How Many Carbs Are in a Plate of Scrambled Eggs?

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, a single large egg contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates, making it an extremely low-carb food. The total amount of carbs in a plate of scrambled eggs largely depends on the number of eggs used and any additional ingredients, such as milk, cream, or vegetables.

Quick Summary

Pure scrambled eggs contain a minimal amount of carbohydrates, primarily influenced by added ingredients. Common mix-ins like cheese, milk, or certain vegetables can slightly increase the overall carb count of the dish.

Key Points

Basic Carb Count: A plate of plain scrambled eggs made with 2-3 large eggs contains approximately 1.5 to 3 grams of carbs, as a single large egg has less than 1g of carbs.
Impact of Add-ins: The total carb content of scrambled eggs is primarily determined by added ingredients like milk, cheese, or vegetables, not the eggs themselves.
Low-Carb Preparation: For the lowest carb option, use cooking spray instead of butter and a splash of heavy cream or water instead of milk.
Keto-Friendly Option: Scrambled eggs are a keto-friendly food due to their high protein and fat content and very low carbohydrate count, especially when prepared with keto-compliant additions like cheese or bacon.
Flavor with Low Carbs: Enhance the flavor with zero-carb additions like spices, fresh herbs, or other low-carb vegetables such as spinach and mushrooms.
High-Carb Pairings: Be mindful that side dishes or additions like toast, potatoes, or some sauces can significantly increase the total carb count of your meal.

The Core Carb Count of Plain Scrambled Eggs

At its most basic, scrambled eggs are an excellent low-carb option. The egg itself is the primary component, and its carbohydrate content is negligible. A single large egg contains less than 1 gram of total carbohydrates, with no dietary fiber. This means that a plate made with two to three large eggs will contain only around 1.5 to 3 grams of carbs, making it a staple for those following ketogenic, paleo, or other low-carbohydrate diets.

What Influences the Final Carb Count?

While the egg itself is naturally low in carbs, the way you prepare scrambled eggs significantly impacts the final nutritional profile. The most common additions can introduce varying levels of carbohydrates, which is crucial for those carefully tracking their intake.

Here is a list of factors that increase the carb content:

Milk or Cream: Adding milk or cream for a creamier texture will slightly increase the carbohydrates. For example, semi-skimmed milk contains lactose, a natural sugar. Heavy cream is typically lower in carbs but still contributes some to the total.
Cheese: Shredded cheese is a popular addition, and while most cheeses are low in carbs, they do add a small amount. The type of cheese and the quantity used will determine how many extra carbs are included.
Vegetables: Dicing and sautéing vegetables like onions, peppers, or tomatoes into your eggs adds flavor and nutrients but also adds carbs. For example, onions and tomatoes contain natural sugars. Leafy greens like spinach, on the other hand, add fiber with minimal carbs.
Other Mix-ins: Ingredients like salsa or potatoes are often served with or mixed into scrambled eggs and can dramatically increase the carbohydrate load.

Comparison of Scrambled Egg Variations

To illustrate how different additions impact the carb count, here is a comparison table based on a two-large-egg serving:


Preparation Method	Eggs (2 large)	Added Ingredients	Approx. Total Carbs	Notes
Plain	~1.5g	None	~1.5g	The most basic and lowest carb option.
With Milk	~1.5g	1 tbsp semi-skimmed milk	~2.2g	Adds a creamy texture with a small carb increase.
With Heavy Cream	~1.5g	1 tbsp heavy cream	~1.7g	Lower in carbs than milk, ideal for keto.
With Cheddar Cheese	~1.5g	1 oz shredded cheddar	~2.5g	Adds a cheesy flavor with a modest carb increase.
With Spinach	~1.5g	1 cup fresh spinach	~2.0g	A negligible addition of carbs for added fiber.
With Onion & Peppers	~1.5g	1/4 cup diced veggies	~3.5g+	Carbs increase depending on the vegetable mix.

Cooking Methods for Lower Carb Scrambled Eggs

Your cooking approach can also play a role in managing carbohydrates, especially when trying to avoid adding high-carb fillers. Opting for a non-stick pan with a quick spray of calorie-free cooking spray instead of butter or oil can reduce overall calories and fat, while keeping the carb count to a minimum. You can also achieve a fluffy texture by using a small amount of low-carb liquid, like heavy cream, or even just a dash of water, which won't add any carbs at all.

Making Flavorful Scrambled Eggs with Minimal Carbs

For those who find plain eggs unexciting, there are many low-carb mix-ins that can elevate the flavor without affecting your carb goals.

Consider these options:

Herbs and Spices: Fresh chives, parsley, dill, or dried spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder add flavor without any carbs.
Low-Carb Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers are excellent choices. They add bulk and nutrients for very few net carbs.
Healthy Fats and Proteins: To make your eggs more filling and flavorful, consider adding cooked bacon or sausage crumbles, smoked salmon, or avocado. These options are rich in protein and healthy fats and have minimal carbohydrate content.
Salsa: A few tablespoons of salsa can add a burst of flavor. Just be mindful of the sugar content in some store-bought varieties.

Conclusion: The Low-Carb King of Breakfast

Scrambled eggs, on their own, are one of the lowest-carb breakfast foods available. A typical plate made from a couple of large eggs will contain only a few grams of carbohydrates. However, the total number of carbs can increase depending on what you mix in during preparation. By choosing low-carb additions like heavy cream, cheese, or fibrous vegetables, you can create a delicious and filling meal that remains well within the limits of a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Focusing on simple, high-quality ingredients allows you to enjoy a nutrient-dense meal while easily controlling your macronutrient intake. For more detailed nutrition information on scrambled eggs, refer to resources like the USDA National Nutrient Database, often cited on nutritional websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, scrambled eggs are very suitable for a keto diet. They are naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein and fat, which aligns perfectly with the keto diet's macronutrient goals. Just be sure to use low-carb ingredients like heavy cream or cheese rather than high-carb additions like milk.

A serving of two large scrambled eggs, prepared with one tablespoon of semi-skimmed milk, contains approximately 2.2 grams of carbohydrates. The added milk contributes a small amount of lactose, increasing the total carb count slightly compared to plain eggs.

Since eggs contain virtually no fiber, the net carb count is essentially the same as the total carb count. For a plate of plain scrambled eggs, the net carbs would be less than 1 gram per egg.

Adding vegetables does increase the carb count, though often minimally. Low-carb vegetables like spinach or mushrooms add very few carbs, while starchy vegetables like potatoes or corn can significantly increase the total.

Yes. Instead of adding milk or cream, you can whisk in a tablespoon of water before cooking. The steam created by the water as it heats up will help create a fluffier texture with no added carbohydrates.

To make scrambled eggs more filling, add high-protein and high-fat, low-carb ingredients. Consider mixing in cooked bacon, crumbled sausage, avocado, or cottage cheese to boost the satiating effects.

Restaurant scrambled eggs can have a higher carb count due to added ingredients used for flavor and texture, such as flour, pancake batter, or a greater amount of milk or cream. Ask the restaurant about their preparation or opt for a simple homemade version to control ingredients.