What’s hidden in a box of liquid eggs?

Eggs have become a star in the health world, packing a surprising amount of nutrients in a relatively small package. From protein and "good" fats to vitamins and iron, the nutritional reserve in eggs is impressive.

But what if you can’t find shell eggs for cooking and baking? In this case, you might consider switching to liquid eggs since they are easier to obtain. After all, thanks to global demand for egg products (via Future market insights). However, be aware that while liquid eggs are made from natural shell eggs, they may contain other unexpected ingredients. While each of these ingredients is technically considered safe, one or two may be on your "avoid" or "limit" list.

To give you a better idea of ​​what ingredients might be hidden in liquid egg packaging, Health Digest asked Jamie Cole for guidance. Koll is a toxin-free living and ingredients expert with a health coaching certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN). Cole agrees that liquid eggs are just as healthy as regular eggs, but notes that the total nutritional value of liquid eggs may be altered by several non-egg ingredients.

Unlike the eggs you buy in a box, liquid eggs are not enclosed in a natural protective shell. Because they are exposed to air, they break down more easily. To extend shelf life, manufacturers sometimes add preservatives to raw liquid eggs.

Jamie Koll calls citric acid one of the main preservatives used in liquid egg varieties. Citric acid both keeps food fresher longer and enhances its flavor. In fact, in addition to liquid eggs, many foods rely on citric acid as a stabilizer, including some juices, canned foods, and candy.

Is there anything to worry about if you see citric acid on a liquid egg label? not necessarily. Note that citric acid can be produced from black mold according to chemical safety facts. Therefore, if you are allergic or sensitive to mold, you may react to foods containing citric acid, which is the source of black mold.

Jamie Koll believes another ingredient found in some liquid egg brands is oil. Certain types of oils can increase inflammation, such as corn oil. this Arthritis Foundation Therefore, it is recommended to limit the consumption of corn oil. Corn oil contains omega-6 fatty acids. While omega-6 fatty acids themselves are not "bad" for you, they may trigger inflammation. Therefore, if you want to reduce your intake of omega-6 products, or you suffer from arthritis or a similar condition, you may want to avoid liquid eggs that contain corn oil as one of the ingredients.

Even without the presence of oil, Cole found liquid eggs that relied on food additives like xanthan gum or guar gum. These can help keep the product intact and prevent it from spoiling prematurely. Fortunately, neither xanthan gum nor guar gum are toxic. That said, although xanthan gum is widely tolerated, some people may experience temporary stomach or intestinal problems after ingesting xanthan gum. As for guar gum, although rare, it may trigger allergies in sensitive consumers.

Ironically, some liquid egg products may not be as nutritious as regular eggs because they lack the yolk and therefore don’t have the nutrients you might expect. "If you use a whole egg (white and yolk), then this will be most similar to a regular egg as it will provide the same amount of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals as a regular egg," says Jamie Cole. But what happens if all you have is a packet of liquid egg whites? "Liquid egg whites are a good source of protein but do not contain the vitamins and minerals found in egg yolks, such as vitamin D, vitamin A and choline."

Make sure you are purchasing the correct type of liquid egg product. After all, there’s nothing wrong with just boiling egg whites. If you prefer liquid egg whites to liquid whole eggs, you may be able to find some eggs that are fortified with vitamins and minerals. As you evaluate all your liquid egg options, keep Cole’s egg advice in mind: "Checking the ingredient label is key."