“Why Do Chicken Eggs Come in So Many Colors? The Secret Behind Nature’s Palette”

At Egg Haven, we believe every egg tells a story — and sometimes, that story begins with the color of its shell. From classic white and warm brown to shades of blue and speckled olive, chicken eggs come in a rainbow of hues. But what causes these color differences, and do they affect taste or nutrition?

1. It’s All in the Breed

The color of an eggshell is determined by the breed of the hen.

• White eggs come from breeds like Leghorns.

• Brown eggs are laid by breeds such as Rhode Island Reds or Plymouth Rocks.

• Blue or green eggs come from Araucanas, Ameraucanas, or Easter Eggers.

Each breed’s genetics determine the pigment deposited on the shell during egg formation.

2. The Science of Shell Color

Eggshells are naturally white. Pigments are added in the hen’s oviduct:

• Protoporphyrin IX gives brown eggs their color.

• Biliverdin, a pigment also found in bile, produces blue and green hues.

Some hens even lay eggs with speckles — tiny variations in pigment caused by the hen’s biology and environment.

3. Does Shell Color Affect Taste or Nutrition?

Despite popular myths, color doesn’t change taste or nutrition. The hen’s diet and living conditions do.Hens raised with care, sunshine, and space to roam — like those at Egg Haven — produce rich, golden yolks and firm whites no matter the shell color.

4. Why Egg Color Still Matters

While the color doesn’t change the flavor, it does reflect the story behind the egg.Brown and blue eggs are often associated with small farms and free-range hens — a reminder of the natural beauty of variety in the flock.

At Egg Haven, we celebrate every hue as a symbol of nature’s artistry and our hens’ happy, healthy lives.