Why are eggs not considered vegan? Understanding the Ethical and Nutritional Aspects

November 10, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the Vegan Society, veganism is a way of living that seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. This definition is the primary reason why eggs are not considered vegan, as they are a product derived from the reproductive system of an animal.

Quick Summary

Eggs are an animal product, produced through the exploitation of hens in the commercial food system. Ethical veganism opposes this use of animals, regardless of the farming method. This includes the harsh conditions of factory farming, the culling of male chicks, and the eventual slaughter of laying hens.

Key Points

Core Definition of Veganism: Veganism is an ethical stance against animal exploitation, making the consumption of eggs, which are an animal product, incompatible with the lifestyle.
Industrial Farming Conditions: Commercial egg production involves overcrowded and stressful conditions for hens, which suffer from unnaturally high egg-laying rates and painful procedures like beak trimming.
Culling of Male Chicks: A key ethical concern is the systematic culling of male chicks, who are deemed useless to the egg industry and killed shortly after hatching.
Exploitation in Any Form: Most vegans do not consume eggs, even from backyard hens, as taking the eggs is still considered a form of animal exploitation and can be detrimental to the hens' health.
Nutritional Alternatives Exist: All nutritional benefits of eggs, including protein and vitamins, can be obtained from a wide variety of plant-based foods and supplements, making eggs unnecessary for a healthy diet.
Diverse Egg Substitutes: Numerous plant-based alternatives like tofu, flaxseed meal, and aquafaba can effectively replace eggs in both cooking and baking.

The Fundamental Principle of Veganism

At its core, the vegan lifestyle is built on a philosophy of avoiding animal exploitation and cruelty. From a dietary standpoint, this means abstaining from all foods derived from animals, such as meat, dairy, and eggs. Eggs, by definition, are products of an animal—a hen's reproductive system—making their consumption fundamentally incompatible with strict vegan principles. This is true even if the eggs are unfertilized and even if the animal is not killed for the product, as the very act of using an animal for human gain is seen as a form of exploitation. This viewpoint extends to all animal-derived ingredients, from honey to gelatin, reflecting a comprehensive commitment to animal welfare.

The Realities of Commercial Egg Production

For most vegans, the ethical concerns surrounding eggs are intensified by the industrial practices of commercial egg farming. Even with labels like “free-range” or “cage-free,” the realities of large-scale production often stand in stark opposition to the humane treatment of animals.

The Life of a Laying Hen

In commercial settings, hens are selectively bred to produce a far greater number of eggs than they naturally would, often more than 300 per year compared to 10-15 in the wild. This unnaturally high production rate takes a severe toll on their bodies, often leading to health issues and early mortality. Their living conditions, even in non-cage systems, can be crowded and stressful, and they may be subject to painful procedures like beak trimming to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism exacerbated by high-stress environments. When a hen's egg production declines after a year or two, she is considered “spent” and is sent to slaughter. This is far short of a chicken's natural lifespan of 8-10 years.

The Fate of Male Chicks

Perhaps one of the most significant ethical issues in the egg industry is the fate of male chicks. Because male chicks do not lay eggs and are not the same breed used for meat production, they are deemed economically useless by the industry. Shortly after hatching, millions of male chicks are killed, often through methods such as gassing or grinding them up alive. This practice is a direct result of the egg production process and is deeply opposed by vegans.

The Backyard Egg Debate

A common question arises regarding eggs from backyard hens that are seemingly well-cared-for and are not part of an industrial system. While this scenario appears more humane, many vegans still argue against consuming these eggs for several key reasons:

Exploitation: The core principle of veganism is non-exploitation. Taking eggs, even if unfertilized, is still seen as using the hen's reproductive cycle for human benefit.
Nutritional Needs of the Hen: Hens often eat their own eggs to recover essential nutrients like calcium and Vitamin D lost during egg production. Taking the eggs can deplete these valuable resources from the hen.
Diluting the Message: For some, consuming backyard eggs blurs the lines of what it means to be vegan and sends a mixed message to those looking to understand the philosophy fully.

Environmental Impact of Egg Production

Beyond animal welfare, the environmental footprint of egg production is another factor in the vegan decision. While industrial egg farming may be less impactful than meat production, it still contributes significantly to environmental pressures, including greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water consumption, and manure pollution. This aligns with a broader vegan concern for sustainability and minimizing ecological damage.

Plant-Based Egg Alternatives and Nutritional Considerations

Contrary to the belief that eggs are an irreplaceable source of nutrition, a well-planned vegan diet can provide all the necessary nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals. Numerous plant-based alternatives can replace the function of eggs in both cooking and baking, proving that eggs are not necessary for a complete and satisfying diet.

Comparison Table: Eggs vs. Plant-Based Alternatives


Feature	Chicken Eggs	Plant-Based Alternatives	Example
Function	Binding, Leavening, Flavor, Moisture	Can serve multiple functions depending on the ingredient	Flaxseed meal (binder), Aquafaba (leavening), Tofu (scrambles), Kala Namak (flavor)
Protein Source	Yes, complete protein with all essential amino acids	Yes, a combination of sources can provide complete protein	Tofu, legumes, nuts, seeds, nutritional yeast
Nutrients	Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Selenium, Choline, Cholesterol	Fiber, healthier fats, antioxidants, Vitamin B12 (fortified), Choline (soy)	Fortified plant milks, tofu, chia seeds
Animal Product	Yes	No	N/A
Ethical Impact	Involves animal exploitation and slaughter	Does not involve animal exploitation or cruelty	N/A

How to Replace Eggs in Cooking and Baking

Replacing eggs in a vegan diet is easier than ever with a variety of innovative ingredients and products. The best substitute depends on the egg's primary role in a recipe.

For binding:

Flax Egg: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal with 3 tbsp water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens into a gel.
Chia Egg: Same ratio and method as a flax egg, using chia seeds instead.

For leavening (rise):

Baking Soda and Vinegar: The chemical reaction between 1 tsp baking soda and 1 tbsp vinegar creates a lift in baked goods like cakes and cupcakes.
Aquafaba: The liquid from a can of chickpeas can be whipped to create a fluffy, egg-white-like texture for meringues and mousses.

For savory dishes (scrambles, frittatas):

Tofu: Crumbled firm or silken tofu can be seasoned with turmeric for color and kala namak (black salt) for a sulfuric, “eggy” flavor.
Chickpea Flour: This flour, when mixed with water, can be used to make savory vegan omelets.

For adding moisture and richness:

Mashed Banana or Applesauce: 1/4 cup can replace one egg in sweet recipes like muffins and breads, though they can affect flavor and density.
Silken Tofu: Pureed silken tofu adds a creamy richness to custards, quiches, and pies.

Conclusion

Ultimately, eggs are not considered vegan because they are animal products derived from the exploitation of hens. This stance is rooted in the ethical philosophy of veganism, which seeks to minimize animal cruelty and commodification in all forms. While the egg industry, from industrial farming to smaller-scale operations, poses significant welfare and environmental issues, plant-based diets offer a host of nutritious and delicious alternatives. By understanding the full context of egg production and embracing the many substitutes available, individuals can make more compassionate and sustainable dietary choices that align with vegan principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, consuming eggs from backyard chickens does not align with the core principle of veganism, which is to avoid all forms of animal exploitation. Taking a hen's eggs, even if she is well-cared for, is still considered exploitation.

No. While these eggs may come from hens with slightly better living conditions, the egg industry's practices—including the culling of male chicks and the eventual slaughter of spent hens—are still considered exploitative by vegans.

Some health-conscious vegans avoid eggs due to their cholesterol and saturated fat content. All essential nutrients found in eggs can be sourced from a varied and balanced plant-based diet.

Industrial egg production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and manure pollution. A plant-based diet, which excludes eggs, generally has a lower environmental footprint.

Effective vegan egg substitutes for baking include a 'flax egg' or 'chia egg' for binding, and a mixture of baking soda and vinegar for leavening. Mashed banana and applesauce can also be used to add moisture.

Vegans can get plenty of high-quality protein from sources like tofu, legumes, nuts, seeds, and fortified plant milks. A diverse diet ensures all essential amino acids are consumed.

Aquafaba is the liquid from canned chickpeas. It can be whipped like egg whites to create light and airy textures in vegan baking, such as meringues and mousses.