest. Avidin in raw egg white can inhibit biotin absorption.
Nutritional Benefit	Full nutritional benefits of both ingredients.	Nutrients may be compromised due to poor absorption and heat-sensitive vitamin loss.
Common Use	Breakfast, baked goods, custards, protein shakes.	Historically used by some bodybuilders, but not recommended due to health risks.

Tips for Safe and Healthy Consumption

If you are not allergic or intolerant, here are some tips for safely enjoying eggs and milk:

Cook Eggs Thoroughly: Always ensure eggs are fully cooked to eliminate the risk of salmonella. This includes scrambled eggs, omelets, and boiled eggs.
Listen to Your Body: If you experience any digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas, after consuming them together, consider spacing out your intake.
Consider the Source: Use pasteurized milk to minimize bacterial risk. Source your eggs from reputable farms or stores.
Use in Cooking: Don't hesitate to use eggs and milk together in recipes like quiche, casseroles, or baked goods. The cooking process makes them safe and delicious.
Combine with Other Foods: Incorporate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your meal to balance the protein intake and aid digestion.

Conclusion

The widespread belief that you cannot drink milk when eating eggs is a myth that lacks scientific backing. For the majority of people, consuming cooked eggs and pasteurized milk together is a safe and highly nutritious practice. The combination provides an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals that support muscle growth, bone health, and overall well-being. However, individuals with specific allergies or intolerances to either food should avoid this pairing. The potential dangers are not a result of a toxic interaction between milk and eggs, but rather the health risks associated with consuming raw eggs. By ensuring eggs are properly cooked and listening to your body, you can confidently enjoy this classic and healthy food combination.

OnlyMyHealth: Is It Safe To Consume Milk And Eggs Together?

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is generally not bad to drink milk with cooked eggs. The combination is safe and nutritious for most people. Concerns usually stem from the risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked eggs, not the combination itself.

For most people, no. Any digestive issues are more likely related to a pre-existing condition like lactose intolerance, an egg sensitivity, or a sensitive stomach that struggles with a large protein load, not a negative food interaction.

The main benefit is a high-quality protein boost, which is excellent for muscle building and satiety. The combination also provides essential nutrients like calcium, Vitamin D, and B vitamins.

You should avoid raw eggs because they can contain salmonella bacteria, which can cause food poisoning. Cooking the eggs thoroughly kills this bacteria and eliminates the risk.

No, consuming them together does not reduce their nutritional value. In fact, eggs are a good source of Vitamin D, which helps the body absorb the calcium from milk more efficiently.

Some Ayurvedic principles suggest avoiding the combination of different protein types to aid digestion, which may contribute to the myth. However, this is a specific dietary belief, not a universal scientific finding.

Yes, having a boiled egg and a glass of milk for breakfast is a healthy and balanced choice for most individuals. It provides a great start to your day with a substantial amount of protein.