Do Eggs Count as Dairy? Let’s Break It Down

Eggs are a food that is very versatile and quite nutritious. Whether you enjoy them scrambled, boiled, poached, deviled or baked into one of many recipes, eggs are a global staple in both cooking and nutrition. However, there is a commonly asked question that continues to puzzle many people: Are eggs dairy?

So let's set the record straight once and for all.

What is Dairy?

To answer that question, it's first necessary to understand what “dairy” is.

Dairy products are foods that contain milk from mammals, and more specifically from cows, goats, sheep and buffalo. Common dairy products are:

• Milk

• Cheese

• Butter

• Yogurt

• Cream

• Buttermilk

These products all contain lactose, a naturally occurring sugar found in milk, and are classified in the dairy food category in nutrition textbooks and grocery stores.

Are eggs dairy then?

The answer is no, eggs are not dairy products.

Here's why:

• Eggs come from birds, not mammals.

• They are not made from milk or derived from milk in any way.

• They do not contain lactose or any dairy-based ingredients.

Even though eggs are often grouped with dairy products and many stores sell eggs next to dairy products in the grocery store, eggs are classified under protein foods, as opposed to dairy.

So, why do people confuse eggs with dairy?

This mixture is common for several reasons:

• Storage: Eggs are stored in the refrigerator with dairy near the dairy products like milk and cheese because it is a dairy product.

• Source: Eggs and dairy are both animal-based products, which can be confusing - they come from different animal species.

• Cooking: Eggs are often used in recipes with dairy, like cake, quiches, and custards.

Do Eggs Contain Lactose?

No, eggs are lactose-free. Lactose is a sugar found only in dairy products. People who are lactose intolerant cannot properly digest this sugar, which causes bloating, cramps, and discomfort in the stomach. Since eggs do not have lactose in them, they are generally considered safe for lactose intolerant persons (unless they have an egg allergy).

What About Egg Allergies?

Some people confuse egg allergies and dairy allergies because both can cause food allergy symptoms, but they are triggered by different proteins:

• Egg allergy: protein in egg white (albumin) or yolks.

• Dairy allergy: casein or whey present in milk.

If you feel you have a food allergy, consult your healthcare provider regarding food allergy testing to confirm the allergy.

Recap: Eggs Are Not Dairy

So, are eggs dairy products?

So eggs are dairy?
The answer is definitively no. Eggs are not dairy because they:

• are not made from milk

• do not have lactose

• are in a completely different food group

Nonetheless, they are an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and healthy fats, and belong in a balanced diet.