Veganism and eggs can be a bit of a gray area for some people. While veganism excludes all animal products, eggs often raise questions, especially around backyard or small-scale sources. Still, since eggs come from animals, they aren’t considered vegan. Here’s why vegans avoid eggs, the ethical issues involved, and some simple plant-based alternatives.
Why Vegans Don’t Eat Eggs
For many vegans, skipping eggs is rooted in ethics. Commercial egg production often means prioritizing efficiency over animal welfare, with hens kept in crowded spaces, focused on producing as many eggs as possible. Avoiding eggs is a way for vegans to reject these practices and reduce animal exploitation.
There’s also an environmental side to this choice. Egg production, especially at scale, requires a lot of water, feed, and land, which contributes to environmental strain. This impact is another reason why vegans choose plant-based options instead.
The Reality for Roosters and Hens in the Egg Industry
One lesser-known issue with egg production is the fate of roosters. Since roosters don’t lay eggs, they’re often viewed as “unproductive” by the industry. In large-scale operations, male chicks are usually culled shortly after hatching because they aren’t profitable. This is one of the ethical concerns vegans consider when choosing to avoid eggs entirely.
Even for hens, eggs might be more valuable as a natural nutrient source. In nature, hens sometimes eat their own eggs to reclaim calcium and other nutrients, which helps support their health and future egg production. For those who avoid animal exploitation, this reinforces the idea that eggs are naturally intended for hens—not humans.
Why Backyard Eggs Aren’t Considered Vegan
The idea of backyard eggs often comes up as a potential exception to the “no eggs” rule, especially among those who eat mostly plant-based. But in veganism, using any animal products—no matter how they’re sourced—is generally avoided. Even with backyard hens, their eggs are still considered an animal product.
Vegans often view eating backyard eggs as a contradiction to their principles. The idea is that animals aren’t here to provide for human needs. While some people following a plant-based diet may feel differently, vegans typically avoid all animal products, including eggs, regardless of the source.
Getting Nutrients Without Eggs
Eggs are a common source of protein in many diets, but there are plenty of protein-rich alternatives that don’t come from animals. Tofu, legumes, nuts, and seeds are all packed with protein and can work well in various recipes.
For cooking or baking, plant-based ingredients like flaxseed meal, chia seeds, and aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) make excellent egg replacements. These substitutes work similarly in recipes, helping bind, lift, or add moisture, so vegans can enjoy their favorite dishes without eggs.
Plant-Based Egg Substitutes for Cooking and Baking
For those who enjoy the texture or versatility of eggs, several plant-based replacements can work just as well. Products like JUST Egg, a liquid substitute, can be scrambled, fried, or baked, creating the same types of dishes without using real eggs. Tofu is another go-to for egg-style scrambles, while chickpea flour is popular for omelettes and quiches.
In baking, flaxseed and chia seeds work as binders, helping baked goods hold together without eggs. These alternatives let vegans enjoy egg-like dishes without compromising on their values.
Talking About Eggs and Veganism with Others
Eggs are often a curiosity when people learn someone is vegan. Here are a few responses to common questions:
“Why don’t vegans eat eggs?”
Since eggs are an animal product, vegans avoid them entirely. Even eggs that seem cruelty-free, like backyard eggs, don’t align with the vegan principle of avoiding all animal-derived foods.
“What’s the issue with backyard eggs?”
Many vegans believe animals shouldn’t be used for food, even in small-scale settings. Avoiding backyard eggs is a way for vegans to show respect for animal autonomy and independence.
These responses can help explain why veganism avoids all animal products, not just those that come from industrial farms.
Wrapping Up
In veganism, eggs aren’t considered vegan because they come from animals, making them off-limits for those following a vegan lifestyle. For many vegans, avoiding eggs aligns with the goal of reducing animal dependency and living by ethical values. And with plant-based egg substitutes widely available, skipping eggs has become easier than ever, whether it’s for ethical, environmental, or lifestyle reasons.
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