Eggs are a breakfast classic, but how much do you really know about them? You already know that you can scramble, poach, and bake eggs, but there are so many more fun egg facts to learn. Check out this list of the best egg facts that prove this breakfast staple is the ultimate! 

1. One egg has six grams of protein 

That’s right! Eggs are tiny protein powerhouses, packing in six grams per serving. What makes protein so important? It’s not just a great energy source, it’s also crucial for muscle repair.

2. Brown and white eggs are nutritionally the same but come from different types of chickens

Ever wonder what’s the difference between brown and white eggs? As it turns out, the color of the egg depends on the breed of chicken it comes from. Brown eggs come from hens with red or brown feathers and white eggs from hens with white feathers. Taste, nutrition, and deliciousness? Identical.

3. Eggs contain all nine essential amino acids 

Eggs are one of the few foods that provide a complete protein, meaning they have all nine essential amino acids your body needs but can’t make on its own. 

4. Eggs can stay fresh for weeks 

Stored properly in the fridge, eggs can last up to six weeks. Want to test if your egg is still fresh? Try this egg experiment: Place the egg in water. If it sinks, it’s good to go. If it floats, just say ‘no’. 

5. The color of the yolk depends on the hen's diet 

Ever wonder how Happy Eggs get their bright orange yolks? It’s a sign of a well-fed hen who spends her days outside on pasture! Yolk color varies based on what a hen eats. Our happy Hens munch on a nutrient-rich feed and forage for bugs outside, which gives their eggs those vibrant orange yolks that taste so delicious.

6. Eggshells are porous 

Eggshells might seem hard and smooth, but they’re actually covered in thousands of tiny pores. These pores allow oxygen to enter the egg while keeping out bacteria. How cool is that egg fact!?

7. Eggs have been part of human diets for thousands of years 

In fact, archaeologists have found that humans have been eating eggs since ancient times. Talk about a timeless breakfast! 

8. Egg whites and yolks each have unique benefits 

Did you know that egg whites are high in protein with almost no fat, while the yolks are rich in vitamins like A, D, and E. Together, they’re the perfect breakfast duo.

9. Hens lay a lot of eggs 

Healthy hens, like the ones on Happy Egg farms, provide eggs nearly every day. That’s a lot of omelets!

10. Eggs are good for your brain 

Choline, found in egg yolks, is a nutrient that supports brain development and function. So next time someone asks why you eat eggs for breakfast, tell them it’s what all the smarties are having!  

11. The largest egg ever laid weighed nearly a pound! 

Talk about an extra large breakfast! The heaviest chicken egg on record weighed a whopping 16 ounces—that's four times the size of an average egg. Imagine all of the meal prepping you can do with that egg! 

12. Eggs have a natural protective coating 

Last, but not least in our egg facts roundup, did you know that freshly laid eggs come with a natural protective layer called the "bloom" or cuticle? This coating keeps bacteria out and helps the egg stay fresher longer. Nature’s packaging is pretty incredible!

Want to learn more about how Happy Egg hens live their best lives? Check out Our Farms: Happy Hen Facts for an inside look!