Brown vs. White Eggs: What’s the Real Difference?
The Real Reason for Different Shell Colours 🎨
The colour of an eggshell is a matter of genetics, determined by the breed of the hen that lays it. It’s a simple and fun fact of nature:
White Eggs
These are typically laid by hens with white feathers and white earlobes. The most common breed for this is the White Leghorn. These hens don’t deposit any pigment on the shell.
Brown Eggs
These are laid by hens with brown or reddish feathers and red earlobes, like the Rhode Island Red. These hens add a final layer of a natural brown pigment called protoporphyrin IX just before the egg is laid.
Think of it this way: all eggs start white, but some get a final “coat of paint” before they’re ready. The colour on the outside has no effect on the goodness inside.
The Hens Behind Your Eggs in Malaysia 🐔
In Malaysia, the types of hens used are chosen for how well they thrive in our tropical climate.
| Egg Type | Primary Breed | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Brown | Hisex, ISA, Lohmann | High (Standard) |
| White | White Leghorn | Low (Niche) |
Brown eggs come from super-efficient hybrid breeds. These hens are fantastic layers and are perfectly suited for large-scale farming in our region. White eggs are less common and are considered more of a specialty item here.
The Malaysian Price Puzzle
You might have heard that brown eggs are more expensive in the US or Europe, but in Malaysia, it’s often the other way around. Here’s why:
Market Standard: Brown Eggs are mass-produced. Since most Malaysian farms raise brown-egg hens, there’s a huge supply. This high volume and efficiency make them very affordable.
Supply and Demand: White eggs are less common. They are often produced by fewer farms for a niche market. With a lower supply, the price naturally becomes higher.
The EGGHEY Difference: Quality Over Color
At EGGHEY, we don’t care if the shell is brown or white—we care about what’s inside. We focus our energy on maintaining the internal quality of our eggs.
By shipping our eggs within 12 hours of being laid and feeding our hens a premium, natural diet, we ensure that every EGGHEY egg—regardless of its shell color—delivers the highest possible levels of Choline, Vitamin D, and Omega-3s. With us, you aren’t paying for a “niche” shell color; you’re paying for the guaranteed freshness and superior nutrition your family deserves.
About The Author
We are team egghey. We started this brand to share the incredible taste of truly fresh eggs from our family’s farm in Perak. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
