Are Eggs Dairy? (2024)

Eggs are known for their versatility in the kitchen. Whether you're making a quick scramble or adding them to a cake batter, eggs are a staple for many people. The next time you need to pick up a dozen, you're likely to find eggs in the dairy aisle of the supermarket—but, wait, does that mean eggs are considered dairy?

To help answer this question, we'll break down what a dairy product is, if eggs are dairy and more, so you can shop with confidence.

What Is Considered a Dairy Product?

Dairy comes from the mammary gland of an animal. Dairy products are classified as the milk itself or any product made from that milk. Examples of dairy products include butter, ice cream, cheese and yogurt. Milks and milk products from mammals like cows, goats and sheep are all considered dairy products.

So, Are Eggs Dairy?

No, eggs are not considered dairy products. Eggs are laid by birds, which are not mammals and do not have mammary glands. Domesticated birds that are used for food are considered poultry, according to the USDA. Whether it's a chicken egg, duck egg or quail egg, eggs are not dairy.

So, if birds are considered poultry and eggs are laid by birds, eggs are considered a poultry product, not a dairy product.

So, why all the confusion about eggs? First, eggs are often found in the dairy aisle at the supermarket, so it makes sense that you may incorrectly group them together. Another reason you may have thought eggs were dairy is that images of dairy products often mistakenly include eggs (for example, a quick Google search surfaces at least five images on the first results page with this error). Plus, eggs and dairy products are technically both animal products, so it can be confusing if you're unaware of the technical differences.

Can I Eat Eggs on a Dairy-Free Diet?

Yes, you can eat eggs on a dairy-free diet! Eggs are not dairy products, so you can include them in your meals. Eggs are great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Try them in recipes like Spinach & Egg Scramble with Raspberries and Egg Salad Avocado Toast.

Are Eggs Dairy? (1)

Can I Eat Eggs with a Lactose Intolerance?

Yes, you can eat eggs with a lactose intolerance. People with lactose intolerance don't produce enough lactase in their small intestine. As a result, they have trouble digesting the lactose (aka milk sugar) found in milk, which leads to symptoms like nausea and stomach cramps. Since eggs are not dairy products, they do not contain lactose and are safe to eat with a lactose intolerance.

The Bottom Line

Eggs are often mistakenly categorized as dairy, but eggs are not dairy products. Eggs are laid by birds, which do not have mammary glands. Dairy products are items like yogurt, cheese and milk. You can eat eggs if you follow a dairy-free diet or if you have lactose intolerance.

Are Eggs Dairy? (2024)

FAQs

Are Eggs Dairy? ›

Eggs are often mistakenly categorized as dairy, but eggs are not dairy products. Eggs are laid by birds, which do not have mammary glands. Dairy products are items like yogurt, cheese and milk. You can eat eggs if you follow a dairy-free diet or if you have lactose intolerance.

Do eggs count as a serving of dairy? ›

Eggs are not dairy products, although people often group the two together. However, both are animal products that are high in protein and may be displayed close together in shops. Dairy products consist of the milk from mammals such as cows, goats, and sheep.

Can I eat eggs if I am dairy-free? ›

Eggs are still a part of a dairy-free diet. Even though they are found in the dairy section of the grocery store, eggs do not contain milk sugar and milk proteins. Eggs are safe to eat in a milk-free diet.

How much dairy is in 2 eggs? ›

However, eggs are not a dairy product and don't contain lactose or any milk protein.

What is an egg classified as? ›

Eggs are classified as poultry products, not dairy products. Poultry products include chicken, duck, and turkey eggs, while dairy products are made from the milk of mammals. Eggs are considered to be a separate food group, distinct from dairy products.

Are scrambled eggs considered dairy? ›

Eggs are often mistakenly categorized as dairy, but eggs are not dairy products. Eggs are laid by birds, which do not have mammary glands. Dairy products are items like yogurt, cheese and milk. You can eat eggs if you follow a dairy-free diet or if you have lactose intolerance.

Does cutting out dairy include eggs? ›

Vegans and those with certain allergies and sensitivities may cut out all animal products from a diet, but if a dairy-free diet is all you are seeking, you can safely consume eggs.

What are the benefits of eliminating dairy? ›

One of the top benefits of cutting out dairy is the removal of excess saturated fats, sugar and salt from your diet, thus lessening your calorie intake and promoting a healthy weight. Dairy is also renowned as an acidic food, disrupting your body's acid/alkaline balance.

What are the symptoms of dairy withdrawal? ›

A: Cutting out dairy might improve your gut and digestive health. You may notice your skin clearing up - and an overall reduction of inflammation. On the other hand, you may also see some withdrawal symptoms like weakness and nausea, besides missing out on nutrients like calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.

Is mayonnaise dairy? ›

Mayonnaise doesn't have any milk products in it, so that means it doesn't have dairy. Eggs aren't considered a dairy product, even though they are an animal product. That means if you have a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance, it's safe to eat eggs, as well as mayonnaise, because they don't contain any lactose.

Is bread considered dairy? ›

While many yeast breads do not typically contain dairy products in their actual dough, such as French bread and sourdough, bakers will often bake these loaves in buttered pans or brush the crusts with butter as they bake. And the only way to really be sure if this has been the case is to ask the baker.

Is butter considered dairy? ›

Butter is made from milk, making it a dairy product.

Why do so many people think eggs are dairy? ›

Why do people confuse eggs for dairy? Put simply, you can blame grocery retailers for this one. “Egg placement in the retail store coolers with dairy products in retail spaces leads to an association of eggs and egg products with dairy products,” a USDA spokesperson says.

Are eggs included in dairy free diet? ›

Eggs are not a dairy product. For the most part, it's completely safe to eat eggs on a dairy-free diet. If you're just starting a dairy-free diet, you may wonder, “Are eggs dairy-free?” You don't have to worry — eggs are not a dairy product. They're animal products that are high in protein and other nutrients.

Is eating eggs the same as eating chicken? ›

Both chicken and eggs are a low calorie and high protein option. However, Chicken contains double the amount of protein than eggs per serving, emerging as a clear winner. Not only that, but chicken also contains less cholesterol in comparison to eggs, making it a much healthier food choice.

What counts as a serving of dairy? ›

In general, 1 cup of milk, yogurt, or soymilk (soy beverage), 1 ½ ounces of natural cheese, or 2 ounces of processed cheese can be considered as 1 cup from the Dairy Group.

What qualifies as dairy? ›

The Dairy Group includes milk, yogurt, cheese, lactose-free milk and fortified soy milk and yogurt. It does not include foods made from milk that have little calcium and a high fat content, such as cream cheese, sour cream, cream, and butter. Visit the Dairy Group page for examples of specific foods in the Dairy Group.

What food category do eggs fall under? ›

What Food Groups Are Eggs In? Eggs belong to the protein food group. Seafood, meat, poultry, and beans are other common foods belonging to the protein food group.

What counts as a serving of eggs? ›

How much is one portion of eggs? One portion is two eggs.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edwin Metz

Last Updated:

Views: 6156

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edwin Metz

Birthday: 1997-04-16

Address: 51593 Leanne Light, Kuphalmouth, DE 50012-5183

Phone: +639107620957

Job: Corporate Banking Technician

Hobby: Reading, scrapbook, role-playing games, Fishing, Fishing, Scuba diving, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Edwin Metz, I am a fair, energetic, helpful, brave, outstanding, nice, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.