Yellow Vs Orange Egg Yolks: Which Is Healthier? Explained

Yellow Vs Orange Egg Yolks: After all, if you are cracked to examine the yolk in your egg, you’ll find out that there are various colors: some are conjured bright yellow, and others deep orange. And you probably got to wonder which one makes healthier eggs: the bright yellow or the deep orange yolk? Some think the darker the yolk, the better the egg quality, while others advocate that color doesn’t matter. Somewhere between these two extremes lies the truth, for both colors offer nutritional benefits, but it all comes down to what the hens eat.

Why do yolks have different colors?

The diet of the hens determines the color of the yolk, which is the primary reason for differences in color.

Yellow yolks come from chickens that feed on wheat and corn.

Hens that love to eat corn, marigold petals, alfalfa, or red peppers earn orange yolks because these foods are rich in carotenoids (nature pigments).

These particular carotenoids with special focus on beta-carotene and lutein — lend their hue to the yolk and also supply additional antioxidants.

Nutritional Value: Are Orange Yolks Better?

Despite having quite similar basic nutrition in the proteins, fats, and vitamins contained in eggs, orange yolks may be slightly more enriched with vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants because of the feed the mother hen had consumed. This difference, however, is slight. Both yellow and orange yolks contain beneficial proteins, choline, and other essential nutrients required for muscle, brain, and eye health.

Does the Color Affect the Taste and Quality?

Some people say that orange yolks taste richer or creamier. However, that is subjective, a factor which is not valid for health reasons. Value matters more than yolk color: freshness, well-being of hens, and the way the eggs are stored.

Also Read: Omelette Or Boiled Eggs: Which Helps Weight Loss More?

So, in summary, color does not measure nutrition or safety; it simply reflects the feed the hen was provided. Both yellow and orange yolks are nutritious and safe to consume. However, the healthiest option would be fresh, free-range, or organic eggs because then it is a matter of choice balanced within the natural feeding of the hens.