Nutrition Comparison
Duck Egg vs Chicken Egg
Duck eggs are 40% larger and dramatically richer. Are they worth the premium price? A complete nutritional showdown.
Nutrition Comparison
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per 100g | 1 Chicken Egg (50g) | 1 Duck Egg (70g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 143 | 185 | 72 | 130 |
| Protein | 12.6g | 12.8g | 6.3g | 9.0g |
| Total Fat | 9.5g | 13.8g | 4.8g | 9.6g |
| Cholesterol | 372mg | 884mg | 186mg | 619mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.89µg | 5.4µg | 0.45µg | 3.8µg |
| Iron | 1.75mg | 3.85mg | 0.88mg | 2.7mg |
| Selenium | 30.7µg | 36.4µg | 15.4µg | 25.5µg |
| Vitamin A | 160µg | 194µg | 80µg | 136µg |
| Folate | 47µg | 80µg | 24µg | 56µg |
| Avg. Price | ~$0.30 | ~$0.75-1.00 | ||
Source: USDA FoodData Central. Chicken egg: NDB 01123. Duck egg: NDB 01138.
Key Takeaways
Choose Chicken Eggs When
- You want affordable, everyday protein
- You are watching cholesterol intake
- You prefer milder flavor
- You want lower-calorie protein
Choose Duck Eggs When
- You want richer baked goods
- You need more B12, iron, and folate
- You prefer richer, creamier flavor
- You are looking for a different egg variety for cooking
Frequently Asked Questions
How do duck eggs compare nutritionally to chicken eggs?
Duck eggs are more nutrient-dense per egg due to their larger size (70g vs 50g). Per 100g, they have similar protein (12.8g vs 12.6g), more fat (13.8g vs 9.5g), more B12 (5.4µg vs 0.89µg), and more iron (3.85mg vs 1.75mg). They also have more calories (185 vs 143 kcal) and cholesterol (884mg vs 372mg).
Why are duck eggs better for baking?
Duck eggs have a higher fat content and larger yolk-to-white ratio, producing richer, moister baked goods. The higher protein in the albumin creates more structure, making cakes rise higher. Many professional bakers prefer duck eggs for custards, pastries, and enriched breads.
How many chicken eggs equal one duck egg?
One duck egg (~70g) is roughly equivalent to 1.4 large chicken eggs (~50g each) by weight. For recipes, you can substitute 2 chicken eggs for every duck egg, though the result will be slightly less rich due to the lower fat content.
Do duck eggs taste different from chicken eggs?
Yes, duck eggs have a richer, creamier flavor with a slightly gamey undertone. The yolk is larger and deeper orange. Some people find the flavor too strong for eating plain but excellent in baking and rich preparations. The taste difference comes from the higher fat content and different diet of ducks.