Frequently Asked Questions
Short, direct answers about eggs and the eggetarian diet. Each answer is written to give you the facts in one read.
Diet
Can vegetarians eat eggs?
Yes. A vegetarian who eats eggs is called an ovo-vegetarian, or informally an eggetarian. Store-bought eggs are unfertilized and contain no animal flesh, so most definitions of vegetarianism include them.
What is an eggetarian?
An eggetarian is a vegetarian who eats eggs but no meat, fish or poultry. The term is especially common in India, where it appears on menus and food labels nationwide.
Are eggs dairy?
No. Dairy comes from milk, and eggs are not milk products. Eggs are their own food category, which is why many lactose-intolerant people can eat eggs without issue.
Nutrition
How much protein is in one egg?
One large egg contains about 6.3 grams of complete protein — 3.6g in the white and 2.7g in the yolk — along with choline, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
How many eggs can I safely eat per day?
For most healthy people, 1-3 whole eggs per day is well within safe limits based on current research. People eating mostly egg whites can consume more since whites contain no cholesterol.
Are eggs good for building muscle?
Yes. Egg protein is the scientific reference for quality — it contains all nine essential amino acids including leucine, which directly triggers muscle protein synthesis after training.
Can I eat eggs every day?
Yes, for most healthy people daily egg consumption is supported by current research. Large studies show no increased heart disease risk from moderate egg intake in healthy individuals.
Kitchen
How long do boiled eggs last in the fridge?
Boiled eggs keep up to one week refrigerated in their shell, or 3-4 days once peeled. Store them in a sealed container to prevent odor absorption.
What is the difference between brown eggs and white eggs?
Nutritionally, none. Shell color comes from the breed of the hen — brown hens lay brown eggs. Taste and nutrition depend on diet and freshness, not shell color.
Do eggs need to be refrigerated?
In most countries including the US, yes — eggs are washed, which removes their protective cuticle, so refrigeration is required. In the EU eggs are unwashed and commonly sold at room temperature.
Cooking
Why do my scrambled eggs turn rubbery?
Rubbery eggs come from high heat and overcooking. Cook scrambled eggs on medium-low, remove them from the pan while they still look slightly wet, and let carryover heat finish the job.
What meals can I make with just eggs?
Omelettes, egg bhurji, shakshuka, egg fried rice, egg curry, cloud eggs and steamed custard are all egg-forward meals. Browse our recipe library for dozens of eggetarian dinners and breakfasts.