Are Eggs Technically Vegan? Here's the Surprising Truth

First things first: What does “vegan” actually mean?

A lot of confusion around whether eggs are vegan comes from different interpretations of the word “vegan.” At its core, being vegan means avoiding all animal products — not just meat, but also dairy, honey, gelatin, and, yep, eggs.

The Vegan Society defines veganism as a lifestyle that excludes all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals — including for food, clothing or any other purpose.

So if you go by that strict definition… then no, eggs aren’t vegan. But let’s dig deeper.

Why eggs are not considered vegan (by most)

They come from animals — simple as that

Even if an egg is unfertilized and would never develop into a chick, it still comes from a chicken. That alone disqualifies it from being vegan under the usual criteria. You’re consuming an animal byproduct — and that’s a no-go.

Ethical concerns: factory farming and beyond

Chickens raised for egg production (especially in commercial farms) often live in harsh, cramped conditions. Even “free-range” hens may not have much more freedom than caged ones.

Worse — and here’s the hard part — male chicks are usually killed shortly after hatching, since they’re useless for egg-laying or meat. This widespread practice is one of the key reasons ethical vegans avoid eggs.

What about backyard eggs?

The “what if I raise my own chickens?” question

This is where things get a bit messy. Some people argue that if you have a few happy hens in your backyard, and they’re not harmed, then collecting their unfertilized eggs is… okay?

Well — yes and no.

Technically, the egg still comes from an animal. So, by definition, it's not vegan. But some people who eat these types of eggs call themselves “plant-based” rather than vegan, to reflect a more flexible or ethical-driven choice.

I once met a woman in Portugal who rescued battery hens, gave them a big garden, and ate their eggs only when the chickens stopped sitting on them. Her logic? “They’re not suffering, and otherwise the eggs go to waste.” Can’t say she didn’t have a point.

The debate within the vegan community

Some vegans say consuming backyard eggs undermines the whole philosophy — that animals aren’t here to serve us, even “willingly.” Others argue it’s better than wasting a resource from animals who are already living a peaceful life.

This gray area sparked the rise of terms like:

• “Ethical omnivore”

• “Flexi-vegan”

• “Vegan-ish”

(Yeah, people get creative when food meets ethics.)

Nutritional perspective: Can eggs fit a plant-based diet?

No, but there are alternatives

Eggs are high in protein, B12, choline, and healthy fats — all useful, no doubt. But nowadays, there are plant-based replacements that come pretty close.

For baking? Flaxseed or chia “eggs” work well.
For scrambles? Tofu is your best friend.
Even for that eggy flavor? There’s black salt (kala namak) — gives a sulfuric kick that’s shockingly egg-like.

So while eggs can be part of a healthy diet, you don’t need them for nutrition — at least not anymore.

Conclusion: Are eggs technically vegan?

Nope. Not technically.
They come from animals, they involve ethical complications, and they don’t align with the core values of veganism.

BUT (and it’s a big but)… the world isn’t black and white. Some people choose to eat “ethical eggs” and still follow a mostly vegan lifestyle. That doesn’t make them wrong — just not strictly vegan in the traditional sense.

So yeah, eggs aren’t vegan. But whether they fit your values? That’s a whole other egg to crack. 🥚

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