Why Do Eggs Come in Different Colors and How Different Are They From Each Other?

Has it ever happened to you? You open a carton of eggs expecting the usual white or brown ones, only to find a row of pastel pinks or soft egg blues (get the pun?). You might wonder: Are these eggs radioactive? Genetically modified? The good news is, no need to panic! Eggs naturally come in a variety of colors, and the reason behind it is actually quite fascinating. Let’s crack this mystery open.

Why Do Eggs Come in Different Colors?

The color of an egg is determined by the breed of the chicken that lays it, and it all comes down to genetics. The pigment is added to the shell during the egg-forming process. Chickens with white feathers and earlobes tend to lay white eggs, while those with red feathers and earlobes often lay brown ones. And as for the lovely blues and greens? Those are thanks to chickens like the Araucana, which produce a pigment called biliverdin that gives the shell its unique hue. So, no radioactive eggs here—just natural beauty at work.

Is One Color Healthier Than Another?

Now, let’s get to the burning question: Is there a difference in health or nutrition between these colorful eggs? The answer is simple—nope. Eggshell color doesn’t affect the nutritional content of the egg itself. Whether you're cracking open a brown egg, a white egg, or a blue one, you’ll find the same essential nutrients inside. What does impact the nutritional value is how the chickens are raised. Free-range or pasture-raised chickens that have a varied diet tend to produce eggs richer in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, but that’s independent of the shell color.

How to Predict Egg Color (And Which Breeds Lay the Most Colorful Eggs)

So, how can you predict the color of an egg before it’s laid? It’s all in the feathers and earlobes. Chickens with white feathers and white earlobes tend to lay white eggs, while those with darker feathers and red earlobes usually lay brown eggs. If you’re after something more colorful, breeds like the Araucana, Ameraucana, and Olive Egger are known for laying stunning blue, green, and even olive-toned eggs. Want to mix it up even more? Some chicken enthusiasts love keeping a variety of breeds just to have a rainbow of eggs in their basket!