Why is eggs considered dairy

By definition , dairy products encompass anything that comes from the milk of mammals, like cows, goats, sheep, and even reindeer. That means milk itself is dairy, as are all the delicious foods—like ice cream, cheese, yogurt, and butter—that include milk. Eggs, on the other hand, come from chickens.

Chickens are birds, not mammals, and eggs aren't related to anything in the milk realm. While we've managed to make milk out of oats and almonds , chicken milk is still not a thing. All this leads to the conclusion: No, eggs are not dairy. The USDA, while clear on the topic in writing, may be in part to blame.

In their now-defunct food pyramid , they had a cute cartoon milk carton on the same row as rotund eggs although in different sections , even though the animals from which they originate can be found on completely opposite sides of a farm. Another source of head-scratching? Both dairy products and eggs contain protein, making it tempting to lump them all together. Make sure you discuss your food allergy test results with your physician and verify the specific foods you are allergic to.

If they tested for milk allergy, they most likely tested for egg allergy. So you should have the results for both. If you are allergic to milk, but not eggs, then the doctor will most likely give you the green light for eggs. But only you and your doctor can decide what is safe and healthy for your needs. If your doctor has you do an elimination diet test for food allergies, make sure milk and eggs are tested separately.

Most people who are allergic to milk can eat eggs, but it is very possible to be allergic to both milk and eggs. The only way to know is to test both of them.

Lactose is the sugar in mammal milk. Trust me — if you live dairy-free, you will deal with this issue on many occasions. Here are some key reasons why people might still confuse eggs with dairy. The reality is, eggs have never been officially categorized as dairy. I originally posted this article back in , but have given it a big update with more references, straight-forward answers, and tips.

It is a quick guide based on valid facts from confirmed resources and experiences. But only you can decide what products and recipes are safe for your dietary needs. This information should not be construed as medical advice.

Speak with a physician before undergoing any change in diet. Alisa is the founder of GoDairyFree. Alisa is also a professional recipe creator and product ambassador for the natural food industry. First of all, growing up, you probably saw eggs and dairy on the same line of the food pyramid.

Also, milk, cheese, butter and eggs are often all sold next to each other in the grocery store, many times in what is deemed the dairy section. If you have a friend who is vegan, they probably have told you they are dairy-free.

Vegans avoid all products produced by animals though, which includes things like eggs and even honey. However, someone can be dairy-free and still eat eggs, like someone who is lactose intolerant. So, the short version of this debate: Dairy is milk, milk comes from mammals like cows , and eggs come from chickens birds. Therefore, they're not dairy. There you go. Hungry for eggs now? Check out our favorite egg recipes in the slide show below:.