Eggs Are Not Dairy
Let's clear up this common misconception once and for all.
The Simple Truth
Dairy comes from the mammary glands of mammals—primarily cows, goats, and sheep. It includes milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and cream.
Eggs come from birds—primarily chickens. They are not a mammalian secretion. They are laid, not milked.
Why People Get Confused
- Store placement: Eggs are often in the dairy aisle at grocery stores
- Refrigeration: Both require cold storage
- Animal products: Both come from animals (but so does meat, and nobody calls that dairy)
- Breakfast association: Eggs and dairy often appear together in meals
- Dietary restrictions: Vegetarians who eat dairy often also eat eggs
The Science
Dairy is defined as food produced from the milk of mammals. Eggs are reproductive cells produced by birds. They have completely different biological origins, nutritional profiles, and production methods.
- Eggs contain no lactose
- Eggs contain no casein (milk protein)
- People with dairy allergies can typically eat eggs safely
- People with egg allergies can typically consume dairy safely
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