Are Eggs Dairy?

Some things are ingrained in your head from childhood: The sky is blue, grass is green, milk will make you grow big and strong. Others, like why the sky is blue, fall into a grey area. We think we know the answer, but could we explain it to a five-year-old? Probably not. Such is the case with this seemingly straightforward question: Are eggs dairy? If the question gives you pause, you're not alone. Let's break it down.

What is Dairy?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, dairy refers to "all fluid milk products and foods made from milk." This includes milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and butter. Eggs are not included. They belong in the meat, poultry, fish, and eggs category, and are considered animal products.

Here's another way to think of it — the milk and cheese Americans eat come from cows, sheep, and goats, which are all mammals and have mammary glands. Eggs, on the other hand, come from chickens, which are classified as birds.

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Why Did I Think Eggs Were Dairy?

Blame it on the grocery store. Eggs, milk, and cheese are generally sold in close proximity to one another, which might trip you up. Also, the food pyramid we grew up with has milk, yogurt, and cheese on the same level as meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. They're in different sections, to be clear, but still ... the triangle is a bit of a blur. Especially since it's now a plate.

Also, some people that avoid dairy are vegan, meaning they also abstain from eating eggs. These days, though, there are plenty of people who just drop dairy. If they're not vegan, there's a solid chance they still eat eggs.

The bottom line: No, eggs are not dairy. All you lactose-intolerant folks can rejoice.