The Real Difference Between Duck Eggs And Chicken Eggs

Eggs are a popular source of protein for carnivores and vegetarians alike, but have you ever considered swapping your chicken eggs for a duck egg?

Although chicken eggs are the most common, options like duck eggs are becoming more widely available — and growing in popularity. Let's get cracking on the differences.

Duck eggs are larger than chicken eggs. In fact, they can be anywhere from 50 to 100 percent bigger than chicken eggs (via Healthline). Duck eggs can also have more variety in their shell color than chicken eggs, as well as a larger, darker and sometimes more orange-colored yolk.

From a nutritional standpoint, duck eggs and chicken eggs are very similar. Both are low in carbs and high in protein. In addition, duck eggs can contain more antioxidants that can boost your skin health, fatty acids like omega 3, and 50 percent more vitamin A than chicken eggs (via WebMD). Other nutritional perks for duck eggs include higher levels of folate, iron, and vitamin B12, according to Healthline.

Although both have comparable protein levels, the egg whites in chicken eggs have more proteins like conalbumin, lysozyme, and ovalbumin than duck egg whites.

The taste is also a major factor for the duck egg vs. chicken egg debate. Duck eggs are known for having a creamier, richer texture and bolder flavor. They can be prepared just as chicken eggs are in recipes. However, you may want to modify the recipe based on the larger size of duck eggs.

So is there a difference between chicken eggs and duck eggs? Other than size and taste, they have a comparable nutritional profile and similar benefits. From a health perspective, the decision of duck eggs or chicken eggs is yours. 

However, the higher price point and potential difficulty finding duck eggs may be a reason to stick with chicken eggs, which are conveniently found and typically are a lower cost.

As always, it's important to consider your personal dietary needs and possible allergies when making decisions about food choices. Be sure to fully cook your duck or chicken eggs to cut down on the risk of food-borne illnesses like salmonella.