Are Eggs Considered a Dairy Product?

Many people group eggs and dairy together, but are eggs really a dairy product?

This can be a confusing issue for those who suffer from lactose intolerance or allergies to milk proteins, as they are often not sure if it’s safe for them to eat eggs or not.

This article looks at whether or not eggs are a dairy product.

1. Eggs Are Not Dairy

Dairy foods are those that are produced from the milk of mammals, such as cows, sheep, and goats.

It means any milk and foods made from milk, including cheese, cream, butter, and yogurt.

Eggs are not made from milk, or produced by mammals – therefore, they are not dairy products.

For some reason, eggs are often stored in the dairy aisle in the supermarket, and are often grouped with dairy, and that is where the confusion arises.

2. Why Are Eggs Often Grouped with Dairy?

Sometimes eggs are put into the dairy group because they are high in protein and also animal products.

In the United States, where eggs are pasteurized and need to be kept refrigerated, they are often stored in the dairy aisle, which leads many people to think they are related products.

3. You Can Eat Eggs if You Are Lactose Intolerant

You can enjoy eggs with no problems if you are lactose intolerant.

Lactose intolerance happens when your body cannot digest lactose, which is a sugar found in milk and dairy products.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance include gas, stomach cramps and diarrhea after eating foods containing lactose.

As eggs are not derived from dairy, they don’t contain lactose or milk proteins, so it’s safe for those with a milk allergy to eat them – just as it’s safe for those with an egg allergy to eat dairy products instead of eggs.

4. Eggs Are Nutritious

Eggs are fairly low in calories, but are rich in high-quality protein, fat, and other nutrients.

A large egg contains around 78 calories, 6 grams protein, 5 grams fat, and 1 gram carbs, as well as selenium, riboflavin, and vitamin B12.

Eggs are also one of the few dietary sources of choline, an essential nutrient that many people don’t get enough of.

Eggs are also very filling, and make a great food for weight loss plans. Studies show that eating eggs for breakfast can cause people to eat up to 500 fewer calories over the day than those who choose other breakfast foods.