Does the Color of the Egg Shell Matter? The Surprising Truth

December 21, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the USDA, the color of an egg's shell has no bearing on its nutritional value or quality. This fact debunks a common misconception that brown eggs are superior to white eggs, with the shell's shade being purely cosmetic.

Quick Summary

The color of an egg shell, a trait determined by the hen's genetics, does not impact its nutritional content, taste, or freshness. Egg quality is truly influenced by the hen's diet and environment, not the shell's hue.

Key Points

Genetics, not quality, determines color: An egg's shell color is decided by the breed of the chicken, with different breeds laying white, brown, blue, or even green eggs.
Nutritional value is identical: All eggs, regardless of shell color, have virtually the same nutritional content and quality, given similar diet and living conditions.
Flavor and quality depend on hen's diet: The taste and nutrient profile of an egg are more influenced by the hen's diet and environment, such as whether they are pasture-raised.
Cost is tied to breed, not value: Brown eggs are often more expensive because the larger chickens that lay them require more feed, increasing production costs.
Age and stress can affect color intensity: Factors like the hen's age and stress levels can cause slight variations in the intensity of the shell's pigment.
Look beyond the shell: To choose the best eggs, focus on the hen's living conditions and the egg's freshness, as shell color is not a reliable indicator of quality.

For centuries, the debate over brown eggs versus white eggs has persisted, with many consumers believing one is inherently better than the other. Often, this misconception is fueled by pricing differences or marketing, but the science tells a different story. The color of an egg shell is simply a product of the chicken's breed and does not indicate anything about the egg's internal quality, nutritional value, or flavor.

The Science Behind Egg Shell Color

The color of an eggshell, from white and brown to blue and green, is determined by the hen's genetics. Pigments are deposited onto the shell as the egg forms. Eggshells start white and are colored in the final hours before laying.

White Eggs: Laid by breeds like the White Leghorn.
Brown Eggs: Pigmented by protoporphyrin IX. Brown layers include breeds such as the Rhode Island Red.
Blue Eggs: Colored by oocyanin. Common in breeds like the Ameraucana and Araucana.
Green Eggs: A mix of blue and brown egg genes results in an olive-green hue.

The Ear Lobe Tells the Tale

A chicken's earlobe color can often predict egg color. White earlobes typically mean white eggs, while red earlobes suggest brown eggs.

Debunking the Myths: Nutrition, Taste, and Quality

Any perceived difference in the nutritional content, taste, or quality of eggs is unrelated to shell color. Flavor and nutrient profiles are influenced by the hen's diet, living conditions, and freshness. For example, eggs from pasture-raised hens may have darker yolks and higher vitamin levels, regardless of shell color.

Why Some Eggs Cost More

Price differences between brown and white eggs are economic, not based on quality. Larger brown-egg-laying breeds require more feed, increasing production costs passed to consumers. Cultural preferences and marketing also play a role.

Other Factors Affecting Shell Color and Quality

Genetics primarily dictate shell color, but other factors cause variations. These include the hen's age, which can lead to lighter shells as the pigment spreads over a larger area. Stress can also affect pigment deposition, resulting in paler eggs. Nutrition can have a minor effect, and certain diseases can disrupt egg formation and pigmentation.

Comparison Table: Brown Eggs vs. White Eggs


Attribute	Brown Eggs	White Eggs
Determined by	Hen's genetics (e.g., Rhode Island Red)	Hen's genetics (e.g., White Leghorn)
Nutritional Value	Identical to white eggs (assuming similar diet/environment)	Identical to brown eggs (assuming similar diet/environment)
Flavor	Same as white eggs (influenced by hen's diet)	Same as brown eggs (influenced by hen's diet)
Cost	Often more expensive due to breed size	Typically less expensive due to breed size
Internal Quality	Depends on hen's diet and environment	Depends on hen's diet and environment

Conclusion: Crack the Myth, Not Your Wallet

Shell color does not impact egg quality. The crucial factors are the hen's living conditions and diet. Focus on freshness and farming practices when choosing eggs. Understanding this truth helps you make informed choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no nutritional difference between brown and white eggs. The color of the shell does not affect the vitamins, minerals, or protein inside the egg.

Brown eggs often cost more because the breeds of chickens that lay them, such as Rhode Island Reds, are larger and require more food. This higher feeding cost is reflected in the final price of the eggs.

The color of an egg shell is determined by the breed of the hen that lays it. Genetics dictate the type of pigment, such as protoporphyrin for brown or oocyanin for blue, that is deposited on the shell during formation.

No, the shell color has no effect on the flavor of the egg itself. Any taste variation is more likely due to the hen's diet, freshness, or how the egg is prepared.

Yes, you can often predict a hen's egg color by the color of her earlobes. Hens with white earlobes typically lay white eggs, while those with red earlobes often lay brown eggs.

The nutritional benefits of eggs, such as higher omega-3s, are tied to the hen's diet and living conditions, not the shell color. Pasture-raised hens, with access to a natural diet, may produce healthier eggs, but these can be any color.

The intensity of the shell color can be influenced by factors other than breed, including the hen's age and stress level. Older hens tend to lay lighter-colored eggs.