Sainsbury’s is making a significant change by replacing brown eggs with white eggs in its own-brand cartons as part of its commitment to achieving net zero emissions. Research has shown that white eggs have a lower carbon footprint compared to brown eggs, prompting the supermarket giant to take this environmental step.
The retailer, which operates across the UK and competes with Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, Aldi, and Lidl, aims to reach net zero within its own operations by 2035 and across its entire supply chain by 2050. Switching exclusively to white eggs is a strategic move contributing to these ambitious sustainability goals.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson explained, “White eggs offer the same delicious taste and nutritional benefits as brown eggs but come with lower emissions and better welfare outcomes for the hens.” This change means customers can enjoy their eggs knowing they are supporting more environmentally friendly farming practices.
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There is no nutritional difference between brown and white eggs; both are rich in vitamins, minerals, and high-quality protein, providing a healthy option in under 80 calories per egg. In fact, brown eggs fell out of favor in the past as consumers embraced natural foods like wholemeal bread.
Historically, white eggs were the norm in the UK during the 1970s before brown eggs became dominant from the 1980s onward. Today, brown eggs make up nearly all eggs sold in UK supermarkets, with white egg-laying hens being a small minority—estimated at about 250,000 to 300,000 compared to 36 million brown egg-laying hens.
Experts from Hello Fresh highlight that brown eggs are typically from larger hen breeds and tend to be slightly bigger than white eggs. White eggs are often used in the food production and catering industries, bought in larger quantities. However, consumer attitudes are shifting, with more people recognizing little difference between white and brown eggs.
Both egg types have similar shell thickness and quality, which can vary more significantly with the hen’s age rather than the egg’s color. By transitioning to white eggs, Sainsbury’s is aligning its product offerings with environmental sustainability without compromising on quality or taste.