Ok. Are you thinking I’m slightly crazy for asking this? Are eggs dairy? Well, of course, they are not, but they are often mistaken as being dairy. I’ve seen so many people make this comment on social media in response to being asked if being dairy-free means they cannot have eggs either? I bet some of you can relate to this? I know that eggs are also a top allergen but it is separate from dairy. Put simply, eggs are not dairy!
So why do people ask this?
I’m not entirely sure. If you turn the question around and ask what food group are eggs in? The answer is that eggs are a protein as is dairy and therefore are in the same group if defining them as sources of protein. Maybe it is because they have seen eggs and milk in the same area of the supermarket? Perhaps they have a doorstep milk delivery that offers eggs as well? Or is it because they know that someone could have multiple allergies or intolerances? Not everyone has personal experience or knowledge of food allergies. If you are a vegan, you won’t want to eat eggs, although a vegetarian diet may include eggs and dairy produce.
I always appreciate someone asking about dietary requirements, even if it does sound a little odd. I would not want to put someone off from asking a question about someone’s diet. It could be the difference between someone staying safe with food or being exposed to an allergen. I wouldn’t want to offend someone who has made the lifestyle choice not to eat eggs either. I find it better to politely explain and let it pass.
The difference by dictionary definition is straightforward. A dairy is a room that processes milk and milk products. Milk comes from a mammal, which includes cows, goats, and sheep. Eggs, on the other hand, come from birds. Generally speaking, we are talking about hens eggs, although I appreciate other eggs, such as duck eggs, are available. (I also realise that lots of other creatures produce eggs, but let’s not go there!)
So, as frustrating as it might be, when somebody asks you if dairy-free means no eggs either, I think the best thing to do is just explain and smile! 😉
