Since I started sharing dairy free recipes, I have received endless comments questioning whether or not eggs – and products made with them, such as mayo – are dairy free. So, I think it’s time I address this not-so-controversial issue – are eggs dairy free?
Yes, eggs are dairy free. But, if you thought eggs were a dairy product, you are not alone. It’s common misconception that stems from the fact that eggs are sold in the dairy section at the grocery store. They also need to be refrigerated (although that’s technically not true and eggs aren’t commonly refrigerated in other countries), which is something we often associate with dairy.
But the bottom line is, eggs are not dairy. Dairy products are made from animal milk — think butter, cheese, and yogurt. Eggs come from chickens, so they don’t qualify.
What category of food are eggs? Eggs actually fall into the protein category on the food pyramid, and they are most definitely an animal product (which means they are not vegan).
Frequently asked questions
What makes something a dairy product?
Dairy products are made from mammal milk – usually a cow, but goat, sheep, and other animal milk products also fall into the dairy category. Butter, cheese, cream, yogurt, and ice cream are all dairy products because they are produced from milk.
Do eggs contain lactose?
No. Lactose is a sugar found in milk, and eggs do not contain milk. If you’re lactose intolerant or avoiding dairy, eggs are completely safe to eat.
Why are eggs sold in the dairy section?
Both eggs and dairy products need to stay cold, so it’s convenient to keep them in the same area. It’s one of the reasons so many people assume eggs are dairy, but it’s purely a storage coincidence.
Are eggs vegan?
No. Veganism avoids all animal products, including eggs. Dairy free just means no milk-based products. While vegan products are dairy free, not all dairy free products are vegan.
Are eggs gluten free?
Yes. Gluten is a protein naturally found in wheat, barley and rye. Since eggs do not contain wheat, it’s impossible for them to contain gluten. Therefore, eggs are gluten free.
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