Why are brown eggs often more expensive than white eggs in some countries? Is it because they believe brown eggs have higher nutritional value or a more appealing taste?
The color of chicken egg shells varies widely, and while Vietnamese consumers tend to prefer white eggs, in many other countries, brown eggs are considered superior.
Why Are Brown Eggs More Expensive Abroad?
Chicken eggs are one of the most nutritionally rich foods and are widely consumed around the world. When purchasing eggs at stores or supermarkets in many countries, many people find it puzzling that brown eggs are often priced higher than white eggs. For example, in many American supermarkets, a dozen large white eggs costs $3.09, while a dozen brown eggs is sold for $3.79. Why is this the case? Are brown eggs better or tastier?
Why are brown eggs more expensive abroad? (Image: Simply Recipes)
Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the differences between white and brown eggs in terms of nutritional value, but most conclude that there are no significant differences. According to Live Strong, a large egg (both brown and white) contains about 72 calories and 6 grams of protein, along with some healthy unsaturated fats. Nutrition expert Niharika Ahluwalia states: “There is no major difference in nutritional value between white and brown eggs.”
So why are brown eggs more expensive abroad? The following factors may be responsible:
Production and Feeding Costs
One of the main reasons why brown eggs are generally more expensive than white eggs abroad is production costs. Brown eggs typically come from larger breeds of hens, such as Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, or New Hampshires. These breeds tend to be larger and consume more feed compared to white egg-laying breeds like Leghorns.
Due to the larger size of brown egg-laying hens, they require more feed to maintain health and egg-laying productivity. Feed costs account for a significant portion of the overall production costs of eggs, which is why the selling price of brown eggs is often higher to offset these costs.
Additionally, brown egg-laying hens often require more spacious living conditions and better care environments to ensure the quality of the eggs. These factors also contribute to the increased production costs, making brown eggs pricier than white ones.
Differences in Hen Care
Brown egg-laying hens are often raised in more natural or spacious environments. (Image: WTOP)
Breeds of brown egg-laying hens are usually raised under better care conditions, which also contributes to the price difference between brown and white eggs.
In many countries, brown egg-laying hens are often free-range or raised in more spacious environments compared to white egg-laying hens. Free-range farming requires larger areas and higher care costs. Furthermore, brown hens are often fed higher quality feed, sometimes including herbs and organic foods. This not only improves the quality of the eggs but also increases production costs.
Consumer Psychology
Brown eggs are viewed as more natural products by many American consumers, thus they are more popular. (Image: Stlukes)
The price difference between brown and white eggs is also influenced by consumer psychology. In many countries, consumers believe that brown eggs are of higher quality and more nutritious than white eggs. Although scientific studies show that the nutritional differences between these two types of eggs are minimal, this perception persists and influences shopping behaviors.
Brown eggs are also perceived by consumers as more natural products, less affected by industrial processes. This leads many people to be willing to pay a higher price for brown eggs, creating a price differential in the market.
Market Factors and Supply and Demand
Market dynamics and supply and demand also play a significant role in pricing brown and white eggs. The number of brown egg-laying hens is lower than that of white egg-laying hens, resulting in a more limited supply of brown eggs. When supply is limited and demand is high, the price of brown eggs increases.
Producers and retailers can price brown eggs higher based on the perceived value and quality differences in consumers’ minds. This is a business strategy aimed at maximizing profits from consumer preference for brown eggs. This also explains why brown eggs are often more expensive than white eggs abroad.
Nutritional Quality of Brown and White Eggs
Despite the price differences, the nutritional quality of brown and white eggs is virtually equivalent. Both types of eggs provide a substantial amount of protein, vitamins, and essential minerals.
Studies show that the nutritional differences between brown and white eggs are insignificant. Both contain important nutrients such as protein, vitamins D, B6, B12, and minerals like iron and zinc.
Both brown and white eggs must adhere to strict food safety standards before reaching consumers. Therefore, the differences in food safety between these two types of eggs are almost negligible.
The nutritional content of an egg is largely determined by the diet and living conditions of the hens. Thus, it is important to choose eggs from healthy, well-cared-for hens, regardless of the color.
