As consumers start to see egg prices drop and availability increase, a noticeable gap remains between brown and white eggs, with brown eggs costing $9.69 per dozen and white eggs around $5. Despite misconceptions, the difference goes beyond nutrition and taste, which takes in various factors.
Are brown eggs better, or are we just paying for the color? Here, we’ll explore why brown eggs are more expensive and whether they offer any real benefits.
The truth about eggshell color
The color of an eggshell is purely a matter of genetics. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the breed of the hen determines whether an egg will be white, brown or even blue or green. Healthline states that white-feathered hens with white earlobes, like Leghorns, lay white eggs, while red-feathered hens with red earlobes, like Rhode Island Reds, lay brown eggs. Contrary to popular belief, shell color doesn’t impact an egg’s nutritional value or taste.
Many assume brown eggs are somehow healthier or more natural, but learning about the science behind eggshell color can change your perspective. It’s all about the hen, not the egg.
Why do brown eggs cost more?
So if brown eggs aren’t more nutritious, why do they cost more? There are a few key reasons.
Larger hens require more feed
Hens that lay brown eggs are typically larger than those that lay white eggs, so they eat more food. More feed means higher production costs, which are passed on to consumers.
Marketing and perception
Brown eggs are often marketed as premium or organic products, contributing to their higher price tag. Many brown eggs come in fancier packaging with labels like “farm-fresh” or
“free-range,” making them seem more luxurious and perfect for making low-carb egg noodles. Brown eggs often appear in eco-friendly cartons, adding to the perception that they are a superior choice.
Supply and demand
In some regions, brown eggs are less common than white eggs, which allows retailers to price them higher. Since consumers often associate brown eggs with hard-boiled eggs as being more natural or healthier, they are willing to pay more even if the difference is just cosmetic.
Taste and nutrition: Is there a difference?
Many people believe that brown eggs must be superior in taste or nutrition simply because they cost more and their egg prosciutto bagel will taste different. But is there any truth to this assumption?
Taste
Despite the common belief that brown eggs taste better, Healthline says there’s no significant difference in flavor between brown and white eggs. If an egg tastes different, it’s likely due to the hen’s diet rather than the shell color.
Nutrition
Nutritionally, brown and white eggs are nearly identical. What matters more is what the hen eats. For instance, if a hen is fed an omega-3-enriched diet, its eggs will contain higher omega-3 levels regardless of shell color. If you pay extra for brown eggs, it’s not because they’re healthier or tastier — it’s simply a matter of production costs and marketing.
What matters when buying eggs
Instead of focusing on shell color, it’s better to pay attention to factors that affect egg quality:
- Look for labels like “pasture-raised,” “organic,” or “omega-3 enriched” if you want higher-quality eggs.
- The hens’ living conditions and diet have a significant impact on egg quality than the color of their shells.
- Buying from local farms can be a great way to ensure you get fresh, high-quality eggs, just right for those fluffy scrambled eggs every single time.
Final words
Brown eggs cost more than white ones due to production costs, marketing and consumer perception — not nutrition and taste. While brown eggs may look more natural, their higher price doesn’t mean they’re better. At the end of the day, the choice comes down to consumer preference and budget.
Jennifer Allen is a retired professional chef and long-time writer. Her work appears in dozens of publications, including MSN, Yahoo, The Washington Post and The Seattle Times. These days, she’s busy in the kitchen developing recipes and traveling the world, and you can find all her best creations at Cook What You Love.