Turkey eggs and chicken eggs are frequently used in cooking, but they are not the same. While chicken eggs are readily available, turkey eggs are less common. So, what makes them different?
Though similar in taste and nutrients, turkey eggs are larger, pointier, and heavier than chicken eggs. Also, while chicken eggs have smooth, varied-hued shells, turkey eggs are dotted and rough. Further, turkey eggshells are thicker and harder to crack compared to the chicken eggs’ thinner shells.
In this article, we’ll thoroughly explain the differences between these two and help you easily distinguish them. We’ll cover their distinct flavors, sizes, colors, health benefits, prices, and more.
Summary of Turkey Eggs vs. Chicken Eggs
| Turkey Eggs | Chicken Eggs |
|---|---|
 |  |
| Size: Length: 2–2.7 in (5.1–6.9 cm) Diameter: 1.6–2 in (4.1–5.1 cm) | Size: Length: 2–2.2 in (5.1–5.6 cm) Diameter: 1.5–1.7 in (3.8–4.3 cm) |
| Weight: 2.5–2.7 oz (70–77 g) | Weight: 1.8–2.5 oz (50–70 g) |
| Colors: Off-white, cream, or peach, with dark brown specks | Colors: Solid white, light brown, dark brown, cream, blue, green, olive, pink, plum, and purple |
| Thickness: 0.41–0.44 mm | Thickness: 0.28–0.30 mm |
| Texture: A bit rough or pimpled | Texture: Smooth |
| Nutrition: Protein: 10.8 g Fat: 9 g Calories: 135 Iron: 3.24 mg Selenium: 27.1 mcg Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B6, B9, B12, C, and E | Nutrition: Protein: 6 g Fat: 4.2 g Calories: 72 Iron: 0.9 mg Selenium: 20 mcg Vitamins: A, D, E, K, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, and B12 |
| Culinary Uses: For baking; requires more cooking time | Culinary Uses: Widely used in many types of dishes |
| Egg Production: 100–120 eggs per year | Egg Production: 200–300 eggs per year |
| Price: $30–$200 per dozen | Price: $1.50–$10 per dozen |
Key Differences Between Turkey Eggs and Chicken Eggs
When comparing turkeys and chickens, one significant distinction is their eggs. For your reference, the following are some notable differences between turkey eggs and chicken eggs:
Size and Weight
Turkey eggs stand out due to their size and weight. Typically, they are about 50% larger than chicken eggs.
To be specific, turkey eggs measure around 2 to 2.7 inches in length and 1.6 to 2 inches in diameter. They also weigh more, ranging from 2.5 to 2.7 ounces.
On the other hand, chicken eggs come in different sizes, depending on the type of chicken that lays them.
They can be as small as 2 inches long and 1.5 inches wide, or they can be as big as 2.2 inches long and 1.7 inches wide.
Furthermore, they are much lighter than turkey eggs, typically weighing between 1.8 and 2.5 ounces.
Take a look at this short video to see how turkey and chicken eggs differ in size. Plus, notice that turkey egg yolks are way larger than chicken egg yolks:
Fun Fact: Did you know that goose eggs overshadow both turkey and chicken eggs in terms of weight? In particular, they can weigh as much as seven ounces.
Colors
Turkey eggs typically have a more uniform appearance. Their colors range from off-white to cream or peach, and they’re often speckled with dark brown spots. This gives them a distinctive look compared to chicken eggs.
On the flip side, chicken eggs boast a wide array of colors. These include various shades of brown, solid white, cream, and even more unique hues like blue, green, olive, pink, plum, and purple.
Fun Fact: According to research, chicken eggs with exotic shades like plum or pink owe their hues to their bloom’s thickness. Once washed, they reveal their true colors, which are usually in the light-to-dark brown spectrum.
Shell Texture and Thickness
Turkey eggs are distinguishable by their shell texture and thickness. Their shells feel slightly pimpled to the touch and are notably thicker, measuring between 0.41 and 0.44 millimeters.
In contrast, chicken eggs typically have a smooth shell surface. They feature thinner eggshells, with thickness ranging from 0.28 to 0.30 millimeters.
Drawing from my recent experience of cooking with turkey eggs for the first time, I can attest to these differences. The turkey eggs felt rougher to the touch, unlike the smooth chicken eggs I was used to.
When it came time to crack them open, I found the turkey eggs’ shells were significantly thicker. Unfortunately, this thickness made them harder to break. I had to apply more force than I normally would with chicken eggs.
Nutritional Content
Generally, turkey eggs pack a higher nutritional punch compared to chicken eggs. With a protein content of around 10.8 grams, they surpass chicken eggs, which contain only 6 grams.
In terms of fat, turkey eggs contain about 9 grams, more than double the 4.2 grams found in chicken eggs. They are also more calorific, with roughly 135 calories per egg compared to chicken eggs’ 72 calories.
Turkey eggs also have a higher iron content, boasting 3.24 milligrams per egg, while chicken eggs contain just 0.9 milligrams.
Additionally, turkey eggs have more selenium, with 27.1 micrograms, compared to the 20 micrograms in chicken eggs.
Fun Fact: Did you know that turkey eggs have more yolk and a tiny bit more egg white than chicken eggs? Turkey eggs have 28.4% yolk and 55.48% egg white, while chicken eggs have 25.3% yolk and 55.44% egg white.
Health Benefits
Turkey eggs are a richer option, as they boast higher fat and protein levels. This composition makes them especially beneficial for those needing more energy or muscle-building nutrients.
They’re also loaded with essential minerals that aid in supporting immune function.
Specifically, the vitamins found in turkey eggs, including A, B1, B2, B6, B9, B12, C, and E, contribute to overall health. These vitamins play crucial roles in everything from vision to blood health and many more.
While lower in fat and protein, chicken eggs are equally known for their significant health benefits. For instance, they help decrease malnutrition, improve muscle health, and increase satiety.
On top of that, their vitamin content, including A, D, E, K, B1, B2, B5, B6, B9, and B12, supports various aspects of health, from bone strength to brain function.
Culinary Uses and Taste
Though not normally eaten for various reasons, turkey eggs offer a unique culinary experience. In particular, their higher fat and calorie content results in a creamier taste, which makes them excellent for baking.
In cakes and pastries, turkey eggs generally enhance both flavor and texture, adding richness not always achievable with chicken eggs. Yet, it should be noted that their larger size and denser contents mean they require more cooking time.
Contrastingly, chicken eggs are culinary all-rounders. They are integral to a wide range of dishes due to their versatility.
Specifically, they serve various roles in cooking, including clarifying, enriching, emulsifying, binding, glazing, thickening, and aerating. This makes them indispensable in both savory and sweet recipes.
Availability and Production
Turkey eggs are considerably rarer in the market, primarily because turkeys lay far fewer eggs than chickens. As a matter of fact, a turkey typically lays only about two eggs per week.
Additionally, the cost of raising turkeys for eggs is significantly higher due to their maintenance needs. This makes their eggs less common and more expensive.
In contrast, chicken eggs are abundant. Chickens have the capability to lay an egg almost every day. They also mature faster and begin laying eggs at an earlier age, usually between 4 and 6 months.
Turkeys, on the other hand, may take 7 months or more to start laying.
Price
Turkey eggs are often more expensive than chicken eggs, with prices ranging from $30 to $200 per dozen.
This higher cost is attributed to their rarity and the greater expense involved in raising turkeys for egg production. However, such a steep price often makes them less attractive to the average consumer.
In contrast, chicken eggs are much more affordable, with price tags typically between $1.50 and $10 per dozen. Their lower cost is due to the abundant supply and the efficiency of chicken egg production.
Plus, many vendors sell chicken eggs, which further contributes to their competitive pricing.
How to Tell Them Apart
To differentiate turkey eggs from chicken eggs, start by scanning their size and shape. Turkey eggs are larger — generally around 50% bigger — and have a pointier shape compared to the more oval chicken eggs.
Next, look at the shell color and texture. Turkey eggs tend to be off-white, cream, or peach with dark brown specks and have a rougher shell.
On the flip side, chicken eggs come in a wider range of colors, including white, brown, blue, and green, and usually have smoother shells.
In taste, consider their flavor profiles. You will find that turkey eggs have a creamier taste due to their higher fat and caloric content.
Finally, check the shell thickness. Turkey eggshells are thicker and harder to crack, while chicken eggshells are thinner and easier to break.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Do Turkeys Lay Eggs?
Turkeys lay eggs less often than many birds, averaging once every two days. This limited frequency makes their eggs rarer and costlier compared to chicken eggs.
Why Are Turkey Eggs Not Commonly Sold in Stores?
Turkey eggs are rare in stores due to high production costs and scarcity. It is just not as practical as selling chicken eggs, which are more common and less pricey.
Do Turkey Eggs Taste Like Chicken Eggs?
Turkey eggs generally taste similar to chicken eggs, with a subtle difference. To be specific, many people find that they’re slightly creamier due to higher fat content.
Are Turkey Eggs Healthier Than Chicken Eggs?
Broadly speaking, turkey eggs are nutritionally similar to chicken eggs. They just contain slightly more fat and calories.
What do you think of turkey eggs and chicken eggs? Do you have any thoughts or questions about them? Feel free to share your concerns, ideas, and opinions in the comments below!
