Here’s an interesting question you may ask your peers: Are eggs dairy? It may seem self-evident, given that dairy is mostly produced by cows, and cows do not lay eggs. But, you’d be astonished at how many people are confused about this. 

So, here’s the quick answer: Eggs, on the other hand, are not a dairy product.

Eggs Aren’t Considered a Dairy Product

Eggs aren’t regarded as a dairy product. That’s entirely the point.

Products extracted from the milk of mammals like cows and goats are known as dairy foods.

It generally refers to milk and any milk-based foodstuff, such as cheese, cream, butter, and yogurt.

Birds that lay eggs include chickens, ducks, and quail. Since they are not mammals, birds do not produce milk.

Although eggs are commonly seen in the dairy section and are frequently grouped with dairy products, they are not dairy products.

What Is the Concept of Dairy?

The USDA defines dairy as “all fluid milk products and meals produced from milk.” “Dairy products” include “fluid liquid milk, cheese, butter, ice cream, yogurt, dry milk products, condensed milk, and whey products,” according to them.

See? There are no eggs!

As per Delish, milk comes from animals such as cows, sheep, and goats, and mammals have mammary glands. Eggs, on the other hand, are produced by chickens, which are birds, not mammals.

Why Do Eggs Get Included in Dairy Products So Often?

Dairy and eggs are often mixed up. They have two things in common, even if they aren’t related:

Because both are derived from animals, vegans and some vegetarians avoid both, which might also complicate matters.

Additionally, eggs are sold in the dairy section of supermarkets in the United States and other countries, leading some to assume they are connected. This could, nevertheless, be because both items must be kept refrigerated.

So, What Exactly Are Eggs if They’re Not Dairy?

Eggs are classified as an animal product by the USDA, and they are classified as a protein food.

“All foods manufactured from meats, poultry, seafood, beans and lentils, eggs, processed soy foods, nuts, and seeds are considered part of the protein foods group,” they explain.

For comparison, one large egg contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

If you have a dairy allergy, are eggs safe to eat?

Because eggs aren’t dairy products and don’t contain milk, they’re okay to eat even if you have a dairy allergy.

If you’re still not sure, go to a doctor about an egg or dairy allergy. When you are diagnosed with a dairy allergy, you’ll almost always also get tested for an egg allergy, so you could be allergic to both. To be extra cautious, it’s good to be certain and get tested!

If you aren’t allergic to eggs, though, you can enjoy some delectable egg recipes.

If You’re Lactose Intolerant, Can You Still Eat Eggs?

Dairy is not present in eggs. They are free of milk and lactose, a sugar found in milk and thus dairy products. Yes, even though you’re lactose intolerant, you may eat and enjoy a luscious tomato and egg bruschetta or an omelet cheese tomato for breakfast.

Lactose intolerance implies you can’t tolerate certain amounts of milk or dairy products since they contain the sugar lactose. Lactose intolerance affects everyone differently. Some people can eat modest amounts of dairy without any ill effects, whereas others simply cannot. However, to be safe, you should visit a doctor about the potential of being allergic to eggs as well.

Are Eggs a Type of Meat?

Eggs are neither meat nor dairy products. They’re a type of animal product that doesn’t fit into either of these categories. Because eggs and meat are frequently found in the same aisles of the grocery store, people frequently mistake eggs for meat.

Are Eggs Free From Gluten?

Yes. Eggs are fully gluten-free in their original state. Even while sticking to your gluten-free diet, you can boil, poach, and fry eggs to your heart’s delight. If you’re on a gluten-free diet and you’re having egg reactions, one of two things could be the problem.

You may be allergic to eggs. Eggs are among the eight primary food allergens in the United States, and some of your symptom set could be related to the eggs, which are usually a component in meals like bread, rather than gluten itself.

Is It True That Eggs Are Vegan?

If a food does not contain any ingredients or foods derived from animals or animal derivatives, it is termed vegan. Vegan foods include fruits, vegetables, grains, and plant-based protein and fat supplies.

Eggs are not vegan because they come from chickens and are thus an animal byproduct. Eggs are a food you should avoid if you wish to eat a vegan diet for medical or ethical reasons.

What Food Group Do Eggs Belong To?

Although it’s evident that eggs aren’t classified as dairy-based from what we’ve explored so far in this article, what food group do eggs belong to?

You may assume that eggs are in the dairy food group if you consider the food groups to include meat and protein, grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.

In reality, eggs would be classified as a portion of protein-rich food. This is because this protein food group and category was previously known as the meat food category. If like us, you ever were taught that meat was a food group, this is most likely a carryover from your childhood learning.

Eggs Have a Lot of Health Benefits

If you’re curious if eggs are dairy and whether you should avoid them on a dairy-free diet, keep reading to learn about the health advantages of eggs and why they’re so beneficial. 

Why Would We Wish to Keep Them in Our Diet Regularly?

Summary

Even though eggs and dairy products are both animal products and are frequently seen in the same grocery department, they are not related in any way. Dairy is made from milk, while eggs are generated by birds.

As a result, despite popular belief, eggs are never a dairy product.