As long as we’ve had chickens, we’ve had ducks for more than ten years. I’m always surprised by how many people ask me what we do with our duck eggs.
Duck eggs are pretty much just like chicken eggs, except they are larger and richer. Theyre higher in fat and lower in water content.
The age-old debate – which eggs are better, duck or chicken? Both offer nutritional benefits but is one superior to the other? Let’s take a detailed look at how duck eggs and chicken eggs compare.
An Overview of Duck Eggs vs Chicken Eggs
At first glance, duck eggs and chicken eggs appear quite similar However, there are some key differences
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Size: The average duck egg is 50 to 100 percent bigger than a chicken egg. One duck egg is equal to about 172 to 225 chicken eggs.
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Color: Chicken eggs come in various shades of brown or white. Duck egg shells can be white, pale blue, green, black or speckled. The yolks are a deeper golden orange than chicken yolks.
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Taste: Duck eggs boast a richer, creamier flavor. The yolks are more velvety. There are people who say duck eggs taste “eggier” and better than chicken eggs.
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Nutrition: Both chicken and duck eggs are good for you, but duck eggs have more folate, iron, and vitamin B12 than chicken eggs.
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For people who are allergic to chicken eggs, duck eggs are often safe to eat. The proteins are different enough that cross-reactivity is unlikely.
Now let’s explore 12 reasons why duck eggs just might be better than chicken eggs.
12 Reasons Duck Eggs Are Superior
Here are 12 compelling arguments for why duck eggs beat out chicken eggs:
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Duck eggs stay fresher longer. Their thicker shells and membranes keep air and moisture out. They’re less prone to breaking.
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Duck eggs offer richer flavor. More fat and a higher yolk-to-white ratio make for creamy, velvety taste and texture.
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Duck eggs are more “eggy.” Ducks eat plenty of insects, worms and greens, producing flavorful eggs. Some say duck eggs taste “gamey.”
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Duck eggs have more protein. 30% more than chicken eggs! The protein also differs, so duck eggs may be an option for those allergic to chicken eggs.
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Duck eggs deliver more nutrients. With more omega-3s, vitamins A, D, B12, iron and choline, duck eggs are extra nutritious.
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Duck eggs work wonders in baking. Greater fat and protein content makes cakes, soufflés and other baked goods lighter and fluffier.
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Duck eggs fetch higher prices. Sold at a premium to restaurants, bakers and foodies for their superior baking abilities and scarcity.
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Ducks have better feed conversion. Ducks utilize feed more efficiently than chickens when producing eggs. This saves on feed costs.
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Bigger eggs mean more volume. Though ducks lay a similar number of eggs as chickens, their larger size equates to more actual egg.
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Ducks lay year-round. Ducks easily continue laying through winter without added light stimulation.
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Longer productive lifespan. Ducks lay well for 4-5 years, compared to 1-2 peak years for chickens.
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Ducks are low maintenance. Ducklings have lower mortality rates. Adult ducks are less prone to parasites, illness and destructive behaviors.
Potential Downsides to Duck Eggs
Duck eggs aren’t without a few disadvantages:
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Limited color selection – mostly shades of blue, white and gray shells.
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Higher cost – duck eggs can be twice as expensive as chicken eggs.
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Contains more cholesterol than chicken eggs.
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Potential for contaminants like salmonella. Proper handling is a must.
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Can develop a rubbery texture if overcooked due to low water content.
The Bottom Line: Duck Eggs vs Chicken Eggs
When it comes down to duck eggs vs. chicken eggs, neither is the clear winner. Both offer nutritional benefits and can be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation.
Those interested in trying duck eggs will find they offer exceptional nutrition and baking utility. However, the higher cost may be prohibitive, and their limited availability can make chicken eggs a more convenient choice for many.
For optimal flavor and freshness, consider raising your own flock of ducks or chickens. This allows you to control feed, ensure humane practices, and have a steady supply of the freshest eggs possible.
When making the choice between duck or chicken eggs, assess your budget, availability, personal taste preferences, baking needs and nutrition goals. Both can have a valuable place within a diverse and thoughtful diet.
Duck eggs contain more protein + “different” protein
Duck eggs contain more protein than chicken eggs – about 30% more – and its a different protein, so those allergic to chicken eggs can often eat duck eggs and vice versa.
Lower feed conversion
It is possible to sell duck eggs for more money than chicken eggs. Also, ducks usually have a lower feed conversion ratio, which means they need less feed than chickens to lay one egg.
That will save you money on feed.
Are Duck Eggs Better Than Chicken Eggs? | Health Benefits of Duck Eggs
FAQ
Are duck eggs bigger than chicken eggs?
Duck eggs are 1. 5 to 2 times larger than chicken eggs. Most chicken eggs weigh between 50 and 60 grams, while duck eggs can weigh anywhere from 70 to 80 grams. Additionally, the shells are different. Duck eggs have speckled shells, whereas chicken eggs are uniformly colored. However, the color may vary depending on the bird species.
Do duck eggs taste better than chicken eggs?
Duck eggs have a stronger flavor and taste than chicken eggs. The taste is creamier and richer. Thus, not everyone may adapt to or like the taste of duck eggs. However, both duck and chicken eggs can be used to make a variety of egg-based foods, such as cookies and cakes.
Are duck eggs good for You?
Duck eggs and chicken eggs both have impressive nutritional profiles. The comparison chart below highlights the most notable nutrients in each. Here are the nutritional profiles for 3. 5 ounces (100 grams) of cooked duck and chicken eggs (4, 5). Overall, eggs are low in carbs and fiber but a rich source of protein and good source of fat.
Are duck eggs better for baking?
Because duck eggs have more fat and protein and less water than chicken eggs, and because their yolk to white ratio is higher, they make cakes, meringues, souffles, and breads and cookies that rise higher and are lighter.
Are duck eggs a good source of protein?
Duck and chicken eggs both provide a good source of protein. On average, a duck egg contains 9 grams of protein, while a chicken egg contains 6 grams. The protein in eggs is considered high quality as it contains all essential amino acids. Duck eggs have a slightly higher protein content per egg compared to chicken ones.
Are duck eggs better than chicken egg whites?
Duck eggs contain as much as 168% or more of the DV for vitamin B12. Your body needs vitamin B12 for certain tasks, such as building DNA and new red blood cells (6). Yet, chicken egg whites tend to contain greater amounts of some proteins like ovalbumin, conalbumin, and lysozyme than duck egg whites.
What is healthier, duck or chicken eggs?
Duck eggs contain more iron, selenium, and vitamins A, B6, and E than chicken eggs. They are also significantly higher in vitamin B12.
Why do chefs prefer duck eggs?
Why do chefs prefer duck eggs? Duck eggs are higher in fat than chicken eggs, so their taste is a bolder, richer taste, which tends to shine in many dishes. No wonder chefs tend to prefer duck eggs over chicken eggs.
Why are duck eggs not sold in stores?
Duck eggs are not commonly sold in stores due to lower demand, smaller-scale production, and potential regulatory differences compared to chicken eggs.
Does duck egg taste different?
Yes, duck eggs generally have a richer and creamier taste compared to chicken eggs. While the fundamental egg flavor is similar, duck eggs are often described as more intense and decadent.