
Which Eggs Reign Supreme – US or Australia?
During my recent trip to Australia, I noticed a distinction between US and Australian eggs. I will delve into which eggs reign supreme – US or Australia later. Residing in the United States, I gained fresh insights into Australia’s food and clean water. This prompted me to do some research on eggs. With seven trips to Australia under our belts, my husband and I adopted a distinctive approach by favoring B&Bs and AirBnB accommodations over hotels. This allowed us to experience home-style food preparation and direct market shopping.
Eggs Basics
Before I go any further, let’s review egg basics and their significance. I know the importance of eggs. I eat 2 eggs every morning. Eggs received a bad representation in the past. Like everyone else, I am going to say that eggs are “rich in nutrients” and are an invaluable part of your diet.
Some Egg Facts
- A large, boiled egg contains about 77 calories. It is abundant in essential vitamins and minerals such as A, B5, B12, D, E, K, phosphorus, selenium, calcium, and zinc.
- Eggs provide six grams of high-quality protein and five grams of heart-healthy fats, supporting various bodily functions.
- Recent research shows that egg’s cholesterol impact is not as bad as was thought in the past. For most individuals, dietary cholesterol in eggs doesn’t significantly raise blood cholesterol levels. About 70% of people are unaffected, while a smaller percentage might experience mild increases in LDL cholesterol.
- Eggs have surprising cardiovascular benefits, increasing “good” HDL cholesterol levels and containing antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin that promote eye health and reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Omega-3 enriched eggs are notable for reducing triglycerides, benefiting heart health. Their protein content, approximately six grams per egg, aids in weight management, muscle mass, and bone health.
- Studies have dispelled the notion of a direct link between egg consumption and heart disease or stroke. Low-carbohydrate diet followers might even experience a lowered risk of heart disease through egg consumption.
- Eggs’ high protein content leads to increased satiety, making them a satisfying choice for meals or snacks.
Now feel good about incorporating eggs into your diet. Opt for frying or soft scrambling your eggs. Hard boiled eggs lose some nutritional value.
US and Australian Egg Comparison
Moving on to my comparison on which eggs Eggs Reign Supreme – US or Australia, I first I noticed is the egg yolk was richer orange color. It’s texture was soft, and it tasted so much better. I wondered why. This is what I found out.
In the Australian markets I experienced we only found free-range eggs. Funny, they were not expensive like they are in the states. I know our dollar is stronger, but I can pay up to $6 or more for free-range eggs.


What Does Yolk Color Indicate?
Now let’s explore yolk color. My research revealed that yolk color is based on the hen’s diet.
- Yolk color is primarily determined by the hen’s diet and the pigments it consumes.
- Diets rich in carotenoids, such as corn and soy, result in vivid yellow or orange yolks.
- Yolks from hens fed on wheat-based diets tend to be paler yellow in color.
Knowing that hen’s diet determines the color of the yolk is significant. Australia doesn’t have GMO wheat and corn, unlike the United States. According to Food Standards for Australia and New Zealand “no fresh GM foods such as fruit, vegetables, meat or fish available for sale in Australia or New Zealand.” GMOs are only in processed foods.
Now from my picture of Australian eggs I had as seen above, it is apparent that Australia’s eggs certainly reflect their hens consumed “carotenoids.” Their vibrant orange hue is due to the diet and free-range status. These outshine any eggs any I have come across in the United States as seen above.
How is the Chicken Raised
Let’s look at how the chickens are raised. Often, I’m asked what is the different between US regular commercial eggs, cage-free eggs, pasture-raised eggs, and free-range eggs. The eggs vary in numerous ways like environment and what the chickens are fed. The terminologies can be confusing in both the United States and Australia. In the United States there is no regulation. I don’t know what Australia does.
Here are definitions:
United States
Free Ranging Chicken Eggs
USDA lacks precise ‘free range’ criteria, allowing producers to label freely. Hens have indoor access with some outdoor exposure. There are no restrictions regarding their diet.
Pasture Raised Chicken Eggs
During the day, pasture-raised hens roam freely. They enjoy sunshine, fresh air, soil’s creepy critters for nutritious hen diet. At nighttime, they’re sheltered to stay safe from predators. They are not caged.
The yolks are richer in color. Eggs have higher calcium, lutein, Vitamin A, Vitamin D and contain omega 3 Fatty acids, enhancing their nutritional value.
Cage–Free Chicken Eggs
Hens in ‘cage-free’ systems have more space than commercialized peers but lack proper sunlight, space, and natural behaviors. Beak cutting is allowed and there’s no control over their diets. Consequently, these eggs lack Vitamin D.
Commercial Raised Chicken Eggs
Mass-produced eggs stem from caged hens devoid of sunlight exposure, resulting in Vitamin D-deficient eggs.
Australia
Free-Range Chicken Eggs
Hens have daytime outdoor access while being housed securely in sheds at night. Something to think about.
What Eggs Reign in Yolk Color, taste, and Texture?
Regarding taste, I can confidently say that Australian Chicken Eggs reign their American counterparts in yolk color, taste, and texture. The richer orange hue in Australia signifies a better diet and possibly more sunlight exposure. As I wrote before the color determines the chicken’s diet.
So here in the US, it is important to have Pasture-Raised Chicken Eggs. These chickens have a better diet and exposure to more sunlight. A better diet is a better egg for you to consume. The more yellow the yolk means that the chicken’s diet has wheat in it. Not really a natural diet for chickens. Stay away from the yellow yolk eggs.
Unfortunately, the eggs in the US cannot meet the texture and overall flavor that I experienced in Australia.
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