How Duck Eggs vs. Chicken Eggs Compare in Nutrition, Taste, and Allergy Sensitivity

The egg has been a staple of the human diet since ancient times. It’s popular even today and is especially important in high-protein diets. While most people likely think of chicken eggs when we talk about eating eggs, duck eggs are an exceptionally nutritious option. They have a richer, creamier taste than chicken eggs, and some people find that duck eggs make for a better omelet!

In the case of duck eggs vs. chicken eggs, which is better? The answer to that question depends on the person’s unique taste, dietary needs, and overall health. Since most individuals aren’t as familiar with duck eggs, we thought we’d cover the differences between the eggs and let you decide for yourself which is better for you and your family.

If you decide you want to add ducklings to your backyard flock to enjoy duck eggs, our family of hatcheries can provide Khaki Campbell Ducks from Fifth Day Farm. You’ll enjoy the same high-quality birds you’re used to receiving from Freedom Ranger Hatchery while getting the unique opportunity to have farm-fresh duck eggs available year-round.

Can You Tell the Difference Between Duck and Chicken Eggs?

Yes, duck eggs are larger than your average chicken egg—anywhere from 50 to 100% larger. Duck eggs also have a thicker shell than eggs from chicken, making them slightly more difficult to break open, but it also gives them a longer shelf life. While some duck eggs are white—just like chicken eggs—they can come in various colors. Other colors include pale gray, green, blue, and black.

When you crack open the egg, you’ll notice the yolks are a deeper shade of golden orange and nearly twice as large as the egg yolk from a chicken, as you can see in the image at the top of this blog. Duck egg whites are also much clearer than chicken egg whites.

Do Duck Eggs Taste Different?

If you’re wondering whether duck eggs are better than chicken eggs, it depends on who you ask. When it comes to duck eggs vs. chicken eggs, those from a duck have a richer flavor than those from a chicken. The taste is more intense, almost as if you added an extra chicken yolk to your omelet. They are also creamier than chicken eggs, thanks to the larger yolks.

Which Is Healthier—Chicken Eggs or Duck Eggs?

Because duck eggs are bigger, they have more vitamins and minerals than chicken eggs and more calories, fat, and cholesterol. Just look at this chart detailing the nutritional differences in cooked duck eggs vs. chicken eggs:

Nutritional information provided by Healthline and The Spruce Eats

As you can see from the chart, both are packed with many nutrients. However, they both contain lots of fat and cholesterol, so if you eat a lot of eggs, it may contribute to an increased risk of high cholesterol, which could lead to heart disease. One of the main differences between duck and chicken eggs is that duck eggs contain three times as much cholesterol as a chicken egg, despite only being 1.5 to two times larger.

It is interesting to note that duck eggs have slightly fewer carbohydrates than chicken eggs, even though they are larger. So, the type of egg that’s healthier for you depends on your overall health and your health goals. If you practice a low-carb lifestyle, duck eggs give you more egg to eat with fewer carbs, so you’ll be fuller quicker and longer. If you are concerned about fat in your diet, chicken eggs may be a better option to consume in moderation.

What Is the Best Way to Use Duck Eggs?

Eat them! Prepare duck eggs in any way that you prepare chicken eggs. Remember that since duck eggs are larger, using two can be equivalent to three to four chicken eggs.

Because of their size, one duck egg can take longer to cook than one chicken egg. Overcooking duck eggs can give them a rubbery texture, thanks to their low water content—especially if you hard boil them—so just be sure to watch your duck eggs carefully.

You’ll want to account for their larger size and higher fat content when baking with duck eggs. Since recipes generally use chicken eggs, you likely only want to use one duck egg if the recipe calls for two chicken eggs. Your baked goods may not turn out the same. However, if you reduce other liquids and fats in the recipe, for instance, reduce ½ cup oil to ¼ cup oil, you may have better results. Experimentation might be helpful here if you want to develop a recipe yourself!

Because of their larger egg yolks and increased albumen (egg white), duck eggs will make your cakes fluffier, breads and cookies lighter, and meringues and souffles higher.

I’m Allergic to Chicken Eggs. Can I Eat Duck Eggs?

Some people with chicken egg allergies can safely consume duck eggs. However, before trying duck eggs, consult with your physician. There isn’t sufficient clinical evidence to support this claim. It has been noted in some studies that people who are allergic to chicken eggs can eat duck eggs and vice versa.

The reason for this phenomenon is the difference in proteins between duck eggs and chicken eggs. Chicken eggs contain more proteins like ovalbumin, conalbumin, and lysozyme than duck eggs. Since there are fewer of these proteins in duck eggs, you may be able to consume them, depending on your sensitivity. If your body is sensitive to these proteins, you may develop a food allergy to chicken eggs and possibly duck eggs.

Duck Eggs vs. Chicken Eggs—The Choice Is Up to You!

Now that you understand the differences between duck eggs vs. chicken eggs, you may be interested in trying duck eggs for the first time. If so, and if it’s safe for you to consume, please do so! They are a delicious alternative to chicken eggs and may even inspire you to begin raising ducks of your own!

Suppose you decide to begin selling duck eggs. You can generally get more money per dozen than chicken eggs in that case. Thanks to their excellent foraging capabilities, it also costs less feed for a duck to produce an egg than a chicken.

Ducks generally lay eggs year-round, while chickens stop during the winter months. Adding ducks to your farm or backyard is a fantastic addition for you, your business, and your family.

Ready to order ducklings to add to your flock? Freedom Ranger Hatchery has you covered with Khaki Campbell Ducks from Fifth Day Farm. Order yours today!