Eggs belong to the protein foods group that stores a significant amount of protein and choline. On the other hand, the dairy product includes foods produced and processed from the milk of mammals, and it gives ingredients like cheese, yogurt, and milk a sweetness to your food. These two products differ from one another. However, why do people ask: are eggs dairy? Let's break down both categories to understand the two products better. 

Definition of an Egg

In definition, an egg or chicken egg can be fertilized or unfertilized. It weighs about 50 grams. However, it depends on the chicken breed. Eggs play a significant role in cooking, and they can be served as a main dish, an accompaniment to other recipes, or an ingredient in your recipe as well. Eggs are typically used to contribute to a recipe's flavor, color, and texture. For example, eggs are necessary to thicken the texture of cakes and custard due to the coagulation of the stored proteins during the heating process. 

Eggs are also identified into various labels like Cage-Free, Free-Range, Natural, Organic, and Pasteurized. Cage-Free Eggs are hens that are freely roaming - basically, not caged. Free-Range means that hens are free to roam outside within a specific time of the day. The term "Natural" depends on what the manufacturer wants it to mean. It also depends on the hen's diet to produce healthy eggs. Organic eggs mean that the hens are in strict, organic vegetarian diets free from growth stimulants and food modifications.  

Define Dairy Products

Dairy products are processed foods or drinks that are created from cow or goat's milk. They are considered to contain a significant amount of calcium and vitamins that are a good energy source. When we say dairy products, these usually identify as milk, cream, or cheese. 

The creation of dairy products goes through two processes: pasteurization or homogenization. When pasteurization occurs, the milk is boiled at a high temperature to diminish the present bacteria and denies a certain amount of enzymes to sterilize the liquid or the milk. Homogenization is the process of the dairy product to keep the milk and cream from separating from one another. 

Why Do People Consider Eggs as a Dairy Product?

These two products differ from one another. However, there are several similarities between these two products regarding the health benefits that they give. These two are grouped as an "animal product"; hence people tend to think that these are correlated. You may see eggs and dairy on the same aisle when you go to your local grocery store. That's why people assume that eggs are considered a dairy product. 

There are also instances where dairy farms produce eggs. These dairy farms are also distributors to some local grocery markets, and they are brought together for supplies. People also tend to buy these two products since they are commonly used for dishes and recipes like cakes and pastries. 

Is it okay to eat eggs if you are allergic to dairy?

Eggs are dairy-free. Eggs do not contain any amount of milk or lactose, which is the glucose or sugar present in any dairy product. If you are still having doubts or on a strict vegan diet, you might have to consult your professional health care worker about the eggs that you can eat or use in a recipe. It is safer for people to know what egg they should eat and get tested to avoid sickness. 

Is it okay to eat eggs if you are lactose intolerant?

Again, eggs do not contain any milk or sugar. Now, if you are lactose intolerant, it is totally safe for you to eat eggs or use eggs in your recipes. Eggs are not a dairy product; they do not relate to any symptoms when you intake dairy products like stomach cramps, gas, and diarrhea. Eggs are packed with high protein, fat, and vitamins despite low calories. It does not contain any lactose or milk protein, so it's safe to assume that you can eat eggs even if you are lactose intolerant.

Key Takeaway

Now that we know that eggs are not dairy products let us put an end to this misconception. Remember that eggs do not contain any lactose or milk protein; hence they are not included in the dairy food groups. Both of these products have different functions and few similarities, but they are pretty much different from one another. If you are still unsure whether you should eat eggs if you are lactose intolerant, consult your doctor to avoid any sickness when you eat an egg.